There are two primary ways of recovering damages after a bus accident: by filing a claim with the insurance company, or by filing a personal injury claim for damages. The route that you choose will most likely be based on the extent of your injuries and expenses. An attorney can help you determine the best option.
Either way you choose, though, here’s a review of the types of damages that you may be able to collect after a bus accident in Pennsylvania.
Medical Expenses
Most insurance companies will reimburse you for the full cost of your medical damages. If you file a personal injury suit for damages, medical damages are perhaps the most common type. You can also recover damages for any future medical expenses related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Future Lost Wages
Like medical expenses, lost wages and future lost wages are paid in most personal injury claims and lawsuits. If you had to miss work because of the accident and subsequent injuries, you are entitled to compensation for your lost wages. If you’re unable to return to work because of your injury, then you may also be able to recover the full estimated amount of your future lost wages.
For young people, loss of earning capacity damages—or the amount of money that an individual could have received over the course of his or her lifetime had the injury not occurred—are often paid.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are noneconomic damages, or damages that don’t have a particular economic value. These damages compensate a victim for the mental anguish and emotional pain that they’ve experienced either as a result of the accident or as a result of injuries from the crash.
Funeral and Burial Expenses
In the event that a bus accident leads to the death of a family member on whose behalf you’re filing a wrongful death claim, funeral and wrongful death expenses are recoverable. The average cost of a funeral is just over $7,000. Many people do not retain this amount in the bank for an unexpected death and so if this pertains to you, then inform your bus accident lawyer that you need to pursue funeral expenses.
Make Sure You File Your Claim in Time
If you want to recover damages after a bus accident, it will be critical that you file your claim in time. The statute for a personal injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania is two years. To help you get started on filing your claim/suit today, consult with an attorney.
At Cordisco & Saile LLC, we can help you determine both how to reclaim damages, and what types of damages are recoverable in your case. For more information, call us at 215-642-2335 today.
