In the aftermath of a car accident, victims need to know how much their claim is worth. Car accident victims are often overwhelmed, dealing with injuries, and worried about getting their vehicle fixed. Various factors can affect the amount a person receives from a car accident settlement. Understanding these factors and how they impact your claim is important.
What factors can increase my case value?
The insurance adjuster for the at-fault driver will be working to lower any settlement amount they payout on your behalf. By keeping the following factors in mind, and by working with a Philadelphia car accident attorney, you can maximize your claim.
- Your statements. You have to be very important and every statement you make about your car accident. Consistency in the statements you make to the police, the insurance carrier, your doctor, and anyone else is vital. This strengthens your credibility as a witness and can increase your settlement. Do not agree to give any recorded statements to insurance carriers without speaking to an experienced Philadelphia car accident attorney first.
- Evidence of negligence. Securing evidence that the other driver was at fault is vital. The more evidence there is that the other driver was negligent, the more likely you are to receive a higher settlement amount. If there is a little dispute that the other driver was impaired or distracted while driving, or was clearly negligent in another way, their insurance adjuster will have few opportunities to dispute your claim. However, if you are determined to be partially responsible for the accident, you may receive less and a settlement. Your attorney will work to obtain all evidence from the scene of the crash, including police reports, photo and video surveillance, eyewitness statements, and more.
- Severity of your injuries. A large part of your settlement will revolve around covering any medical bills you sustain. The more severe your injuries are, the higher your settlement will likely be. This is why it is vital that you seek medical attention as soon as an accident occurs and that you continue to follow your doctor’s orders until you have fully recovered.
What things can I recover damages for in my car accident claim?
Various types of economic and non-economic damages can be recovered in a car accident. This can include the following:
- Your medical expenses related to the car accident
- Any income you lost if you could not work
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Possible punitive damages against those responsible
Your ability to recover certain types of damages will also revolve around whether you have chosen no-fault or fault insurance coverage, both of which are options in Pennsylvania. Typically, those who choose a fault-based insurance plan are able to recover more compensation, though they will be going through the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier to secure the damages. Those who choose no-fault coverage recover compensation through their personal insurance carrier and can typically only recover medical expenses and lost income.
Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices today
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a Philadelphia car accident, seek legal assistance today. At the Ciccarelli Law Offices, our qualified and experienced team is ready to get to work investigating your case so we can secure the compensation you are entitled to. You can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling (215) 228-0100