No one ever wants to get into a car accident, but it’s important to be aware of what to expect in case the day comes. Read on to learn six things you probably didn’t know about car accidents, and be sure to contact McKiggan Hebert Lawyers if you find yourself in an accident that was caused by someone else’s recklessness or negligence.

Fact #1: Most Defendants Usually Have Insurance

Your car accident claim will be filed against the driver who is at-fault or otherwise caused the accident, However, the at-fault party’s insurance company will defend them and pay out any judgment up to the limits of their insurance policy. Unfortunately for the plaintiff, the jury that determines the fate of your car accident case is not permitted to learn this information. Today, most drivers have one million dollars worth of insurance coverage. Regardless, everywhere has minimum insurance coverage requirements that are not to be ignored. If the damages of your car accident exceed the available insurance, you might not ever have the chance to collect all of the financial damages unless the other party involved has valuable personal assets or you have extra “underinsured” coverage on your own car insurance.

Fact #2: You Can Be Compensated For Your Pain And Suffering

Did you know that you can be compensated for your pain and suffering? If you suffered an injury that drastically affected your life, you can be compensated for the associated pain and suffering. For example, those with traumatic brain injuries, concussions or severely broken bones can no longer work like they used to, can’t enjoy the same activities, and no longer live the life they once did. For this reason, you can be compensated for the depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress and anguish that you now experience due to this car accident. There is a cap on these damages, but you can still be compensated for them, especially if they are severe.

Fact #3: You Can Sue For Underinsured Coverage

Every province sets limits for how much coverage you need while operating a motor vehicle. For example, if it’s required that a driver has $250,000 of car insurance coverage, but the driver does not purchase enough or fails to purchase any at all, they can and will be held accountable for this. Every driver needs to drive with sufficient coverage so that if an accident does occur, there’s enough funding available to cover the cost of the damages.

Fact #4: You Can Sue Your Own Insurance Company For A Hit And Run Accident

Many people falsely assume that if they have been hit by a hit and run driver, that they have no option for getting justice. This simply isn’t true. Did you know that you can sue your own insurance company if you’ve been hit and the driver ran off? You can file a claim for an “unidentified motorist” and receive damages for what you suffered. If you have questions, a lawyer can walk you through the process.

Fact #5: You Can Be Compensated For Loss Of Future Earnings

Those who have been seriously injured in a car accident can sue for loss of future earnings. If you have been hurt so badly that you need to stay home and nurse your injuries, your lawyer will fight for your right to lost wage compensation. But if you are hurt to such a degree that you can no longer make the same amount of money you typically would have, you can be compensated for loss of future earnings. For example, if you worked as a carpenter and lost function of your arm or hand due to someone else’s negligence, you can fight for your right to compensation for your loss of future earnings.

Fact #6: You May Have Access To No-Fault Benefits To Cover Expenses

Some car accident victims have access to no-fault benefits to cover some of their health care expenses and their loss of income. The insurance of the negligent party or at-fault driver will get a credit for the value of any available benefits from damages that were awarded to the victim.

Schedule A Consultation With Our Nova Scotia Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you should not have to pay out of pocket for your accident related expenses. Our lawyers will take the time to answer any questions you have and will help you file a personal injury claim that awards you with the compensation you need. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to anyone in this situation.