Factors that Rockford Car Accident Attorneys Consider When Calculating a Claim’s Value
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, you may have some questions. These questions include the amount of compensation you may be able to recover for your injuries and damages. To answer this question, it is important to understand your case. A reliable Rockford auto accident lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether or not you have a solid claim. Then, they will consider different factors when calculating the value of your claim.
When your attorney calculates your claim, they take into account all your damages and expenses. Although this includes losses such as medical bills and lost wages, it can also include your psychological trauma, ongoing therapy, and the effect of the crash on your life enjoyment. The factors that must be considered to determine the worth of your claim include the following:
The Extent of Your Injuries
More serious injuries will require more extensive medical attention, which means more substantial medical bills. Also, these injuries can increase other kinds of expenses like rehabilitation and their impacts on your work and career. For instance, you cannot continue to take the same job position due to your injuries and this impacts your income, you can recover compensation that covers this long-term income loss.
The Damages You Suffer
The severity of your accident-related injuries also affects your other losses. You may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering and emotional distress. While these damages do not represent a financial burden, they can seriously impact your quality of life for a long time or even forever.
The Circumstances of the Crash
Sometimes, the accident’s circumstances can impact the amount of compensation you may recover. If the actions of the other driver were reckless or malicious, you can pursue compensation for punitive damages. These damages can punish the at-fault driver and demonstrate that the courts do not take such actions lightly.
What If You Contributed to the Crash?
The total amount of compensation you may get can change depending on your percentage of fault. The state of Illinois adopts the standard called modified comparative negligence. Under this standard, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for a car accident. For instance, if you were found to be 50% at fault for the crash and the cost of your damages is $100, 000, you can only get $50, 000 when approved. Your attorney can explain this to you when they evaluate your case and calculate your possible compensation.
