If you have been hit at a red light by another vehicle, you have most likely suffered a variety of damages. Some of these damages could be serious. You can pursue a personal injury claim against the other party, so you can recoup compensation for your losses.
There are various damages that you might suffer. So, the value of your personal injury claim could vary significantly. There is no average settlement for being hit at a red light. There are several factors that come into play when determining the value of your accident injury claim.
Determining the Damages Suffered
If you were hit at a red light, you could suffer various damages. Those damages might include property damages, medical expenses (both past and future), lost wages (both past and future), pain and suffering, mental trauma and mental anguish, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring, disabilities, and so forth. All your damages must be considered to come up with an overall value for your personal injury claim.
Calculating a Value For Your Personal Injury Claim
All your medical expenses will be added up. Then, depending on the nature and severity of your injuries from the crash, that total will be multiplied by 1.5 to 5. As an example, an injury such as a slight concussion or whiplash will not warrant multiplication by the same number that a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury with lasting affects would.
A broken arm might warrant the total being multiplied by 3 while whiplash might warrant the total being multiplied by 2. After the multiplication is done, you will add the total lost wages on top of the figure. The total should always be higher than what you are willing to settle for, since there should be room for negotiations.
Claims Handled On a Case By Case Basis
If you are hit at a red light, your settlement will be handled on the individual basis. Not all accidents are the same. Your red light accident claim could vary significantly from another accident at a red light.
You should always get an accident report completed by local law enforcement. The officer will conduct a preliminary investigation and determine who was at fault for the crash. You will need to keep a copy of the accident report.
You will need to keep all documentation to support your personal injury claim. This means copies of medical bills, medical records, receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, estimates for repairing your vehicle, and documentation showing lost wages and missed work.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have been involved in a traffic accident at a red light, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney will aggressively pursue your claim to ensure you are treated fairly and your rights are protected. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page to have your details reviewed by an accident injury lawyer in your area.
