The Value of a Car Accident Claim
There is no reliable average value for a car accident case because compensation depends on the individual facts. Two crashes that look similar can produce very different claims depending on the injuries, medical treatment, insurance coverage, lost income and long-term effects on the people involved.
A claim may include economic losses such as reasonable medical expenses, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity and certain out-of-pocket costs. Depending on the circumstances and applicable Pennsylvania motor vehicle insurance rules, compensation may also be sought for non-economic harm such as pain, suffering and loss of life’s pleasures.
Factors That Affect Accident Compensation
Pennsylvania uses a modified comparative negligence system, so a claimant’s share of responsibility can affect recovery. Available insurance coverage can also limit what you can collect, although additional policies or responsible parties may sometimes exist.
Be wary of online settlement calculators. They cannot assess medical evidence, disputed fault, policy terms, future care or the credibility of the evidence. An early insurer offer may also arrive before the full impact of an injury is known.
Estimating a Car Accident Claim
Insurers often make settlement offers early on, but it’s important to avoid accepting them before the full extent of your injuries is clear. Meaningful estimates require in-depth investigations and can only be provided once your true medical condition is known.
Your Pennsylvania car accident lawyer will thoroughly examine all of the available evidence before discussing a potential range. No lawyer can guarantee a specific settlement sum, but a skilled attorney can identify all of the factors impacting your claim and negotiate for the highest possible recovery.