Car Accident Claims Explained: What Affects Your Settlement Amount
Car accidents can be chaotic. If you’ve been involved in one, you’re probably wondering how much compensation you’ll get and what factors affect your settlement. A skilled Phoenix car accident attorney can guide you through the process and help maximize your settlement. But read on, because you’ll get the answer to what really affects your settlement amount.
Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries plays a big role in determining your settlement. The more serious your injuries, the higher the settlement may be, as they typically result in more medical bills, longer recovery times, and sometimes even permanent damage. For example, if your injuries require surgery, rehabilitation, or result in long-term pain, you’re looking at a higher payout. It’s essential to have all your medical records and bills readily available to demonstrate the extent of your injuries. This can help the insurance company or court determine how much you truly deserve. But, if you only have minor injuries, don’t expect a huge settlement. The amount will be directly related to the extent of medical care you require and the duration of your recovery.
Fault and Liability
Who’s to blame for the accident? This is crucial. If the other driver was clearly at fault, it’s easier to claim compensation, but what if you share some of the blame? In states that follow comparative negligence rules, your settlement will be reduced by the percentage of fault you share. So, if you’re 20% responsible for the accident, your compensation might be 20% less than it otherwise would have been. The way fault is assigned can make or break a case. Sometimes, insurance companies or other parties might try to shift the blame onto you, and this is where a good Phoenix car accident attorney can help. They can help investigate the scene, interview witnesses, and gather the evidence needed to prove that the other driver was more at fault than you.
Loss of Wages and Emotional Distress
Injuries from a car accident can cause more than just physical harm—they can also prevent you from working. If you’re unable to return to work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to lost wages as part of your settlement. The longer you’re out of work, the higher the potential loss in wages, and this can be included in your claim. Working with a skilled Phoenix car accident attorney can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. From medical bills to lost wages and emotional distress, a good lawyer knows how to fight for your rights and maximize your settlement.
Insurance Coverage
The insurance coverage involved can also have a significant impact on your settlement. If the at-fault driver has limited insurance, your options for recovery could be limited as well. This might be a problem if your medical expenses are higher than their policy covers. However, if you have your own underinsured motorist coverage, you might still be able to recover additional damages. In some cases, your attorney might even negotiate with the insurance company to ensure they cover as much as possible. If the other driver is uninsured, things get trickier. But don’t worry, a good lawyer can explore your options and help you find the best route for compensation.…
If your injuries are not that bad, you can gather pieces of evidence on your own. Otherwise, you can have somebody whom you trust do this for you. This is quite important if you want to build a strong case. You have to prove that the accident was not your fault.
