When you search ‘’car accident settlement calculator’’, you’ll find several sites with software that generate an estimated settlement value. Most firms create a calculator as a ‘bait and switch’ marketing lure to attract new clients.
Clients are often disappointed when the ultimate settlement amount falls below the calculator’s estimate. Many firms fail to disclose that several factors determine a car accident settlement value.
Consider engaging a trusted St. Louis car accident attorney who can provide a rough estimate of your settlement value and legal support in its pursuit.
Factors that Determine the Value of Your Settlement Amount
The Multiplier
Most of your settlement amount comes from the pain and suffering associated with an injury. While there’s a straightforward way to determine economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, calculating pain and suffering takes some effort.
The jury applies a multiplier to the economic damages to determine the value of pain and suffering damages. Usually, the multiplier is 1.5; even so, it can vary from 1-5, with one being mild and five severe injuries.
The severity of Injuries
If you’ve sustained a significant injury, you’re more likely to receive a hefty settlement payment than a minor injury victim.
Here are a few indicators of a severe injury:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones or injury to hard tissues
- An injury that requires an extended recovery period
- An injury that requires treatment from doctors or a specialist
- A significant number of follow-up treatments
- Joint injuries that require surgery or reconstruction
- Permanent disfigurement
- Spine or nerve damage
- A significant portion of medical expenses is for treatment instead of diagnosis.
- An injury that causes you to depend on others in ways you didn’t before the car accident
- Permanent loss or use for one or more body parts
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Car accident settlement also considers the victim’s emotional and psychological trauma. If the experience of the car accident caused emotional anguish, an experienced attorney can pursue a settlement amount that enhances your mental health recovery.
Signs of emotional anguish include:
- Personality change
- Engaging in risky behavior
- Isolation
- Persistent fatigue and lack of energy
- Eating or sleeping too much
- Easily irritable
Additional Considerations
In addition to the above factors, the jury will award a settlement amount based on the strength of your case. You’re likely to obtain a hefty settlement amount if you have a compelling case and if the liability of the at-fault party is clear.
As such, a jury may look into the following considerations:
- Credibility of your witnesses
- Availability of medical records
- Whether you are partly liable for the accident
- If you obtained immediate medical attention
- If you adhered to the doctor’s advice and treatment
Get in Touch With an Experienced St. Louis, MO, Car Accident Attorney
Knowing the estimated settlement value of your personal injury claim helps you make financial plans. Understanding the potential settlement can also give you peace of mind and access to treatment.
Consider engaging an experienced attorney from Burger Law with years of experience representing injured victims.
Contact us online for a free consultation.