What About Your Pain And Suffering?
Being compensated after a car accident can mean being paid for a variety of damages. One of the least understood of those damages is probably pain and suffering. Accident victims naturally wonder how anyone could put a price tag on how much pain they've suffered as a result of a careless driver. For the answer and some tips on making sure you get all you deserve for your pain and suffering, read on.
How Pain and Suffering Is Measured
In general, pain and suffering damages are made up of a combination of factors. It all starts with the dollar amount of your medical costs as a result of the accident. Serious injuries mean higher medical costs. The basis of this manner of putting a price on pain and suffering is that victims suffer more from serious injuries than they do from minor injuries. Minor injuries have less of an impact on the life of a victim, overall, than do serious injuries.
The second part of the equation involves factors which are used to multiply the medical costs. The greater the factor number, the higher the pain and suffering payment. Factors are negotiable, and you can have a direct influence on your factor by keeping up with your pain and suffering using what is known as a pain journal.
Tips on Keeping a Pain Journal
- Don't rely on your memories about events surrounding an accident and your recovery — write it down.
- Written documentation of the way your life has been affected is not just a memory aid but can also serve as evidence if your case comes to trial.
- The way your medical status affects your day-to-day life is a key component. For example, if you are in too much pain to attend the annual family reunion, note that down in the journal.
- Use the journal to record each and every interaction you have with medical personnel. Note each appointment and the details along with what was discussed or the procedure performed.
- The side effects of medications can be worse than some injuries. Be sure to use your journal to keep up with all prescribed medications and the way they affect you.
- You are entitled to be paid transportation costs after an accident. Use your journal to note each time you travel to a medical appointment, pick up a prescription, or attend physical therapy. Note the mileage used, public transportation costs, parking, and tolls.
- Make an entry each day, at a minimum. It might help to set aside a specific time to write. Make sure your entries are dated.
For those who prefer, use an app or a computer instead of a notebook.
To find out how valuable a pain journal can be after a car accident, speak to an auto accident attorney.
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