Your quality of life is likely to worsen after sustaining an injury in a car accident caused by someone else’s fault. You may endure expensive medical bills, loss of productivity, or inability to participate in favorite activities.
You have the right to pursue compensation from the negligent party. Even so, you may face resistance from the at-fault party’s insurer, which can reduce the settlement check you receive for your losses.
You should, therefore, consult with a legal professional who can protect your interests in the car accident claim. A car accident lawyer in State College can establish the value of damages applicable to you and fight to maximize the settlement value.
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There is no average value for a car accident claim. The settlement value you can receive in a car accident varies based on the unique facts and circumstances of the case.
Some of the factors that affect the value of a car accident include:
The process of determining the value of a car accident claim also requires the establishment of who is at fault for the accident. If the other vehicle’s driver is entirely responsible, you can pursue a claim against their insurance company.
However, if there is shared liability, the amount you can recover may reduce to the extent of fault. A passenger can have shared liability if they obstruct the driver’s view or distract the driver’s attention from the road.
A skilled attorney can support you in gathering evidence and negotiating to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
The extent and severity of the injuries you sustain as a passenger in a car accident will also impact the value of your claim. More severe injuries, such as fractures, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, will typically result in higher damages.
Severe injuries necessitate a high settlement to cover medication, ongoing care, and rehabilitation costs. Therefore, keep copies of medical bills, doctor’s notes, diagnostic images, and specialist reports.
A car accident attorney can rely on medical records to prove the extent of our injuries.
The insurance coverage available to the parties involved in the car accident also determines if you’ll receive a fair settlement value for your losses. An at-fault driver with low insurance coverage can restrict the value you receive for your losses.
An experienced car accident lawyer can explain your legal options, including a lawsuit if the at-fault driver has low or no auto insurance coverage.
Having a skilled attorney by your side can significantly affect the outcome of your car accident claim. An experienced lawyer will protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure you have strong evidence to support your case.
They will work diligently to maximize your compensation and advocate for your best interests throughout the legal process.
Although you may be entitled to compensation after a car accident, you must demonstrate the fault of the negligent driver. The availability of evidence ensures you can support your claim and prove your injury-related losses.
The more evidence you have to support your claim, the stronger your case becomes. You can support a car accident claim with the following types of evidence:
You should also work with a skilled attorney who can support you in gathering and presenting this evidence effectively to maximize the value of your claim.
If your injury keeps you in recovery for months or years, you can claim a higher settlement value. In general, the more prolonged and more extensive your recovery, the higher the potential value of your claim.
Insurance companies and courts consider the duration and intensity of your injuries and the associated medical treatments, such as surgeries, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. You can support your claim using documents related to medical treatments.
You should also follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Apart from the immediate injuries and medical expenses, the long-term impact of the injury can also affect the value of a car accident claim. Some injuries may have lasting effects on your physical and mental well-being, resulting in a diminished quality of life, chronic pain, or permanent disabilities.
These factors can significantly increase the value of your claim to compensate for the long-term consequences of the accident. A car accident attorney understands the long-term impact of an injury and how to pursue compensation for these losses.
A car accident claim allows an injured pas
senger to obtain compensation for their losses. A passenger can obtain the following three types of damages in a car accident:
Economic damages compensate the injured victim for the financial losses they incur from the accident. They are also called monetary damages, tangible losses with a direct dollar value.
Here are common types of economic damages in a car accident:
You’ll incur medical expenses as you recover from an injury. Medical expenses can quickly add up, leading to financial strain. As such, you can pursue compensation for medical expenses after an injury in a car accident.
Here are possible expenses you can recover in a car accident:
Keep records of medical expenses to allow a car accident lawyer to pursue compensation for these losses.
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. These damages can include the income you’ve already lost since the accident, as well as any future income you’re expected to lose due to ongoing medical treatments or long-term disabilities.
Lost income compensates you for missing out on a salary, bonus, tips, overtime, or paid vacation, which you could have earned if you were at work. You can strengthen your lost income claim using documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or an employment contract.
