Seeking Compensation for Time and Effort Post-Collision
I’m in Massachusetts and recently had an unfortunate incident where I was hit by a car while riding my electric scooter. The driver was clearly at fault, and I’ve already managed to obtain their insurance information and file a claim. The damage to my scooter amounted to $200, and I have the invoice to prove it.
Now, I’m curious if I have any basis to request additional compensation for the time and effort I spent getting my scooter repaired and the challenges I faced commuting without it. Ideally, I would like to seek another $200 for these inconveniences. If there is a case to be made, what type of documentation would I need to support my claim? For context, I’m a salaried employee.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that I did sustain a minor back strain during the incident, which is documented, but thankfully, I’m feeling better now and don’t intend to pursue any injury claims related to that.
Given the situation, would it be reasonable to push for this additional compensation, or should I just accept that it might be a long shot and let it go?
I understand this might seem a bit self-serving, especially based on some of the comments and downvotes, so I’d like to provide more context. The driver not only fled the scene but also provided false contact information. I ended up spending hours dealing with police reports, searching for security footage, and tracking down the driver, only for them to eventually stop responding.
Had this situation occurred while I was driving, my insurance would likely have handled most of the issues, alleviating much of the stress. However, since I’m navigating this alone, I felt justified in inquiring about the possibility of seeking a little extra compensation (without making injury claims). I appreciate the input I’ve received, and I’ll ultimately accept that this may be a lost cause. Thank you!
It’s understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed after dealing with the aftermath of a collision, especially when you’re facing challenges like tracking down the responsible party. In Massachusetts, while you may have grounds to seek compensation for your repairs, claiming additional compensation for time and effort can be more complicated.
Time and Effort Compensation: Insurance companies typically focus on tangible damages like medical expenses and repair costs. While you may feel justified in seeking compensation for your time and inconvenience, it’s often harder to quantify and prove, particularly since you’re a salaried employee without direct lost wages.
Commuting Difficulties: Similar to the above point, while the inconvenience of commuting without your scooter is valid, it’s challenging to claim additional compensation for that unless you can demonstrate a significant financial impact, such as needing to rely on more expensive alternate transportation.
Bodily Injury: While you mentioned that you don’t intend to pursue bodily injury claims, keep in mind that even minor injuries can lend strength to your case, as they illustrate the impact of the collision on your life.
Documentation: To support your case, you should gather:
1. Repair Invoice: A copy of the invoice for the scooter repairs.
2. Evidence of Time Spent: Any documentation or notes that show how much time you spent dealing with the repairs and other related issues (e.g., police reports, correspondence with the driver’s insurance).
3. Transportation Costs: If you incurred costs related to alternate commuting methods, keep receipts to support a claim.
Pushing Back: It may be worth trying to negotiate with the insurance company regarding the additional amount you believe is fair given the circumstances. Sometimes, insurance companies are willing to settle for a little more than the basic claims to avoid prolonged disputes, particularly if you can highlight your challenges.
Ultimately, while it’s difficult to seek compensation for “pain and suffering” or inconvenience in this scenario, advocating for your situation is reasonable. Present your case clearly and assertively, and you may be surprised by the response. Good luck!