What Factors Determine the Amount of Compensation After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries, hospital visits and property damage in Pennsylvania. Recovering from a car crash may require financial compensation to help the victim pay for past and future losses and move forward. Knowing what factors affect the compensation awarded in a car accident case can give you an idea of your case’s value as a victim.
Injury Severity
While a range of factors can influence the value of a car accident claim in Pennsylvania, the most significant is injury severity. Serious, catastrophic or permanent injuries inflict a greater level of damage on the victim than mild to moderate injuries. They require more medical care, cause greater pain and suffering, and lead to longer-lasting repercussions. According to Pittsburgh injury lawyers, victims with severe injuries are more likely to qualify for greater amounts of compensation.
Future Medical Needs
Injury severity also translates into necessary medical care. Medical costs can grow into the millions of dollars over the years for a debilitating injury or permanent disability. These costs may include ongoing care, treatments, surgeries, testing and x-rays, prescription medications, medical devices, therapies, and rehabilitation. If a victim needs future foreseeable medical care, this can increase the value of his or her car accident claim.
Amount of Income Lost
Serious car accidents in Pennsylvania can take the victim out of work temporarily or permanently. Most victims need to take at least some time off of work to deal with their injuries, medical care or vehicle repairs. For others, the leave may take longer to recover from severe injuries.
If a victim suffers a disability that interferes with his or her ability to perform a job, this could result in a lifetime of lost earning opportunities. An individual’s income prior to the car accident, the number of days taken off of work and his or her earning ability after the crash can all affect the amount of compensation awarded in lost wages in a car accident case.
Level of Property Damage
Car accident victims in Pennsylvania are eligible for financial compensation to pay for their motor vehicle repairs or replacements. The market value of the car prior to the crash can influence this portion of a car accident settlement. For example, a newer vehicle or one with aftermarket modifications may require greater compensation to repair or restore.
Degree of Pain and Suffering
“Pain and suffering,” also known as noneconomic damages, are subjective. Unlike economic damages, they are not calculated using hard numbers or bills. They are based on the gravity of the victim’s injuries and how greatly they impact the victim’s quality of life.
If a car accident takes a significant toll on the victim’s physical and psychological well-being – such as psychological trauma, emotional distress, depression, anxiety or chronic pain – the victim could qualify for a greater amount in pain and suffering damages.
Legal Representation
Retaining highly skilled representation for a Pittsburgh car accident claim can increase your chances of recovering fair and full financial compensation. Your lawyer can take over negotiations with an insurance company to argue for a fair settlement. If necessary, your lawyer can represent you in court to fight for maximum compensation. A lawyer will provide the most effective representation possible to achieve the financial recovery you deserve.