How Much is My Car Accident Claim Worth?

March 25, 2020 | Car Accident

In the aftermath of a car accident, it is important for an injured party to understand how much compensation they may receive for the incident. Every car accident case is different, and the total amount of compensation a car accident victim receives will depend on various factors related to their particular case.

You May be Able to Recover Various Types of Compensation

There are various types of compensation the car accident victim may be entitled to. This can include both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages can include a car accident victim’s medical bills, lost income if they cannot work while recovering, lost earning capacity, as well as any household expenses that need to be paid for while a victim is recovering (household chores, shopping, lawn work, etc.). These damages will be calculated using bills from health care professionals, pay stubs and W2(s), as well as proof of household expenses.

Non-Economic Damages

This refers to damages that are not as easy to calculate because they refer to the physical and emotional pain and suffering that car accident victim experiences in the aftermath of the incident. This can include a victim’s emotional and psychological trauma such as anxiety, stress, depression, trouble sleeping, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The total amount of compensation a car accident victim receives will depend on various factors. This will include the total medical bills a victim incurs until they reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), how much time they miss from work, and the amount of pain and suffering they prove they have endured. Economic damages can be calculated using bills and receipts. However, non-economic damages are typically calculated by taking the total economic damages and multiplying them by a certain number (usually 1.5 to 5).

Are Limitations in Place for Damages in West Virginia?

Many states place damage caps on personal injury compensation amounts. In West Virginia, there are no caps on the amount of money a person can recover for economic or non-economic damages in the aftermath of a car accident case.

How an Attorney can help Maximize Your Car Accident Claim

Most car accident injury victims do not have the legal experience or resources necessary to take on major insurance carriers to recover maximum compensation. Your attorney will level the playing field and advocate on your behalf. A skilled car accident attorney will be responsible for handling every aspect of your case, including:

  • Gathering all evidence relevant to the incident, which can include any photographs taken at the scene of the crash, video surveillance from any nearby cameras, eyewitness statements, and the police report.
  • Working with trusted medical professionals to ensure you are properly cared for and that your medical expenses are calculated correctly.
  • Negotiating with every party involved, including the insurance carriers, to obtain a settlement that covers all of your accident-related expenses.

Contact Us Today

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a car accident, seek legal assistance immediately. At Manchin Ferretti Injury Law, we pledge to investigate every aspect of your car accident and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. When you need an attorney for a car accident case in Martinsburg, WV, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case online or by calling (304) 944-0577.