If you get into a car accident, you may suffer from serious injuries, expensive medical bills and inconvenient property damage. In San Antonio, you have the right to seek financial compensation for these losses from the person or party at fault for the collision. Understanding the potential value of your case can ensure that you do not accept less than you deserve. Remember that a car accident attorney in San Antonio can assist you with this.
Types of Damages Available
Determining case value begins with identifying all of your compensable losses in connection to the automobile accident. You could qualify for a financial recovery of all tangible and intangible losses you suffered due to the crash.
Texas damages law allows an accident victim to recover three main categories of damages:
- Economic damages: financial or monetary losses suffered because of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, lost capacity to earn, disability costs and property repairs.
- Noneconomic damages: any losses suffered that are not financial, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of consortium and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Exemplary damages: an additional amount sometimes awarded to punish a defendant for fraud, malice or gross negligence.
Economic damages can be calculated by adding up all of the victim’s expenses, such as medical bills and property repair estimates. Noneconomic damages are more difficult to calculate since they are intangible and are generally based on how much the victim’s injuries have affected his or her life.
What Factors Impact Case Value?
Every car accident case is entirely unique in terms of value due to the number of factors that can affect worth. Some case results are in the thousands while other car accident victims receive six-figure and seven-figure outcomes.
Case values can change according to the following factors:
- The gravity of the victim’s injuries
- The length of time it will take the victim to recover
- The cost of the victim’s medical care
- Any future foreseeable health care expenses
- The victim’s age and overall health
- The number of defendants or liable parties
- The insurance coverage available
In general, car accident cases involving catastrophic injuries or deaths involve greater damages suffered by the plaintiff; therefore, these clients tend to receive more financial compensation. However, many factors are considered when making a settlement or verdict determination.
How to Maximize Your Financial Recovery
If you get into a car accident, do not admit fault. Get immediate medical care for any injuries. Do not discuss your injuries with the police or an insurance company until you have seen a doctor. Keep up with your doctor’s treatment recommendations. When speaking to insurance claims adjusters, do not give a recorded statement and do not accept the very first settlement offer.
It is critical not to settle your car accident claim with an insurance company until you have spoken to an attorney and understand the true value of your case. Hiring an attorney to represent you is the most effective way to improve the outcome of your case. Your San Antonio personal injury lawyer will prevent an insurer from taking advantage of you during settlement negotiations and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
To discuss the potential value of your car accident claim with an experienced attorney, contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys at (210) 361-7351.