If you have suffered injuries in an accident, you have various damages of both an economic and non-economic nature. You can pursue a personal injury claim against the liable party to recoup compensation for your damages.
While many people pursue a personal injury claim on their own without legal representation, there are many disadvantages by using that approach. Enlisting the help of a personal injury lawyer is very beneficial and highly recommended.
Pursuing A Personal Injury Claim Without An Attorney
Insurance companies are in business to make money and not spend it. To have a successful personal injury claim, you will need to prove that the other party acted negligently and that they are responsible for your damages. An attorney can easily prove this by gathering supporting documentation and evidence.
A lawyer is also skilled in negotiations, so he or she can pursue a fair settlement from the insurance carrier of the liable party. Your odds of a fair claim increase significantly with a lawyer representing you.
How An Attorney Can Help With Your Personal Injury Claim
A personal injury attorney is familiar with handling insurance negotiations and with determining a fair claim amount. The lawyer will calculate all your losses – both economic and non-economic, then he or she will determine how much you should receive to cover your losses.
With an attorney, you are much more likely to get more compensation and be treated more fairly. An accident injury lawyer will also be able to determine future losses, such as future lost wages and future medical expenses necessary because of your accident.
Common Damages Suffered In An Accident
There are many damages that you might suffer in an accident.
Here are some of the more common damages claimed in such situations:
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages – past and future
- Property damages
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
Determining a fair value for your pain and suffering can be challenging, since there is no set dollar amount. Pain and suffering claims value from one accident to another. The severity of the injuries and the amount of the medical expenses are used to determine which multiplier should be used.
Usually, the medical expenses are added up and then multiplied by a number ranging from 1 to 5. Of course, a more serious injury, such as a brain injury or spinal injury will warrant a higher multiplier than a soft tissue injury, such as whiplash.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in an accident, consult with a personal injury attorney before you try to pursue a personal injury claim on your own.
Personal injury claims are challenging, and you want to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries because you will have medical expenses to cover and you will face lost wages.
Get your free case review today, so you can determine the best way to proceed with your accident injury claim.
