If you are in an auto accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should qualify for compensation under personal injury law. However, different factors play into the amount you will be awarded. Take a closer look at the following to see what you can expect after submitting a case to the Kentucky courts.
How Does Kentucky Determine the Need for Compensation?
Under personal injury law, you must first prove that the other party was negligent, meaning that they didn’t take appropriate care on the road and acted without regard for others. For example, they may have texted while driving or taken their eyes off the road. Your attorney will secure eyewitness accounts and police reports to support the claim.
However, Kentucky is a comparative fault state. As such, the damages you receive will be lowered depending on how much you contributed to the accident. For instance, if the other person ran a red light and crashed into you, but you weren’t wearing a seatbelt—exacerbating your injuries—you can get some reimbursement but not as much as you would otherwise.
Seeking medical treatment shortly after the accident is also essential. After you prove negligence, this will tie the injuries you received to the incident in question.
What Factors Into the Final Reward Amount?
Your medical bills and rehabilitation costs will make up the core of what you will receive. Maintain a copy of all your receipts. Your attorney can use these to estimate what’s due.
The court will also evaluate what you would’ve made at work during the timeframe of recovery and may award you compensation for lost wages. You can also pursue costs for auto repairs or a complete car replacement. Secure a detailed estimate to reveal the work needed to restore the vehicle’s safety.
Pain and suffering can also factor into these types of cases. Getting into an accident can be traumatic and leave drivers dealing with additional stress, insomnia, and depression. Additional compensation could provide the time and support you need to make a full recovery. Your personal injury attorney can help you fit a monetary value to this kind of intangible damage.
