How Much Is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

Recovering from car accident injuries is both physically draining and emotionally taxing. With so much on your plate, it’s natural to wonder whether taking action against those who were responsible for the wreck is even worth it. You have enough to worry about, after all, without having to navigate complex legal proceedings.

While there’s no way to guarantee any given claim will yield compensation, a knowledgeable personal injury attorney can let you know whether pursuing a payout has the potential to be worthwhile. After evaluating the circumstances surrounding the crash and the facts of the case, your lawyer will explain how much your claim could be worth.

Let’s take a look at the kinds of factors that can influence the value of a car accident action:

1. The Extent of Your Injuries

Medical expenses make up a significant portion of all personal injury payouts. Since more severe injuries cost more to rehabilitate, the extent of your condition will have a major impact on the value of your claim.

In the state of Florida, medical expenses that can be recovered include:

• Ambulance fees;
• Hospital bills;
• The cost of home care;
• The cost of mobility aids;
• The cost of prescription medication; and
• The cost of any future surgeries the patient will likely need.

2. Whether You’re Able to Return to Work

If you’re unable to work while recovering, you can include the wages you lose in the settlement negotiations. Should you also be unable to work upon reaching maximum medical improvement, you can seek compensation for lost earning capacity, as well. Naturally, this could increase the value of your claim considerably, especially if you anticipated working for another decade or more before retiring.

3. How Much You Contributed to the Crash

Under Florida’s pure comparative fault rule, the amount a plaintiff is entitled to recover must be reduced by their own percentage of liability. That means if you played a role in the wreck, your claim won’t be worth as much. As long as you can pin at least some blame onto another party, though, it may still be worth taking action.

4. The Total Available Insurance Coverage

While the liable party’s insurance coverage technically won’t influence the value of your claim, it could limit how much compensation you end up securing. Even if you can demonstrate $60,000 in damages after exhausting your own PIP coverage, for example, you may only be able to get $50,000 if that’s all the carrier is obligated to pay under the terms of the policy.

Speak with a Florida Car Accident Attorney

If you were hurt in a wreck and you’re thinking about putting together a personal injury claim, turn to Emerson Strawfor help. With the resources of a powerhouse practice, our team remains committed to providing the personalized and attentive counsel of a small, local firm. Call (727) 821-1500 or fill out our Online Contact Form to set up a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Florida.