What can you sue for in a car accident? Financial, physical and emotional damages are all on the table for every legal case involving a car accident. Proving the facts that will stand up in court is harder than people think. If you want your case to win, you need to work with a lawyer who understands the legal issues and different insurance policies that apply to government owned vehicles and privately owned vehicles, which may also be insured for work. It takes an expert law firm, like Avrek Law, to turn your case into a winning settlement.
Suing for the Physical Cost of a Car Accident
Small fender benders often result in minor damages to the vehicle, and mild injuries (such as whiplash) that can be financially resolved through an insurance provider. But, not always. Even minor accidents have long-term health impacts that require a lawyer to help you fight for lost wages and medical bills. If it’s a major car accident, with multiple injuries and thousands of dollars in damage, know that a lawyer will be there to fight for your every step in the settlement process.
Lawyers understand how the medical and insurance companies work to make sure you get the care and attention you need. And expert lawyers know how to get you the medical attention you need from a certified doctor. They can also help you get proof of the physical and mental assessments you’ll need to help win your case. Most importantly, expert law firms like Avrek Law work hard to make sure the heavy price people pay from a car accident isn’t a financial burden for you and your family for years to come.
There are many physical ailments you’ll want to have assets after an accident, especially whiplash. Can I sue for whiplash? Yes. According to John Hopkins Medicine, whiplash can last for weeks, months and even longer depending on the severity. Some symptoms include neck, shoulder and lower back pain; dizziness; numbness and pain in your arms and hands; sleeplessness; blurred vision; and difficulty concentrating.
Whiplash is also one of the most common injuries associated with every kind of car accident, including minor fender benders. Due to the nature of the side effects and that the symptoms can last for months, it is difficult for victims to return to work and do their jobs properly. This is why an expert law firm will seek legal action on your behalf to help pay for lost wages while you recover — especially if you have to prove to a court of law that you lost your job as a direct result of the accident.
Suing the City After a Car Accident
How the American justice system handles government cases is a little different compared to civilian or private industry cases. Accidents involving city, state or even federal vehicles play by a different set of legal rules. But, can I sue the city for a car accident? Absolutely! However, the legal grounds around insurance payouts and the timeline for settlements are different at all levels of government — even from state-to-state. In California, for example, instead of the statute of limitations lasting for three years to file a legal claim, you only have six months to make an administrative claim.
Another difference is it can be difficult to directly sue the employee(s) responsible. According to the Westfall Act, “Federal employees enjoy absolute immunity from tort claims that challenge negligent or wrongful acts performed while acting within the scope of government employment.”
Due to the short deadlines and amount of paperwork required to file a government claim, there isn’t much wiggle room to make mistakes with your legal case. Working with an experienced law firm like Avrek Law will not only help you make your timelines, but they can also identify any additional legal claims you might be eligible for. For example, the delivery driver from your accident may not be entirely at fault, the government department responsible for vehicle maintenance may also be guilty of negligence. You just need to prove it.
Suing an Employer When Injured on the Job
Thanks to companies like Amazon, there is an increased demand for next day delivery. This means more Americans are choosing jobs that put them behind the wheel of delivery vehicles. It’s such a popular profession that even the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics found delivery truck drivers are growing faster than your average American occupation (by 11% between 2021 and 2031). This means every year there will be more delivery trucks on the road, increasing the risk of delivery truck related accidents that may change your life forever.
As an employee, can I sue Amazon for injury at work, including car accidents? Your legal options really depend on the type of delivery truck you’re driving. For example, Amazon Rely drivers are classified as semi truck drivers and require many insurance policies like Commercial General Liability, Auto Liability, Cargo, Workers’ Compensation and Employer Liability. Whereas Amazon Flex drivers use their personal vehicles, only needing to pay for the extra insurance to be an independent contractor. Both types of drivers have an Amazon Commercial Auto Insurance Policy at no additional cost.
In both instances you’re still legally considered a private contractor. This means you have a different set of legal rights available to you in the event of being injured in an accident while making deliveries — including being held personally liable.
This is why lawyers from Avrek Law are always researching legal changes made in complex car insurance packages. Their work includes understanding the legal differences between a government employee, a for-hire contract employee and a full-time employee in every state where they practice law.
When to Contact a Car Accident Expert Lawyer
Every car accident comes with a lot of questions, but knowing when you’ll need to hire a lawyer is a no brainer. If you’re left wondering, can you sue a drunk driver for hitting you or can I sue a hit and run driver, trust your instincts. In either instance, a qualified lawyer will help you get the justice you deserve. And if you’re still wondering, what can you sue for in a car accident, contact Avrek Law for a consultation on your case. With more than 50 years combined experience representing cases in several states, Avrek Law are experts when it comes to every kind of car accident. The consultation from a law firm with more than $1 billion recovered in more than 45,000 cases is free. View one of our locations or contact us for a free consultation.
