If you were hit by a drunk driver, you might be wondering what kind of settlement you can expect from a personal injury claim. You should consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure your rights are protected.
Your lawyer will help guide you through the entire claims process, ensuring all documentation is maintained and ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your damages from the crash caused by the drunk driver. Not all accidents caused by drunk drivers are the same, so there is no predetermined amount as to how much you could receive in a settlement for a crash caused when you were hit by a drunk driver.
Determining Your Damages
The severity of your injuries plays a major role in determining your damages. Of course, a more serious injury is going to lead to more medical bills and the need for greater compensation.
The total of your medical bills is multiplied by a number ranging from 1 to 5 – based on the severity of your injuries, to come up with a fair dollar amount for your pain and suffering. For example, if you suffer from whiplash and have $3,000 of medical bills, that figure will most likely be multiplied by a lower number, such as 1.5 or 2.
If you have suffered a broken pelvis and have $16,000 in medical bills, that figure will most likely be multiplied by a 4 or 5 because of the longevity of the healing process and the need for future medical care. There are several different damages that you might suffer from such an accident.
Here are some common damages claimed in a personal injury claim after having been hit by a drunk driver:
- Medical expenses – past and future
- Lost wages – past and future
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish or trauma
- Loss of consortium
- Damages to property
- Permanent disfigurement or scarring
- Disabilities
Your personal injury attorney will help you gather up the documentation and evidence to support your claim and calculate a fair settlement for your damages. Without a personal injury attorney, you are much less likely to get fairly compensated for your damages. An attorney is experienced in negotiating with auto insurance and can determine the value of your claim based on the severity of your injuries, what transpired, and the total of your economic losses.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
With the help of a personal injury attorney, you could increase the likelihood of a fair settlement after being hit by a drunk driver. There is no set settlement for such claims, but there are several factors that affect the value of your claim.
Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today, so an attorney who practices accident injury law in your area can review the details of your case and help you get your claim on track.
