Legal Question in Personal Injury in Indiana
How do I ask for compensation from a car accident
I was just in an auto accident with the other
driver at fault. I am recently self-employed as a
freelance artist and visual merchandiser. I was
on my way to deliver artwork to sell, which was
damaged. I am now without a car and have lost
days of productivity as well as lost time to
repair the damaged art. What is fair to ask for
compensation and what documentation do I need to
have when the at fault driver's insurance contacts
me? I owned at 92 Geo Tracker that was in
excellent condition and that I cannot replace.I
know the blue book is $4500, but after two days of
searching, I haven't found any used Trackers in
that price range in good condition, and other
comparable vehicles are much more expensive. I do
need a vehicle such as a utility vehicle for my
work as I transport props and other artwork almost
daily which needs cover and protection. I am
under the care of a doctor...no serious injury,
but am having neck and arm pain that is being
monitored. Than
1 Answer from Attorneys
compensation from a car accident
Typically, the insurance company should settle your property claims promptly and, usually, fairly. Request the retail blue book value of your Tracker and the fair market value of your lost artwork. Be prepared to substantiate the value of your art with receipts, invoices, etc.
With regard to your other claims, I typically do not like to settle with an insurance company until after a client has been released from a doctor's care. After that, I demand three to five times the client's special damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, etc., to settle the case. You are entitled to compensation for lost work, but be prepared to prove your losses.
One final note: you are entitled to pain and suffering losses, which I call aggrevation costs. Remember that you would not be hurting if the insured had not been negligent. The company will try to settle with you very cheaply. If you are not satisfied, contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury (not one who dabbles in it occaisionally). Good luck.
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