Each time you get inside a vehicle and drive or ride with someone, you take on the risk of getting in an accident. Unfortunately, many car accidents leave people with permanent injuries.
If you have a permanent injury from a recent car accident, you probably already know there is not enough money in the world to compensate you for this. However, receiving a large settlement can help you get by and pay for things such as expensive medical bills. If you are wondering how much a permanent injury from a car accident is worth, here are several things to know.
What are the Common Types of Permanent Injuries from Car Accidents?
Every car accident situation is different, and there are times when people do not get injured at all. However, there are also times when people sustain lifelong injuries. Here are some common ones that occur from car accidents:
Brain Injuries
Any injury to the brain can result in permanent damage, and it is hard for doctors to know the extent of the damage right away. It often takes months or years to determine this.
Neck and Back Injuries
Trauma that occurs to the back or neck can also result in permanent damage. These injuries can lead to lifelong pain and mobility issues, and they also cause paralysis in some cases.
Broken Bones
People also experience broken bones in accidents, and this can affect a person's ability to work. For example, if a surgeon broke his arm in a car accident, he may never be able to operate again, simply because his hand might not work properly after the break.
Any type of injury that leaves you with permanent damage can affect vital aspects of the rest of your life. While money cannot compensate for the changes you will go through from this, it can help you live more comfortably with your new lifestyle.
How Much Is Your Case Worth?
When attorneys settle cases, one of the first things they do is prove fault. If the other party involved in the crash is responsible for the crash, that person's insurance company will have to pay your damages. After proving fault, your lawyer may use a formula to calculate the settlement amount he or she will ask for.
Here are several factors that affect the amount a person receives for their settlement.
The Severity of Injuries
Anytime a person incurs a lifelong injury, he or she will automatically receive a larger settlement amount. Courts typically award larger amounts for permanent injuries, simply because permanent injuries will affect a person's financial situation and overall wellbeing for the rest of their life, rather than just a few weeks or months.
Loss of Income
Courts also factor in loss of income when calculating settlements. A person who, prior to the accident, had a high income is likely to receive a larger settlement to compensate for the loss of income he or she will now experience.
Emotional Trauma
The other factor that is worth a lot in personal injury cases is emotional trauma. If you experienced any type of suffering or trauma from the accident, tell your lawyer. Keeping a journal that documents the pain and trauma you experience as a result of the accident is a great way to prove these things in court.
Because every case is unique, it is not always possible to accurately predict how much compensation the judge will award you. However, your lawyer can help you learn more about what your case is likely to be worth.
Dealing with permanent injuries is something no one should ever go through, yet this happens to many people. If you would like to find out how to proceed with your case, schedule a visit with the Law Offices of Janice Maloney.
