If you've suffered an injury in a car crash, you are likely undergoing costly medical treatment and you might be out of work. With medical bills quickly piling up and fewer financial resources for your household, you're probably wondering how much money you can get for your injuries from liable parties.
It's a common question, but there's no simple answer without a legal consultation. Every car accident case is different, and the value of your claim depends on many factors. The best way to know what your claim might be worth is to have a car accident attorney in St. Louis assesses your situation and losses. They can give you a ballpark idea of what you might expect from the injury claim process.
Why the Value of Your Claim Matters
Knowing how much your claim might be worth is important. It helps you decide if you should accept an offer from the insurance company or keep fighting for more money. The goal of the process is to get enough compensation to cover all your costs from the accident. This includes things like doctor bills, lost income, and the pain and suffering you've gone through. A car accident lawyer can figure out a fair amount to ask for based on your specific losses.
Factors That Affect Your Claim's Value
Many things can change how much money you might get for your car accident injuries. Here are some of the main factors that matter:
How Bad Your Injuries Are
The worse your injuries are, the more your claim might be worth. Minor injuries that heal quickly are usually worth less than big injuries that take a long time to get better. Severe and permanent injuries can be worth the most, as they affect your life for a long time, maybe forever.
Some injuries that can lead to bigger settlements are:
- Brain injuries
- Compound fractures
- Amputations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Injuries that leave scars
If you need surgery or spend time in the hospital, your claim will probably be worth more. This is because these treatments cost more and demonstrate that your injuries were serious.
Your Medical Bills
The amount of your medical bills is a big part of figuring out how much your claim is worth. This includes all the money you've been charged or already spent on doctor visits, hospital stays, medicine, and therapy. It also includes any future medical costs you expect to incur because of your injuries.
Keep all your medical bills and records, as they prove how much your injuries have cost you. A car accident lawyer can assist you in gathering all this information.
Lost Income and Future Earnings
If you had to miss work because of your injuries, you can include that lost income in your claim. This includes wages, salaries, bonuses, and other benefits you missed out on. If your injuries stop you from going back to your old job or working as much as you used to, you can seek compensation for future lost earnings, too.
To figure out how much money you've lost from work, you'll need to show:
- How much you usually earn
- How much time you missed from work
- Doctor's notes saying you can't work
- Statements from your boss about your missed time
A car accident lawyer can help you gather this information and determine how much to demand for lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to compensation you seek for the physical pain and emotional stress caused by your injuries. Putting a number on this is more difficult than on medical bills or lost income.
Insurance companies and lawyers often use your medical bills as a starting point. They might multiply your medical bills by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on how severe your injuries are.
Factors that can increase your pain and suffering amount include:
- Long-lasting or permanent injuries
- Injuries that cause a lot of pain
- Emotional problems like anxiety or depression from the accident
- Not being able to do things you enjoy because of your injuries
A car accident lawyer can help argue for a fair amount for your pain and suffering.
Property Damage
The damage to your car or other property in the accident should be part of your claim, too. This usually includes the cost of fixing or replacing your car, and it might also cover things like a damaged phone or other items in your car during the crash.
To prove your property damage:
- Take pictures of the damage
- Get repair estimates from mechanics
- Keep receipts for any repairs you've already paid for
- Get pictures or receipts for any other damaged items
Insurance Policy Limits
The other driver's insurance coverage can affect how much money you can get. If your claim is worth more than their insurance limits, it can be challenging to get the full amount you deserve. You can sue the driver personally, but many people don't have enough assets to pay a substantial judgment.
Your own insurance might help in this case. For example, if you have underinsured motorist coverage, it can pay the difference between what the other driver's insurance covers and what your claim is worth. A car accident lawyer can review all the available insurance policies and identify your options.
Where the Accident Happened
Where your accident happened can affect your claim's value. Some areas are generally known for larger car accident settlements or jury awards than others. A car accident lawyer will know about trends in your area and how they might affect your case.
Your Age and Overall Health
Your age and health before the accident can change how much your claim is worth. Younger people might get more money for future medical costs and lost earnings because they have more working years ahead of them that might be disrupted. However, this does not mean that injuries to older adults cannot be worth a significant amount, as well.
