How Much is My Car Accident Injury Worth?
Posted on May 16, 2013 10:55am PDT
If you have recently been involved in a car accident (whether you were in a vehicle, on a motorcycle, or even a pedestrian), you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to seek compensation for your damages and injuries. After an accident, it is very likely that you are contemplating the question of what the value of your accident is or how much you will be able to receive after your injuries. While every case is unique when it comes to determining the number value of your claim, there are many different factors that will play a role in determining the worth of your accident claim. It is imperative that you contact a car accident attorney in order to help you with the legal process and help you fight for the repayment you truly deserve after the accident!
When dealing with a car accident and the value of your claim, it rests on your ability to prove the fault of the driver responsible for the accident. For example, perhaps you were on a motorcycle and you were traveling straight, and a car illegally made a left turn in front of your bike, causing your body to crash directly into the van. While you were fortunate to survive the accident, you suffered severe leg injuries, causing you to take time off of work, spend money for medical treatment, etc. that are not to mention the fact that this car accident totaled your motorcycle. In order to receive a settlement for your accident, or pursue litigation, you will need to prove that this accident was indeed the fault of the car rather than your own.
After an accident that causes injury, there are two different categories of damages that you may seek to fight for: compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages are what the court will decide on as a means of helping the victim of the accident, in order to restore their life again and make it whole. In essence, compensatory damages are the giving of a dollar amount on your accident and subsequent injuries. Fighting for compensation in some categories tends be easier than others. for example, the worth of your property damage is whatever the claims adjuster says, whereas proving the extent of your emotional suffering may be more difficult. This is why having a skilled attorney on your side is so important.
The damages in this category include medical bills associated with the accident as well as treatment that you may need to receive in the future. Another aspect you may suffer in is the loss of income. An injury from a car accident may result in you needing to miss a week or more of work, and in some cases the injury may be so severe that you are physically incapable of accomplishing your job ever again. For example, a construction worker may never be able to return to his job after a permanent leg injury. Property damages are also included in this category as you may need a new car, and perhaps other property was harmed in the accident as well.
As stated, proving emotional damages may be more difficult, though it is not impossible and an attorney will be able to help you with that. Punitive damages are done in order to make the person pay for their actions, or as a sort of financial punishment. For example, say this person was a drunk driver, this may be a way that the court punishes them for what they have done. In the event that you have been injured in any way from a motor vehicle accident, contact a car accident attorney in your area today! Together you will determine the value that your situation may be worth and fight in order to receive the compensation you deserve. Do not wait before it is too late!