While there is no set formula to determine the value of a car accident injury claim, there are several factors that can influence the amount of your potential settlement.
First, who was at fault for the accident? If the other driver (and more importantly, their insurance company) accepts most or all liability, the value of your claim usually goes up. Uncertainty about who caused the accident usually encourages an insurance company to keep its settlement offers low.
Next, how serious are your injuries? If you weren’t hurt all that badly and you haven’t incurred much in medical bills, you shouldn’t expect a high settlement, even if fault is clear. If your injuries are significant and you received extensive medical treatment, the value of your claim increases accordingly, especially if your injuries affect your ability to make a living.
Finally, how do your injuries affect your life? When a victim’s “pain and suffering,”“loss of enjoyment of life,” and “loss of quality of life” appear credible, juries can respond with empathy. Insurance companies may raise settlement offers to avoid too generous a verdict.
An experienced auto accident attorney in your area can help you assess the potential value of your claim.