The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made a forecast for the first quarter of 2025 (January–March) that includes a sum of 8,055 deaths, which represents a drop of about 6.3 % when compared to the same period of 2024.
According to one study summary, speeding and alcohol consumption behind the wheel together contribute to nearly 60% of traffic deaths. Following a car accident, victims often inquire about the value of their case.
According to car accident lawyer Stephen R. Hunter, working with a personal injury attorney experienced with handling car accident claims can help you secure adequate compensation necessary to cover the expenses for your injuries and property damage.
Coming up with fair compensation goes beyond just summing medical expenses and restoring the property. The attorneys take into account your wounds, your inability to work, the agony you went through, and even the impact on your life in the future.
Now let’s take a look at some of the methods that lawyers use to determine the amount of money that should be given to their clients as a result of a car accident.
Understanding Damages in Personal Injury Cases
The one who wishes to handle the personal injury cases must necessarily know the intricacies regarding damages in such cases. To put it simply, damages can be categorized into two major groups: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are quite easy to determine in that they are the sum of medical costs and the amount of money that the injured person has lost in the form of income. Meanwhile, non-economic damages cover the emotional suffering, pain, and distress of the victims. These types of damages can be difficult to determine. Understanding the methods of calculating damages will give you power throughout the whole legal process.
It is all about recognizing your worth and the influence of your past. The moment you find out about the damages you can claim, you will be more engaged in the process and more assertive in protecting your rights.
According to a car accident lawyer in Naples, while financial compensation can’t fix everything, it can reduce some of your stress and help you move on with your life.
Keep in mind that each and every fact is very important in the process of obtaining just compensation.
Evaluating Medical Expenses and Treatment Costs
Accuracy is the most critical element for consideration of medical and treatment costs. All the medical bills of yours, including hospital stays, consultations, and therapies, should be collected.
Your expenses should also include medications and rehabilitation services, as these are part of the medical costs. Every single item of proof is a piece of the puzzle that shows the impact of the accident on your life.
Should it happen that your injuries need long-term treatment, it is wise to think of future costs. Keeping a detailed and comprehensive record of all your doctor’s appointments and treatments is very critical, as these documents will aid you in justifying your case.
Complete and systematic documentation is a way of claiming your right to receive just compensation.
Assessing Lost Wages and Future Earnings
Lost wages and future earnings are the two pillars that can entirely overwhelm your financial stability after an accident. Cutting off your work strengthens the need to evaluate what you have lost and what you will lose in the future.
Your lawyer will consider your salary, bonuses, and any lost benefits. They will account for your career path and possible promotion to make a projection on future earnings. If you’re self-employed, you must show proof of income and any contracts or clients lost as a result of you being injured.
Such information helps create a complete picture of your financial situation. Remember the fact that you have a right to get fair remuneration for your past and future income. Feel free to discuss the entire matter with your lawyer.
Calculating Pain and Suffering Compensation
Compensation is not merely for wages lost but also for pain and suffering, which is very hard to calculate. An accident can put one under enormous strain emotionally and physically, which warrants compensation for pain and suffering.
Lawyers may employ various methods to determine these damages. The multiplier method divides the medical expense total by a certain number representing the severity of pain experienced.
At the same time, the per diem method assigns a dollar value to pain for each day from the incident until the victim is fully healed. It is important for you to gather evidence such as medical records and personal accounts to back your claim.
You need compensation, not only for recognition of everything you have been through but also to heal after what life has thrown at you.
The Role of Negotiation and Settlement Strategies
Accidents constantly happen, and if one knows the right stress-free negotiation and settlement strategies, they may not only be easier but also have a more beneficial compensation outcome.
Negotiate smartly by showing your view and also pointing out how the accident has negatively affected your life. If presented properly, engaging with the insurance adjusters and putting forward your case can lead to a better offer. It is alright to reject a low offer initially made. Being persistent is usually worthwhile.
Establishing a connection with others can foster collaboration, making it easier to reach a settlement that addresses your needs and experiences.
