Right to Compensation

Do You Have a Right to Compensation After a Car Accident?

If you’ve been injured in a crash because of someone else’s negligence, the answer is likely yes. Under personal injury law, you have the right to seek compensation for the ways the accident has disrupted your life — physically, emotionally, and financially.

But that right doesn’t enforce itself. The path to compensation begins with understanding what you’re entitled to, how liability is determined, and what steps are required to pursue a claim.

What Does “Compensation” Actually Cover?

Car accident compensation can include:

• Medical bills (ER visits, follow-ups, therapy, surgery)
• Lost income during recovery
• Vehicle repair or replacement
• Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and impact on quality of life

In personal injury cases, these are categorized as:

• Economic Damages – Tangible financial losses
• Non-Economic Damages – Pain, trauma, loss of enjoyment

If you’re dealing with long-term or permanent injuries, your compensation may also account for future medical care, reduced earning ability, and life adjustments.

When Are You Legally Entitled to Compensation?

In most cases, your right to compensation depends on showing that:

• Someone else was negligent (they acted carelessly or violated traffic laws)
• That negligence caused the crash
• You were injured as a result

Even if fault is shared, you may still recover partial compensation under comparative negligence laws — especially in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, where your recovery may only be reduced, not eliminated, if you're found partially at fault.

How Do You Assert That Right?

After a crash, the process of securing compensation generally involves:

1. Documenting your injuries and treatment
2. Filing a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer
3. Negotiating a settlement — or filing a lawsuit if necessary
4. Pursuing trial or mediation, if the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation

Working with an experienced car accident attorney helps ensure your rights are protected at every step — and that your case is backed by strong evidence and legal strategy.

When you’re hurt because someone else was careless, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the consequences alone. Compensation exists to help you recover and move forward. And knowing your rights is the first step toward making that happen.

Talk to a Car Accident Attorney