Can I Ask for More Money from My Car Accident?

There is no fixed amount of money you can get from a car accident claim. The factors influencing car accident compensation amounts include: 

• Severity of injuries: More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation. This includes both immediate physical harm and any long-term or permanent disabilities.
• Medical expenses: All medical costs related to a collision are considered. That includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatments or rehabilitation costs.
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity: Compensation can include lost wages for the time you were unable to work due to your injuries. If your injuries impact your ability to work in the future, lost earning capacity may also be factored in.
• Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage relates to the physical pain and emotional distress suffered due to your car accident. The more severe and lasting the pain and suffering, the higher the potential compensation.
• Property damage: The extent of damage to your vehicle and other personal property is also considered in your compensation.
• Liability and fault: The degree of fault of each party involved plays a crucial role. In some states, if you are found partially at fault, your compensation might be reduced proportionally.

To determine the true value of your car accident claim, an experienced attorney will need to evaluate your damages. They may use an auto accident settlement calculator to get an estimate of your damages. However, getting fair car accident compensation requires a more personalized approach.

Maximizing your compensation after a car accident requires gathering relevant evidence. An attorney can do most of the investigative work, but there are ways you can help. 

For example, you can gather and compile:

• Photos of the accident scene.
• Police reports.
• Witness statements.
• Medical reports.
• Prescriptions.
• Medical receipts.
• A log of medical appointment attendance.
• Pay-stubs.

When the medical bills pile up and you’re out of work, you may be desperate for quick compensation. However, it’s important to allow an attorney to negotiate with insurance companies for a maximum settlement. 

Insurance companies often offer quick lowball settlements that might be less than what you're entitled to. Once you accept a quick offer, you won’t be able to seek additional compensation. If you have future medical and rehabilitation costs, you could find yourself paying out-of-pocket.

Before accepting a settlement offer, it’s best to understand the extent of your damages. Will you need to be out of work for an extended period? Will you need ongoing physical therapy and rehabilitation? How has your car accident injury impacted your life? These are things you should consider when seeking compensation.

Calculating pain and suffering in car accident compensation can be a complex process. It involves quantifying non-economic damages, which are subjective and don't have a fixed monetary value like medical bills or lost wages.

The multiplier method is one of the most common methods for calculating pain and suffering damages. This method involves adding up all of your economic damages and multiplying that sum by a number (the multiplier) based on the severity of the pain and suffering. 

The multiplier often ranges from 1.5 to 5, but it can be higher. More severe or debilitating injuries receive a higher multiplier.

Another method is “Per Diem,” which assigns a specific dollar amount to each day you experience pain and discomfort due to your injuries. The daily rate can be based on your actual daily earnings or another reasonable daily amount.

Pain and suffering damages often include:

• Impact on your daily activities, work, and lifestyle.
• Long-term effects such as chronic pain, permanent disabilities, or scars.
• Emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, and other psychological impacts.

To help prove pain and suffering, document the type and extent of your injuries, including treatment plans and the prognosis. Keep a diary detailing the pain and suffering you experience daily. Also, consider getting expert testimony from your doctor or psychologist. 

You can try to handle your case alone, but for the best possible outcome, it’s advisable to hire a personal injury lawyer. An attorney has a full understanding of the legal system and the process of building a strong car accident case. 

They can fully investigate your car accident and gather strong evidence to support your claim. A personal injury lawyer is also a strong negotiator and can handle all communications with insurance companies. This way, the other driver’s insurance company can’t try to downplay your claim or persuade you into accepting a lowball settlement.

How do I find a Premier Attorney to help me get compensation for a car accident?

Finding a lawyer to pursue compensation on your behalf is simple. At Law.com, we can connect you with a skilled Premier Attorney in your area. Just call us or fill out the contact form below to schedule a free consultation with one of our verified attorneys.

It won’t cost you anything upfront. Our Premier Car Accident Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis and will only take a certain percentage of your settlement or court award when you’re fully compensated. Don’t hesitate; take the next step in getting the compensation you deserve.