How Much Should You Expect From A Car Crash Settlement?

Posted on: 3 February 2023

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Motorists driving on roads with lots of traffic congestion are at a higher risk of collisions. This is more so if other drivers do not observe all traffic rules. If a careless driver hits your car and injures you, they should compensate you for the losses you suffer from the accident. However, your compensation will depend on several factors, including the ones discussed below.

Your Out-of-Pocket Expenses

Seeking compensation from insurance companies sometimes takes time. For this reason, you may have to pay for collision-related expenses from your pocket as you wait for the insurance company to compensate you. For example, you might have to pay for your vehicle's towing, storage, and repair costs. You may also rent a car when your vehicle is under repair or spend money on other transportation costs. Additionally, you may need to cover some medical expenses or buy medical equipment. It's worth noting that the at-fault party's insurer should reimburse all the money you spend on crash-related expenses before receiving your compensation. However, they might refuse to do this, claiming that some expenses are unreasonable, unnecessary, or unrelated to your claim. When this happens, hire a lawyer to help you get back all the money you spent. 

Your Own Mistakes

The mistakes you make after a collision can damage your claim and make you get a lower compensation than you deserve. For instance, delaying getting medical treatment can make the liable party dispute the cause of your injuries. In addition, what you post on your socials when your case is pending can hurt your lawsuit. For example, if you write or post pictures that suggest you are okay, insurers can use them as evidence to reduce your compensation. The best way to avoid such mistakes is by working with an attorney. If you do this, they will advise you on measures to avoid destroying your case. 

Your Earnings Before the Collision

The amount you receive from a car crash settlement should also cover all your losses, including lost earnings. Therefore, if you earned a high income before the crash, you should receive higher compensation from the liable party. Your lawyer can get financial experts to help you calculate the earnings you will lose as you recover to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Apart from the factors above, other issues may also determine the payment you will get after a collision. Therefore, discuss your case with a car accident attorney to get an estimate of the payment you might get when you file a claim.

Reach out to a local car wreck lawyer for more information.