Anyone who has suffered injuries from a car accident will attest that life gets turned upside down, and most victims don’t realize how much money they can lose. In the aftermath of a car accident, it is natural to wonder how much you can expect from any claim settlement. The amount you win can vary greatly depending on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the extent of the damages.
It is difficult to know the exact figure without knowing the specifics of your case, so it is important to seek help from an experienced car accident attorney. They can evaluate the details of your situation and guide you through the legal process, giving you a better understanding of what to expect from a car accident settlement. Reaching out to an attorney near you will bring the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.
Your Injuries Determine Your Settlement
When determining the value of your car accident settlement, the most significant factor is the extent of your injuries. The severity of your injuries will directly impact the compensation you can expect to receive. Some injuries will receive more compensation than others. It is essential to understand the five most severe car accident injury outcomes that can greatly affect the value of your settlement:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Traumatic brain injuries can have a long-lasting impact on a victim’s life. These types of injuries can result in permanent disabilities, cognitive impairments, and the need for ongoing medical treatment and care. Due to the potential long-term consequences, TBI victims may receive substantial settlements.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, resulting in significant medical expenses and the need for specialized care and equipment. Settlements for spinal cord injuries typically reflect the lifelong impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Orthopedic Problems
Fractures, broken bones, and other orthopedic injuries can require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. The settlement for orthopedic problems will depend on the specific injuries and their impact on the victim’s life.
Internal Organ Damage
Injuries to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can cause severe pain, bring long-term health complications, and require extensive medical treatment. Settlements for internal organ damage will take into account the medical expenses and impact on the victim’s overall well-being.
Psychological and Emotional Distress
Car accidents can lead to psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These conditions can have a significant impact on the victim’s daily life and require ongoing therapy and treatment.
It is important to note that knowing the full value of your injuries may not be possible shortly after the accident. Some injuries may take time to manifest, and their long-term effects may not be immediately apparent. A car accident attorney will explain the potential value of your settlement based on your specific injuries and circumstances.
Pain and Suffering are Factors in Settlements
In addition to the physical injuries, the pain and suffering you endure as a result of a car accident can also be factored into your settlement. Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and its aftermath.
Compensation is also possible for non-economic losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as physical and emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your overall well-being.
Accident victims must understand that some auto insurance companies may downplay or dismiss their pain and suffering when considering the claim. Insurance adjusters often focus on objective facts, such as medical bills and lost earnings, but may neglect to fully acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll the accident has taken on a victim’s life, regardless of the effect this has on the claimant’s future.
Moments like this are where a car accident lawyer’s presence becomes invaluable. They can present a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that your pain and suffering are adequately recognized and valued in the settlement negotiations.
Why a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You Win More
Pursuing any car accident claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma. This is why it is crucial to have a car accident lawyer on your side. Here are some reasons why a car accident lawyer can help you win more:
Knowledge and Experience
Car accident lawyers have extensive knowledge of personal injury law. They understand the intricacies involved in car accident claims and can overcome the hurdles on your behalf. Their experience allows them to build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
Identifying the Extent of Your Injuries
Without legal representation, you may not fully understand the extent of your injuries and the potential long-term implications. A car accident lawyer will work closely with medical practitioners to evaluate your injuries thoroughly and ensure that all necessary treatments and future damages are considered in your settlement.
Negotiation Skills
Insurance companies are motivated to protect their bottom line and may try to lowball, stall, or dismiss your claim. A skilled car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that takes into account all relevant damages.
Maximizing Your Claim
A car accident lawyer will fight on your behalf to maximize your claim. They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and consult with experts to build a strong case that supports your right to fair compensation.
Fighting for Economic and Non-Economic Damages
There are two main types of damages available in most car accident claims: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the financial losses you experience as a result of a car accident. These damages are tangible and can be calculated based on actual expenses. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, medication, rehabilitation, and any other healthcare-related expenses.
- Lost Income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you have lost and any future earning capacity that has been affected.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or any personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses you experience due to a car accident. These damages are subjective and more challenging to quantify. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident. Some accidents lead to a lifetime of pain, which deserves compensation.
- Mental Trauma: While physical injuries have a tangible impact on your existence, your mental scars are harder to measure. Mental conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can be debilitating, leading to untold consequences on your daily existence.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries significantly impact your ability to participate in activities and enjoy life as you did before the accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
- Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse or family members, you may be eligible for compensation for the loss of companionship and support.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may also be available when the defendant’s actions were exceptionally negligent or malicious. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior to keep people safe.
Wrongful Death
Most states allow wrongful death claims, whereby an immediate family member makes a claim against a lost family member. The driver themselves may have lost their life, leaving their dependents in a desperate financial situation.
Insurance Companies Don’t Want to Cover All Your Costs
It’s important to understand that insurance companies are profit-driven entities, and their primary goal is to minimize costs. As a result, they may employ various tactics to lowball, stall, or dismiss your claim. Some common techniques used by insurance companies include:
Disputing Liability
Insurance companies may challenge the liability of their policyholder, arguing that you were partially or fully at fault for the accident. This can significantly impact the amount of compensation you may ultimately receive.
Delaying the Claims Process
Some Insurance companies may intentionally delay the claims process, hoping you will become frustrated and settle for a lower amount. This tactic is designed to take advantage of the financial strain and pressure you may be experiencing.
Underestimating Damages
Insurance adjusters may undervalue the extent of your injuries or downplay the impact they have had on your life. This can result in a settlement offer that fails to consider your ongoing medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
To level the playing field and ensure you receive fair compensation, having a car accident attorney by your side is essential. They understand the tactics used by insurance companies and can fight for your rights, advocating for the maximum settlement you deserve.
A Car Accident Attorney Will Fight in Your Corner
When dealing with a car accident claim, having a car accident attorney in your corner can make a significant difference. Here are some reasons why retaining an attorney helps your claim:
Understanding of the Personal Injury Process
Car accident attorneys work daily in personal injury law and deeply understand the legal process and requirements. They can guide you through each step, ensuring you meet all deadlines and requirements while protecting your rights.
Thorough Investigation
A car accident attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts. This investigation is crucial in building a strong case and proving liability, which is essential for securing a fair settlement.
Accurate Assessment of Damages
An attorney will assess the full extent of your damages, including both economic and non-economic losses. They will work with medical professionals to understand the long-term impact of your injuries and calculate the appropriate compensation you deserve.
Effective Negotiation
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their interests. By having a car accident lawyer on your side, you level the playing field. They have the negotiation skills and experience necessary to counteract the tactics used by insurance companies and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Car Accident Lawyers Work on Contingency
One concern many car accident victims have is the cost of hiring an attorney. Fortunately, most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not charge any upfront fees or hourly rates. Instead, their fees are contingent on the successful resolution of your case. If they win your case and secure a settlement or verdict, they will then take a percentage of the total award as their fee. If they do not win, you will not owe them any lawyer fees.
This fee structure ensures that everyone has access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial means. It also aligns the attorney’s interests with yours – they only get paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This arrangement provides peace of mind and removes the financial burden of hiring an attorney during an already challenging time.
Call for a Free Consultation Today
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, it is in your best interest to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Consulting with a car accident attorney allows you to understand the potential value of your claim and the best course of action moving forward. They can evaluate the details of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
The best part is that you can have your case evaluated for free, in addition to a “no-win-no-fee” agreement.
Reach out to an attorney near you who handles car accident cases. They will fight tirelessly on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Don’t delay – take the first step towards financial peace of mind by scheduling a free consultation today.