Determining the potential value of a car accident injury claim can be complicated. Many factors influence how much compensation an injured victim may receive. Because of this complexity, it’s often beneficial to consult with a car accident attorney. Here are some key considerations in evaluating what a car accident case may be worth.

Types of Damages

There are two main categories of damages that can be recovered in a car accident case – economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages include things like:

• Medical expenses – This includes ambulance fees, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, and prescription medications. It can cost an average of $2,883 per day for a hospital visit.
• Lost wages – If the injury forced you to miss work, you can claim lost income. The average number of lost workdays is 11.
• Loss of future earning capacity – If the injury impairs your ability to work long-term.
• Property damage – Repairs or replacement for damage to your vehicle or other personal property.

Non-economic damages cover losses that are hard to put a number on like:

• Loss of enjoyment of life – Damages relating to how the injury has affected your life activities.
• Loss of consortium – Compensation for impact on family relationships.
• Pain and suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Scarring or disfigurement – Damages relating to permanent scarring or disfigurement from the accident. One study found that road traffic accidents were the most common cause of limb amputations in the US.

The more evidence you have to substantiate these damages, the higher potential value for your claim.

Severity of the Injury

The severity of your injury is a major factor affecting your case value. More serious injuries that result in permanent impairment or disability warrant higher damages – 1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury every year because of car accidents. Minor soft tissue injuries like whiplash have lower value. Consult a doctor to fully evaluate your injury and prognosis.

Liability and Negligence 

The strength of liability and negligence claims against the at-fault driver also influence value. Clear evidence that the other driver was solely at fault due to intoxication, distraction, or reckless driving helps show negligence. If liability is uncertain, it weakens the potential claim value.

Insurance Coverage Limits

Most accident claims are settled within the at-fault driver’s liability insurance limits. Policies commonly have $25,000 – $100,000 in coverage. If damages exceed those limits, you may be able to claim against other policies or assets. But higher insurance coverage translates to a higher settlement value.

Comparable Settlement Data

Reviewing jury verdicts and settlement data for similar accidents in the same jurisdiction provides a benchmark for the potential value range. An experienced car accident attorney can assess comparable cases and insurance payouts to estimate the worth.

Negotiation Factors

The final settlement amount is subject to negotiation between attorneys representing both sides. Factors like being willing to go to trial versus settling out of court or general openness to compromise also impact the final number. Skillful negotiation can maximize the settlement value.

It’s challenging for an injury victim to properly calculate the worth of their accident claim. An experienced personal injury attorney can carefully examine the case circumstances and provide guidance on the potential claim value range and options for maximizing compensation.