You may also be eligible for compensation for various out-of-pocket expenses. These can include costs associated with transportation to and from medical appointments, home modifications to accommodate your injuries, and assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs.
Your car accident claim can include costs for childcare and household services that you can no longer perform due to your injuries. A car accident attorney understands the applicable out-of-pocket expenses and will fight for a fair settlement of these losses.
Non-economic losses compensate you for the intangible losses associated with your injury.
Here is a list of non-economic losses you can obtain in a car accident:
Pain and suffering refer to both the physical pain and the emotional distress experienced as a result of the accident. It includes the immediate and ongoing pain that may result from your injuries.
These damages compensate the injured victim for chronic headaches or backaches and even psychological trauma, such as anxiety or depression.
Unlike medical expenses with a direct dollar value, pain and suffering losses are subjective and difficult to value. A car accident attorney can apply various methods, including the multiplier method, and fight for compensation for these losses.
Car accidents can have a significant impact on a victim’s mental well-being. The events leading to the crash can trigger emotional distress. Similarly, learning you’ll live with a permanent disability can have a psychological impact on you.
Emotional distress can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, or difficulty concentrating.
Compensation for emotional distress allows the injured victim to seek therapy, medication, and continuous care for their mental health.
Your daily life may be significantly affected when you suffer an injury in a car accident. You may be unable to participate in activities you once enjoyed or require assistance with everyday tasks. For instance, a spinal cord injury can prevent you from participating in morning runs or evening strolls.
Loss of enjoyment of life compensates for the diminished quality of life resulting from the accident.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of their companionship, guidance, and support. These damages apply to spouses, children, and other family members dependent on the deceased for emotional and financial support.
Serious car accidents can result in permanent injuries or disfigurement, such as the loss of a limb or severe scarring. These long-term physical changes can have a lasting impact on a person’s wellness and quality of life.
Compensation for permanent impairment or disfigurement helps address the psychological and emotional toll of these injuries.
Punitive damages may apply when the at-fault party’s behavior is deemed especially reckless, intentional, or egregious. A judge or jury can award these damages to punish the negligent party and deter similar behavior in the future.
However, it’s important to note that not all states allow punitive damages, and even in states where they are permitted, they are restricted to specific circumstances.
A car accident lawyer can increase your chances of receiving punitive damages by using strong evidence and demonstrating the driver’s negligent actions.
Although many injured victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer, some cope with the losses without financial support. However, you can change the outlook of your claim by working with a car accident lawyer.
A car accident claim involves communicating with insurers, conducting investigations, and court action. You should, therefore, work with a legal professional who understands how to initiate a car accident claim effectively.
An experienced car accident attorney has in-depth knowledge of personal injury laws and can guide you through legal processes. They can advise you on the steps to protect your rights.
More importantly, they’ll guide you in making suitable decisions throughout the claim process.
All legal cases, including car accident claims, have applicable rules and timelines. Each state has a statute of limitations that prescribes the window an injured victim has to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
An attorney can help you stay organized and adhere to these legal timelines. Additionally, they can assist in initiating claims against government agencies or employees, as these often have shorter timelines and additional requirements.
While most car accident cases are settled outside court through negotiations, some cases may proceed to trial. Having a car accident attorney by your side means having a strong advocate to present your case in court.
They will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong legal strategy to maximize your chances of success. A car accident lawyer can also spot chances to negotiate for a settlement instead of taking the case to full trial.
Many people avoid hiring a car accident attorney because of legal costs. Fortunately, many car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not have to pay any upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
Instead, the attorney’s fee is contingent upon securing a settlement or favorable verdict on your behalf. The contingency fee arrangement allows you to pursue your case without any financial burden, giving you peace of mind after the crash.
Your chances of recovering from injury-related losses depend on the settlement value you receive from a car accident claim. The at-fault party’s insurer may also take advantage of you by making a low settlement offer that doesn’t cover your losses.
You should work with a car accident attorney who can support you during the investigation, claim processing, and court process. A personal injury attorney can rely on evidence to negotiate a fair settlement value covering your losses.
Get in touch with a lawyer to maximize your settlement value.
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