In case you are in an accident and you believe that another party is at fault, you can decide to seek compensation and settlement for the damages suffered. While most drivers know their rights in this regard, only a few will be in a position to estimate how much their car accident case is worth. Here are some of the factors that will influence how much you receive as monetary compensation.
Insurance coverage
To a certain extent, the amount of compensation you will receive when you file a car accident injury claim will depend on the limits of the car insurance coverage of the at-fault driver.
The limits will serve as a ceiling to your settlement since the car insurance company will not offer anything above this figure.
In the event that your case goes to trial and you are awarded an amount that exceeds this limit, you can only hope that the personal assets of the other driver will be sufficient to cover the outstanding amount.
Medical expenses
When looking at how much you should receive as compensation, your lawyer will make sure that the amount will be enough to cover your medical expenses.
If you sustained injuries as a result of the accident, both your current and future medical expenses will be taken into account. Helping in calculating the actual amount you are entitled to in terms of medical expenses include the:
Nature and extent of your injuries
Medical records
Medical bills
Procedures to be done will
Property loss
Apart from sustaining injuries, there is a real chance that the car accident will result in damage to your property.
If your personal items, clothing and vehicle were damaged in the accident, you may receive reimbursement to cover the costs of replacement.
In some cases, compensation will be a reflection of the market value of the property, effectively making it possible for you to replace the property.
Lost income/ loss of earning capacity
One of the direct consequences of the car accident is that you may have to take some time off of work. This may carry on into the future so that you get enough time to recover from your injuries.
In extreme cases, you will no longer be employable in the same position due to the nature of injuries sustained in the accident. If this is the case, you will be entitled to compensation that will cover your lost income or the loss of earning capacity.
Pain, suffering and emotional distress
Damages are not limited to just medical expenses and loss of property but will also include pain, suffering and emotional distress. This category covers fear, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss of sleep as well as other mental and psychological effects of the accident.
While it is difficult to put a monetary estimate on pain and suffering, it will be an important factor in calculating how much your car accident injury case is worth.
Your lawyer will work with experts in the field in an effort to place a dollar figure for pain and suffering damages. Part of the information that will help in capturing the figure is the nature of medical treatment that was required.
Loss of consortium
This is a sensitive and complicated topic that can be raised and considered when you file a car accident injury claim. Generally, loss of consortium refers to the loss of loving comfort, companionship, helping hand and the sexual relationship that existed between you and your spouse before the accident.
Making a loss of consortium claim is a complex process, making it important to work with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney.
Your conduct will also play an important role in determining how much your car accident case is worth. If you are to increase your chances of getting fair compensation, you should hire an experienced attorney to handle the claim process on your behalf. A Connecticut car accident attorney will look at the legal elements of the case and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.