Figuring out the value of your personal injury claim is crucial to how you proceed with your legal case. After all, the defense will likely approach you with a settlement offer that might seem great but after consideration of your needs falls well short of what you deserve. You don’t want to be tricked into accepting a settlement that falls short of what you need. So before entering the legal arena, you have to gain a clear understanding of the true extent of the harm that’s been caused to you. Only then will you know how to develop your legal strategy.
But how do you know what your claim is worth? It’s a good question that requires thoughtful consideration. Let’s look at how you can analyze the facts of your case to get a better idea of the compensation that may be recoverable from your claim.
How to determine what your car accident claim is worth
There are several types of damages that you’ll need to assess to figure out the true value of your personal injury claim. Therefore, be comprehensive as you analyze the harm that’s been caused to you. Here are some losses to keep in mind as you work to calculate the extent of your damages:
- Medical expenses: This seems obvious but be sure to track all of your medical expenses. Obtaining your medical treatment and billing records can be helpful here, but you also don’t want to overlook the cost of your anticipated care, as these expenses can also be recoverable in your case. To figure out the cost of your future medical care, you’ll probably have to talk to your doctor and secure their opinion about what sort of treatment and care you’ll need moving forward.
- Lost wages: Again, figuring out the income you’ve already lost can be easy enough. You simply have to look at your pay stubs before you were knocked out of work and do the math in light of how much work you’ve missed. But your anticipated lost wages and lost earnings capacity can be significant, too, which is why you have to take these losses into consideration. A medical professional and an expert in your line of work may be able to help you assess how your injuries will negatively impact your ability to work and advance in your career, which should give you an idea of the extent of these losses.
- Tangential expenses: You’ve probably incurred other expenses as a result of your accident. For example, if you had to purchase crutches, a wheelchair or other items related to your recovery, then you should be compensated for those expenses. So, be sure to retain any receipts you have for these tangential expenses.
- Non-economic losses: Your accident injuries have probably negatively impacted your ability to live a normal life and enjoy the activities that you love. You may have experienced pain and suffering, and your accident might have left you with psychological trauma. All of these issues are compensable if you can show them after establishing liability. So, keep a journal that details how your injuries have affected your life, and have witnesses ready to testify to how your accident has changed your ability to live the life you want for yourself.
Fight to recover the compensation you deserve
A personal injury lawsuit gives you the ability to advocate for the compensation necessary to allow you to focus on your recovery and get back on your feet. But to secure the outcome you want, you have to be aggressive and fully prepared heading into your case. So, if you’re ready to fight for what you deserve, then now is the time to start building your case.