How Much Can You Sue for in a Car Accident?
One of the biggest dilemmas for car accident victims is how much they should be asking for in a car accident claim. The simple answer is as much as it takes to cover the resulting damages.
Every crash is unique, and so are the outcomes. For instance, the damages resulting from a minor rear-end accident cannot compare to those from a head-on collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle.
To determine how much you can sue for in a car accident, you’ll have to compound all your damages, including intangible losses like emotional distress. If you’re not sure where to start with calculating the value of your claim, consider talking to a car accident lawyer before moving forward.
Factors That Will Determine How Much You Can Sue For
The first thing that an attorney will consider when determining how much to sue for is your total damages. This refers to all the losses that you’ve encountered or that the accident has caused.
Damages from a car accident can either be economic or non-economic. In the first category, damages include all the costs that can be quantified and were caused by the crash. Common examples of economic damages you can sue for include medical bills, both present and future, rehabilitation costs, medication, and so on. Others include loss of the ability to earn a living, lost wages when recovering, and property damage.
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, make up the unquantifiable losses that the wreck has caused. Being a traumatic event, a car accident is bound to leave emotional and psychological distress on a victim. Other non-economic damages you can sue for include physical pain, reduced quality of life, lost affection, disfigurement, among others.
Maximizing Your Amount of Compensation
Unfortunately, most victims don’t understand the car accident claims process, and most importantly, factors that can affect their settlement amount in the long run. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of settlement possible for your case:
- Contacting the police to file a report after the accident
- Filing a police report in case the law enforcement don’t respond to the scene
- Seeking medical evaluation immediately after the crash
- Obtaining and keeping copies of the doctor’s report and bills
- Consulting a professional for legal guidance
- Not signing off your rights on the insurance company’s first offer
- Filing a car accident claim as early as possible
Get in Touch with a Car Accident Lawyer
When you’re filing a car accident claim, it’s crucial to know exactly how much compensation you should be asking for. The damages resulting from a road crash, including medical bills, property damage, and lost income can take a toll on you and your loved ones. Receiving a sufficient settlement will take this financial burden off as you focus on getting your life back on track.
Call Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. at 214-665-6930 or fill our contact form to get started with the help of a car accident attorney.
