Injuries caused by a car accident can have a tremendous affect
on a person's life, beyond the physical injuries. For some people, receiving
needed medical care becomes a challenge, especially with limited personal
medical insurance coverage. Others who might be able to afford medical care
have to miss time from work for treatments and doctor's appointments.
Fortunately, there are
car insurance companies that provide accident benefits to victims. The actual
amount of coverage may vary among insurance companies; however, many offer the
same types of benefits to an injured person. State and local requirements might
also affect the type and amount of benefit coverage available to accident
victims.
Insurance benefits are
also available for family members whose loved one dies after an auto accident.
A common insurance term for this benefit is death and dismemberment coverage.
Often, family members might file a third party claim. This claim is usually
filed in court where a ruling against the at-fault driver results in financial
compensation.
The common auto
accident benefits include reimbursement for lost wages; medical expense
payments and replacement services.
Lost Wages
Depending on the
policy provisions, an injured person could receive 85 percent of his or her
employment salary. Some insurance policies allow collection of these benefits
for up to three years. To receive this benefit, the attending physician must
authorize that because of injuries sustained in the accident, the person is
unable to work.
Most state laws
incorporate a limit on how much an accident victim may collect in lost wage
payments. Some laws include an exception to receiving benefits beyond the maximum
period or amount. If the job is no longer available - unless it is because of
an economic turndown - the injured person could receive additional benefits.
Another reason for
receiving the lost wage benefit is when injuries disable the person further.
Medical Expenses
Medical expense
benefits cover the treatment and care a person needs to recover from injuries.
This is another benefit coverage that varies among insurance companies, but
typically includes two types. One type is commonly called coordinated benefits.
This type covers any medical expense not included in the personal health
insurance plan.
The second type is
full medical expense benefits. With this type of coverage, the insurance
company pays for all medical expenses. This benefit is paid even if the
personal health insurance pays the expenses.
Replacement Services
As with the previously
discussed auto accident benefits, replacement services could also vary. This is
commonly based on state provisions. Most benefits pay the injured person a
specific dollar amount per day. This payment is for any type of household
service the person can no longer perform due to physical injuries.
Some benefit plans
will pay $20 per day or more for various services. Most plans provide payments
for three years after the car accident. This additional income can alleviate
financial concerns most people have after an accident.
The provision for
replacement services could include household chores, transportation for family
members, vehicle or lawn maintenance, babysitting services and food
preparation. Of course, the need for these services will vary based on
individual needs.
Important Things to
Remember
Receiving some or all
of these auto accident benefits are often contingent upon following essential
steps soon after an injury.
Most states and
insurance companies set time limits for filing an insurance claim to receive
benefits. Failing to file within the allotted time period could result in a
loss of benefits.
Insurance companies
must also adhere to certain conditions. Once a claim is filed, the insurance
company is required to reimburse the injured person within one year. This
timeframe could be sooner in some states. If the injured person does not
receive a reimbursement, he or she could have the right to file a lawsuit
against the insurance company.
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