After an Atlanta car accident, you want the responsible party to give you fair compensation for the damages they did to you and your car. However, calculating fair compensation can be challenging. Estimating some damages, such as future medical expenses, can be hard. Other damages such as emotional anguish can be subjective, depending on the person you are talking to. Plus, fault for the crash may not be clear.
These factors and others can make it hard and frustrating to calculate a car accident settlement. And the at-fault party’s insurer will take advantage of your inexperience. This is the reason you need a Car accident attorney in Atlanta who knows how to calculate the worth of your case and help you maximize your compensation.
How to Calculate a Settlement
Settlements for car accident cases can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Every case is different because of varying circumstances, facts, and the nature of injuries. The amount of settlement you may deserve depends on some factors. But your attorney will make sure you don’t miss any details that could help you get the reasonable settlement you are entitled to. Also, they can save you from devaluing or overvaluing your claim, which might risk delays or denials. They can identify possible sources of coverage and calculate all the damages.
Kinds of Damages You Can Pursue
Calculating your car accident claim’s value involves considering the kinds of damages you are eligible to get. These damages include the following:
- Economic damages. These damages are easy to calculate since they can be assigned a dollar value. They include medical bills, lost wages, and property damage costs. Present and past economic damages can be calculated by adding up the cost of such bills and expenses. But for future medical costs and lost earning potential, your lawyer may need to work with financial experts, doctors, and expert witnesses to come up with accurate estimates.
- Economic damages. These damages include pain and suffering, disability, loss of life enjoyment, loss of companionship, disfigurement, and emotional distress. Your attorney will again work with experts to help them calculate these damages.
- Punitive damages. These damages are often awarded when cases involve gross negligence. They are meant to punish the defendant for their negligent actions, so they don’t do the same in the future. These damages are rarely awarded since proving gross negligence is difficult. Your lawyer can help determine if these damages apply to your case.