Were you recently injured in an Atlanta car accident? If so, you may wonder what your case is worth and what amount of compensation you can receive.

Determining the value of a car accident can be complex. Because of this, it is smart to contact our Atlanta car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines. We can review the facts of your case and work to help you secure a fair value for your injuries and damages.

You can also learn more about the factors considered when determining the value of an Atlanta car accident claim here.

Do Not Believe What You See on Television

You have likely seen several commercials on television from attorneys in and around Atlanta showcasing “clients” who claim to have received a huge settlement after a car accident. The goal of these commercials is to get your business. However, there is no such thing as a “golden ticket,” and the value of every car accident varies greatly.

Because of this, you should not believe what you see on television. While some people have secured large settlements for car accidents in the past, this does not mean your case will have the same results.

Having an attorney represent your interests can ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation possible for your claim. Also, our law firm can help you understand the true value of your case based on your injuries and damages.

Factors That Impact the Value of Your Atlanta Car Accident

Because so many factors go into determining the value of a car accident claim, it is not possible to provide an “estimate” of what your case may be worth.

Insurance companies and lawyers will consider several things when researching your case. They will also look at prior case results that are similar to yours to see what was awarded.

Some of the factors considered when determining a value for an Atlanta car accident include the following:

  • The insurance amount you can receive
  • How severe the accident was
  • How soon you received medical treatment after the accident
  • Severity and permanency of your injuries
  • Treatment received for the injuries
  • Length of time you will need to have your injuries treated
  • Medical expenses related to the car accident

What Your Specific Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on several factors. This includes how severe your injuries are and the extent of the treatment you need, along with any lost wages and aggravating circumstances. To understand what your case may be worth, it is necessary to consider all the above-mentioned factors.

The Insurance Amount You Can Receive

One of the main factors determining what you can receive in terms of compensation is how much insurance is available.

All drivers in Atlanta must have a liability auto insurance policy of $25,000. This is the minimum amount required; however, many drivers pay more than this.

If you suffer a serious injury and the at-fault driver has just the minimum coverage, your claim will likely be limited to the $25,000 policy limit. However, this amount of coverage for minor injuries is likely sufficient to handle the related costs.

In situations where the at-fault driver cannot fully cover the cost of your injuries, it may be possible to recover from your uninsured or under-insured coverage.

How Severe the Accident Was

Sometimes, the accident’s severity can play a role in the value of your claim. If your car experiences a lot of damage, then you likely have more serious injuries.

While this is true, many insurance companies argue that if a vehicle is only moderately damaged, you did not experience serious injuries. This can result in a much smaller offer.

Visible property damage will not always reflect how severe the accident was. Also, some severe injuries can occur even when minimal damage is seen on the vehicle. Because of this, you must have an experienced attorney representing your interests to ensure you receive the full value of your claim.

How Soon You Received Medical Treatment After the Accident

Seeking treatment right after a car accident is recommended. If you experience issues breathing, feel lightheaded, or have visible injuries, you should go to the emergency room for treatment.

The longer you wait to see a doctor or receive a medical evaluation after a car accident, the more likely the lawyer or insurance adjuster for the other party will argue that you were not actually injured because of the accident. Even if you do not feel seriously injured, go to the doctor to ensure all injuries are found and that you have official documentation.

Severity and Permanency of Your Injuries 

The severity of your injuries will also be considered. While smaller injuries may cause pain and discomfort, they are not worth as much (value-wise) as more serious or lasting injuries.

If you experience a catastrophic injury, it will likely settle for more money than minor injuries that will not result in permanent issues.

Treatment Received for the Injuries 

The severity of your injuries will impact the amount and type of treatment you require. While some injuries can be treated by a chiropractor or physical therapy, others need surgery and hospitalization to heal. When more extensive treatment is needed, it results in a higher valuation.

If you have experienced pain after the accident but are not seeking medical care or following medical treatment, there is no way to know if your injuries will keep causing you pain. If you do not have documentation from a doctor that shows why your injuries will keep causing you pain, with or without medical treatment, the insurance company may not make an offer that is reasonable or fair.

Length of Time You Will Need to Have Your Injuries Treated

The amount of time required to treat your injuries must also be considered when determining the value of your case. You need to make sure you follow the recommendations from your doctor. Once you have recovered, treatment should cease. Never try to run up medical costs since this is often considered unethical or irresponsible.

However, there are situations when ongoing care is needed. If this is the case, you can receive compensation for future medical care and treatment.

Medical Expenses Related to the Car Accident

Your actual costs should be considered when determining the value of your claim. Some of these costs will be medical related, while others may be related to lost wages, vehicle damage, and more. As your costs go up, so does the value of your claim.

Let Our Legal Team Help You Recover the Compensation You Are Entitled To

At the Law Offices of Matthew C. Hines, we can help you recover the full amount of compensation you are entitled to after a car accident. We have represented Atlanta car accident victims for years and can provide you with the same quality legal services.

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