Why You Should Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer
Figuring out how much your car accident claim is worth can be tricky, as there are many things to consider. That's why talking to a car accident lawyer is always a good idea. Here's how an attorney can help:
They Know the Law
Car accident laws can be complicated, and they're different in each state. A car accident lawyer knows the relevant laws and how they apply to your case. They can ensure you don't miss out on any money you deserve because of a legal detail you didn't know about.
They Can Value Your Claim Accurately
Car accident lawyers have seen many cases like yours, and they know what similar cases have been worth in the past. This experience helps them determine a fair value for your claim.
They Can Gather Strong Evidence
Good evidence is key to getting a fair settlement. A car accident lawyer knows what evidence you need and how to get it. They can:
- Get copies of police reports
- Find and talk to witnesses
- Work with experts who can explain your injuries
- Gather all your medical records and bills
They Can Handle the Insurance Company
Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, and adjusters might try to trick you into saying something that hurts your case. A car accident lawyer can handle all communication with the insurance company for you. They know how to avoid common traps and can push back against unfair tactics.
They Can Negotiate for You
Car accident lawyers are skilled negotiators. They know how to argue for the full value of your claim. They're not afraid to push back if the insurance company offers too little, and a lawyer can take your case to court if the insurance company doesn't offer a fair amount.
They Work on Contingency
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means you don't pay them upfront. Instead, they get a percentage of your settlement or court award if your claim is successful. If you don't win your case, you don't owe them anything. This means you can get legal representation without worrying about how to pay for it.
They Can Help You Avoid Mistakes
There are many ways you can accidentally hurt your case. You might:
- Say the wrong thing to the insurance company
- Post something on social media that can be used against you
- Wait too long to file your claim
- Accept a settlement that's too low
A car accident lawyer can guide you through the process and help you avoid these mistakes.
They Can Give You Peace of Mind
Dealing with a car accident claim can be stressful. You're trying to recover from your injuries and restore your life. Having a car accident lawyer handle your case can take a lot of worry off your shoulders. You can focus on getting better while they handle the legal details.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
To help make sure you get a fair amount for your car accident claim, there are some important steps to take:
Get Medical Care Right Away
Your health comes first. See a doctor even if you don't think you're badly hurt, as some injuries don't show up right away. Getting prompt medical care is also important for your claim. It shows that your injuries are serious and directly related to the accident.
Don't Talk to the Other Driver's Insurance Company
The other driver's insurance company might try to contact you. They might ask for a statement or offer a quick settlement. Don't talk to them without speaking to a car accident lawyer first, as anything you say can be used to pay you less compensation.
Keep Good Records
Save everything related to your accident and injuries, including:
- Medical bills and records
- Receipts for medicine or medical equipment
- Pay stubs showing lost income
- Receipts for any other expenses related to your injuries
- A journal about your pain and how your injuries affect your daily life
These records will help prove how much your claim is worth.
Don't Post on Social Media
Be careful what you post on social media after your car accident. Insurance companies might look at your posts to prove you're not as hurt as you say. It's best to stay off social media until your case is over.
Don't Accept the First Settlement Offer
The insurance company's first offer is usually low. Don't accept it without talking to a car accident lawyer first. An attorney can tell you if the offer is fair and negotiate for more if it's not.
Call a Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important things you can do is talk to a car accident lawyer. An attorney can navigate the legal process and fight for the money you deserve. Most offer free consultations, so you can get advice without any cost.
Get Help from a Car Accident Lawyer
Figuring out how much your car accident claim is worth isn't easy, and the insurance company might try to pay you less than you deserve. That's why talking to a car accident lawyer is so important.
A car accident lawyer can:
- Help you understand what your claim might be worth
- Gather strong evidence to support your claim
- Handle talks with the insurance company
- Fight for the full amount you deserve
Don't try to handle your claim alone. Get help from a professional who knows the law and has your best interests in mind. Most car accident lawyers offer free consultations so you can seek a case evaluation without any risk. They can explain the legal process in simple terms and help you make informed decisions about your case.
Remember, the sooner you talk to a car accident lawyer, the better. There are time limits for filing claims, and important evidence might be lost if you wait too long. So don't delay. Contact a car accident lawyer today to learn about your rights and options. It can greatly affect how much money you get for your injuries. With a skilled personal injury lawyer in St. Louis on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your case.
