Forget What You Think You Know About Evaluating Case Value
Challenging an insurance company for a personal injury claim can be a tedious task.
However, when a legal professional thoroughly informs you of your rights and provides the right legal assistance, you’ve won half the battle.
Insurance companies settle claims based on many factors. Claim value varies greatly from case to case, even when circumstances appear to be similar.
Clients often start by asking, What is my case worth?
This question arises frequently during free consultations.
Nevertheless, while free consultations do make way for communication between a client and a personal injury lawyer, some attorneys abuse this opportunity by tricking clients with false promises.
They may even take advantage of commonly held misconceptions about case value.
Some common misconceptions are that:
- Insurance companies will pay a hefty sum of money for small injuries sustained by the person who was not at fault.
- Medical bills determine the value of a case, and they are usually two to three times the medical bills.
- Insurance companies also pay for the annoyance and hassle caused to clients because of the process.
Since most people have false assumptions about evaluating the value of a case or personal injury claim, you’re probably wondering what insurance companies actually use to determine how much a case is worth.
The Truth About Case Evaluation and Claim Value
Insurance adjusters and personal injury attorneys consider the factors discussed below when negotiating the value of a case.
Each circumstance is different, but understanding these factors and how they affect your case value can help you avoid being fooled by false promises.
Additionally, you can develop realistic expectations regarding your Atlanta personal injury claim.
Extent of Damages
Your injuries have a large impact on how much money the insurance company will award you.
Accident victims who need extensive medical treatment and suffer from severe injuries usually mean they will receive more money during the settlement process.
Insurance adjusters do a lot of research on verdicts and diagnoses.
Moreover, they look for ways to minimize a victim’s injuries and, therefore, reduce the amount they offer from medical expenses.
Visible injuries, especially those resulting in permanent scarring or loss of mobility, typically receive a high claim value.
Conversely, most insurance companies will minimize soft-tissue injuries.
Of course, everyone involved in the insurance business is looking to save money without violating any laws.
Damages also include damage done to vehicles or other property.
Often, insurance companies try to make a connection between the damage done to the vehicle and the bodily injuries caused to the person(s).
Therefore, if there is barely a scratch on the vehicle, an insurance company will often minimize any physical pain and injuries sustained and not offer a fair settlement for the victim’s medical expenses.
The Client’s Personality
A client’s personality matters a lot, especially when a case goes to jury trial.
When 12 jurors who sit and listen to all the proceedings are sufficiently impressed by your personality, find you likable, and do not feel like you are trying to abuse the system, they often award a more fair settlement amount.
On the other hand, if they are not impressed, especially if they have a reason to believe that you sustained only minor injuries or have an air of entitlement, they may not award the desired accident settlement amount.
Remember, jurors are people who decide every day about the condition of a fellow citizen.
We all like responsible citizens in our locality or state, and jurors are no different.
Moreover, they try to gauge the sense of responsibility in a citizen, and if convinced that you are indeed a law-abiding and responsible citizen, the jury will favor you.
When speaking to them, be patient and explain the details of your auto accident in the most appropriate manner.
Venue of Court Proceedings
The venue where the case will be tried also affects the outcome of the verdict.
A jury considers a variety of factors when making the judgment.
The amount of money awarded also differs from jury to jury for the same case.
Hence, it is important to know where to fight your case unless you are bound to a certain county.
The Amount of Liability Insurance
The money a client receives from insurance claims largely depends on the at-fault driver’s liability insurance coverage.
Thus, when coverage is small, the plaintiff may find it difficult to get fair compensation.
For example, Georgia drivers must carry minimum coverage of $25k per person and $50 per accident.
However, when damages exceed $25k or those of all involved persons exceed $50k, the minimum coverage is insufficient for the claim value.
Although there may be other means of recovery, what the insurance company pays will be limited.
If the case goes to trial, the same problem can arise.
Obtaining the required compensation beyond what the policy covers for the damages caused is difficult when the at-fault party does not have any property to their name.
In such a case, most lawyers will not want to handle your case unless you pay a fixed fee, irrespective of the claim money awarded to you.
Common Types of Damages You May Be Entitled To
Crash victims may be entitled to any of the following damages depending on the severity of injuries that were sustained during the accident.
Economic Losses
- Medical Care
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses Related to the Accident
- Ongoing Treatment Expenses
- Diagnostic Tests
- Hospital Stays
- Transportation Costs
- Property Damages
- Lost Wages
Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Emotional Damages
- Punitive Damages
Attorney Representation
An experienced attorney who understands these factors and is honest with you about case potential and your claim value is a huge asset when seeking compensation.
Insurance companies often pay out more on a case when an attorney is involved, especially if they feel like they may be taken to court.
The Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines has a team of highly reputable personal injury lawyers.
Our accident attorneys have the experience to fight for your legal rights and help you get the maximum compensation for your medical bills, property damage, and any emotional distress the accident may have caused.
The reputation of our law firm itself is an assurance that you will receive the legal representation you need from one of our experienced lawyers.
When you schedule your initial consultation at our law firm, you can discuss the details of your case with an expert accident lawyer, who will help you throughout the legal process and determine if there is strong evidence to support your personal injury lawsuit.
We will be more than happy to assist with your accident injury claim during this challenging time.
If you were involved in a motor vehicle collision, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm to assist with the claim process right away.
If you want to receive the auto accident settlement that you deserve, click on the link below to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer today.
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