At Caruso Law Offices, one of the most common questions we receive is, “How much is my claim worth?” While we would love to give you an easy answer, each car accident case is different – just as each car accident victim is different.
The potential value of your case will depend on several factors, including:
Your Injuries
The injuries you suffered in a car accident directly impact the potential value of your claim. Some car accident injuries are relatively minor, such as scrapes and bruises. These may be able to be treated with simple first aid and a couple of visits to your regular doctor.
However, other injuries can be serious. They may result in life-altering consequences, be expensive to treat, and significantly impact the quality of life.
Generally, the more serious the injuries you suffered, the higher the potential value of your claim.
Your Damages
Your damages represent all of the ways the accident has affected you, both economically and non-economically. Your claim may provide compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses, including:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Lost quality of life
If you need car accident legal representation, you can consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Albuquerque to determine all of the damages that stem from your accident and seek fair compensation for them.
The Strength of Your Evidence
Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize the value of car accident claims to protect their bottom line. They must be afraid that you have a legitimate case and can take it to trial, if necessary, to negotiate a fair settlement.
An experienced car accident lawyer can help obtain valuable evidence in your case, such as:
- Accident reports
- Witness statements
- Property damage reports
- Expert witness reports, as necessary
- Electronically-stored data
- Medical records
- Surveillance or other video footage of the accident scene
A lawyer also knows how to present this evidence in a compelling way to fight for your fair compensation.
Who the Defendant Is
Some car accidents are caused by powerful entities like truck companies with deep pockets, while others are caused by uninsured hit-and-run drivers. The party responsible for your accident and the insurance they have can directly impact your case value.
Who Is Responsible for the Accident
In some accident cases, more than one party is at fault. In these situations, you may be able to make several separate claims and maximize your financial recovery.
In other accidents, the victim may have contributed to the accident. While this does not bar them from seeking compensation as long as they were the party most at fault for the accident, it does reduce the claim’s value. Your compensation is reduced proportionately to your degree of fault. For example, if you are found 25% at fault for the accident, your financial recovery is reduced by 25%.
Get a Free Consultation to Learn More About Your Right to Financial Recovery After a Car Accident
If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, Caruso Law Offices can discuss your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Contact us today to get started.