How Much Are You Owed After An Auto Accident?

When you pursue money for damages, the hope is that you will be made whole. That may not be entirely possible, given how some injuries can continue to plague victims for a long time. However, being paid for all the ways you have been impacted is the goal. You are owed compensation because the other driver was careless. That is what insurance is for, after all. However, what you end up being paid varies from case to case. For a better idea of what to expect in terms of money damages after an accident, read on.

Talk to an Attorney

Understanding the complexities of car accident cases is not necessary. You can get paid what you deserve by speaking to a personal injury lawyer. The lawyer will evaluate the information about the case you provide to them and then advise you on how to move forward. Having a lawyer represent you provides you with several benefits:

  • The other driver's insurer will take your case more seriously.
  • You won't accidentally accept a too-low settlement.
  • You will benefit from the lawyer's ability to negotiate with the insurer to get you the most money possible. 

How Much Money You Are Owed

Settlement amounts are as varied as the accidents that prompted them. However, certain factors can provide you with some clues as to how much you can expect to be paid:

  • The total dollar amount of medical treatment costs
  • The total amount of future medical costs, if appropriate
  • The seriousness of your injuries, how long you were treated, whether you had to have surgery, and other signs of significant treatment
  • How much time you missed from work and how much you normally are paid
  • The cost to repair or the value of your vehicle
  • For those permanently disabled, add the cost of replacing the victim's salary based on their previous pay, age, and education level
  • Other settlement amounts in your local area
  • The policy limits of the other driver's insurance
  • The ability of the other driver to provide monetary compensation if they are not insured through property holdings, bank accounts, and wage garnishment.

All the above factors are taken into consideration when your lawyer helps you decide on how much to ask for from the insurer or the driver. This usually comes in the form of a letter of demand sent to the other side. Speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case and find out how much compensation you are owed because of the accident.

For more information, reach out to a local law office, like the Law Office of Robert Karwin.


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