After a car accident, your insurance company might suggest a “preferred” repair shop. But you might wonder: Do I have to use their choice, or can I pick my own? The short answer: in most cases, you have the right to choose your repair shop. But there are some things to know before making that decision.

When people think about accident compensation, they often focus on medical bills and lost wages. But another category — pain and suffering damages — can play a huge role in your settlement. Unlike bills you can stack on a desk, pain and suffering is harder to measure. It’s about how the accident changed your life, both physically and emotionally. Here’s how it works.