"How much is my car accident injury claim worth?"
The answer to this question could affect you for the rest of your life. If you don't receive an appropriate settlement after an auto collision, you can find yourself in hardship that changes the trajectory of your finances.
For example, NPR Illinois reported about a man whose injuries cost over $700,000, even with personal injury coverage. You don't want to find yourself in the same circumstances after a car crash, so it's natural to worry about the damages a court can award you.
Every case is different, and there's no guarantee of gaining anything from a lawsuit. With that said, it's worth your time to consider current legislation and recent precedents. Continue reading to find out how both these critical factors can affect the value of your claim.
The Cost and Frequency of Accidents
You probably know several people who needed a car accident attorney in the past. The unfortunate truth is that these types of incidents are common in Illinois. Data from the Department of Transportation reports 94,164 injuries due to motor vehicle accidents in 2018 alone.
According to the same report, the average cost for a non-incapacitating event is $28,970. A collision that results in a fatality can reach $1,727,100.
$28,970 to $1,727,100 is a wide range, and you have to consider pain and suffering as well. While some states have caps on how much a jury can award, Illinois does not limit economic or non-economic damages. You may want to ask an attorney during your free consultation about how much they've seen from similar cases recently.
Start with Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Setting expectations for yourself begins with calculating your economic damages. This list should include the tangible costs suffered in lost income, medical bills, and property damage. Out-of-pocket expenses, mileage, and time off work to handle injury-related tasks should be on that list as well.
If your lawsuit goes to trial, a jury decides how much you've suffered in non-economic damages. Your grief, pain, and lessened quality of life get taken into account. In a settlement with an individual or insurance company, they may outline how much they're paying for this type of injury.
You may hear your car accident lawyer reference economic and non-economic damages during a consultation. Knowing the difference between the two can give you more confidence in the amount you could receive in a settlement.
So, How Much Is My Car Accident Injury Claim Worth Again?
If you're still asking yourself, "How much is my car accident injury claim worth," that's completely understandable. Anyone who tells you they know exactly how much your case is worth is not telling you the truth. The value of a case depends on the cost of the injuries and the value placed on your suffering.
You shouldn't go through a car accident lawsuit without proper legal representation. Sign up today for a free case evaluation, and one of our dedicated and empathetic team members will contact you. If you want to speak to someone right away, give us a call.
