If you have been in a car wreck, you are probably wondering what your car accident claim is worth. This is an understandable question because if you are filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, you want to know whether or not you will be likely to receive money, at least enough to make going through the process worth it. The best way to determine the potential (nothing is concrete) value of your claim is to meet with a personal injury lawyer. Generally speaking, here are a few things that contribute to how much money you could receive.
#1 - Negligence
Before you qualify for anything, a personal injury lawyer has to prove negligence. It must be demonstrated that you were injured in an accident caused by someone else. If you hurt yourself because you ran off the road for no reason, you are to blame and will not be getting any money. If, however, you were injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could qualify for a financial award.
#2 - Property Damage
As a personal injury lawyer, it is easy to calculate property damage. We will typically review multiple quotes from an auto body shop before determining the cost to repair your vehicle. Anything else that was damaged can typically be appraised, and the cost to repair or replace these items becomes part of your claim.
#3 - Medical Bills
As a personal injury lawyer, it is easy to calculate property damage. We will typically review multiple quotes from an auto body shop before determining the cost to repair your vehicle. Anything else that was damaged can typically be appraised, and the cost to repair or replace these items becomes part of your claim.
#4 - Lost Wages
This is the portion of your claim that is often open to interpretation and speculation. The medical bills you have incurred to date are documented and broken down. However, the opinion of your doctor will be necessary to determine if your condition is likely to continue and how much it may cost you if it does. Additionally, your doctor can provide an opinion on whether or not you will make a full recovery or will be restricted in your future activities or even profession based on those injuries. This is the portion of your claim that can become the most significant. However, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer who understands how to interpret medical charts to present this information in a way that is easy to digest and understand by a jury.
#5 - Suffering
Did you personally suffer from the accident? Are you emotionally traumatized? This is the hardest aspect of any case to prove, but it may become part of your claim.
To discuss your case further, including the approximate value of your claim, schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer.