Until you have been involved in a car accident, you may never even consider what automobile insurance covers and what it does not. It can come as a bit shock to some accident victims when they begin to realize just how little they can expect from the at-fault driver's insurance carrier. If your accident caused you to be seriously injured and totaled your car, you may need to take further steps to ensure that you are adequately compensated for your damages. Read on to learn more about what insurance covers, and what it may not cover.

What Insurance Covers

In most cases, the other driver is probably adequately covered for damage to your vehicle, although there may some wrangling over whether or not the vehicle is "repairable" or "totaled". Your medical expenses will also be very likely covered, even if you have to use your own insurance to step in for more extraordinary expenses. These benefits are often available quickly and without you having to do a lot of work, but that is where the positives of insurance coverage end.

What Insurance Probably Won't Cover

No accident can be considered "normal", and the effect it can have on you can vary greatly. If your injuries were more extensive or called for more expeditious measures, the coverage could fall short. For example, if you had to be airlifted away from the accident scene by helicopter, the insurance carrier could balk at covering that unbelievably high expense. You may need to file a personal injury case against the at-fault driver to recoup that expense. Other issues that should have you calling for professional legal help include:

Compensation for pain and suffering. This aspect of harm is not covered by most insurance policies, but the harm done to your emotional heath has just as much of an impact as that done to your physical health. It is not uncommon for accident victims to suffer from post traumatic stress syndrome, mood and anxiety disorders, problems with eating and sleeping and more. Mental health therapy is not covered by most automobile policies.

Lost wages. You will undoubtedly miss work because of the accident, and even the loss of a few days can impact your wallet. If your injuries are more serious, you may be looking at a major financial disaster. Only a personal injury suit has the potential to help you recoup those lost wages.

Speak to a car accident attorney and have your case evaluated to ensure that you are compensated for all of your injuries and damages.