What Factors Influence Your Settlement Value for a Vehicle Accident? 

What Factors Influence Your Settlement Value for a Vehicle Accident? When you are not at fault for a car accident, you shouldn’t have to worry about the financial cost of medical care, medication, physical therapy, and auto repairs. With legal guidance, it may be possible to hold the at-fault party liable and seek damages from their insurance company. Personal injury lawyers assist car accident victims in determining the extent of their injuries and estimating their financial losses. They provide guidance through the entire legal process so they can fully understand their options for recovery. 

Although a settlement offer might seem straightforward at first, there are several factors that must be accounted for to determine what is an appropriate sum. Economic damages are based on quantifiable data, such as medical bills, receipts, invoices, and paychecks, which cannot be contested. Noneconomic damages are more subjective and are influenced by the emotional consequences of an accident as opposed to the financial and physical consequences.

Additional factors can also affect your settlement aside from calculating your physical, emotional, and financial damages. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg, & Gifford P.C attorneys can answer your questions regarding your car accident claim and determine what might affect the amount of compensation you receive. Listed below are the most common variables that influence car accident settlements.

Liability

While you might think the other person’s fault is clear, if you are found at fault as well, it will impact your settlement amount. Pennsylvania is a comparative negligence state, so if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, then the amount of your compensation is reduced accordingly. In Pennsylvania, anyone who is found to be more than 50% at fault for a crash may not be entitled to compensation.

Witness Credibility 

There may be a difference of opinion regarding what happened between the other driver, any passengers, or any other witnesses. When officials can’t prove who’s to blame for an accident, it can hurt your settlement. 

Also, even if a third-party witness did witness the car accident, there is no benefit from their testimony unless they are deemed credible. In most cases, people who witness an accident are not taking mental notes at the time of the incident about the placement and movement of the vehicles. For the most part, those who are driving near the accident site are concerned about their wellbeing first and foremost.

Type and Extent of Injury

If your injury is severe, you could be entitled to more compensation to cover your extensive, long-term treatment. Those with brain injuries, for example, may require more doctor visits, appointments with specialists, physical therapy, surgery, and medications than those who suffer fractures, resulting in a higher settlement to cover the increased costs of care. 

Type of Medical Treatment Received 

Whether or not you think that you are injured after a car accident, you should seek medical attention immediately. This is mainly due to the fact that a professional medical evaluation may reveal injuries that don’t show symptoms. When you do not seek medical attention right away, it may be more difficult to prove that the injuries were directly related to your accident. You may also be perceived as enduring less suffering because you waited to see a doctor. Failure to seek medical attention immediately may make it harder to pursue compensation.

Disfigurement, Scarring, or Disability

Permanent or partial disfigurement or disability could increase your settlement because these injuries could impact your quality of life for the rest of your life. In many cases, plastic or reconstructive surgery can help reduce the appearance of disfigurements. Sometimes, surgery can resolve the problem completely. These operations, however, are generally expensive and risky. Financial compensation can be a key element of being able to regain your health as soon as possible following an injury that has left you scarred or disfigured.

Type of Job

Depending on your profession, you may not be able to return to work after an injury. For instance, if you are required to lift heavy objects as part of your job, but your leg is broken, your ability to work may be compromised, which could affect your settlement. Additionally, any injuries that you cannot recover from fully may impact your future earnings.

Lost Wages

If you miss work due to injuries, you may also lose your income. If you have a family, you will likely need money to support them. Your settlement should account for this. Your car accident lawyer will examine your pay stubs to determine how much lost income was a direct result of the crash.

Defective Vehicle Parts

A defective part in a vehicle may be the cause of liability, instead of a driver. A manufacturer’s error or car company’s error or negligence may have contributed to your accident, and depending on their level of responsibility, your settlement may be affected.

Marital Status 

You may be able to obtain a better settlement based on your marital status. As the head of a household, your family may depend on your financial support. You might not be able to work on a consistent basis, complete chores around the house, pick up your children, and assist with any other family tasks after you’ve been hospitalized due to car accident injuries. Damages such as these are considered non-economic damages and could increase your settlement..

Dependable Southeastern Pennsylvania Car Accident Lawyers 

After suffering injuries in a crash in Southeastern Pennsylvania, you have the option of seeking legal counsel to explore your options for financial recovery. The experienced injury attorneys at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. understand the complexities of car accident claims and are prepared to represent you throughout the process while you focus on healing. 

Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford by calling 215-822-7575 or use our contact form to discuss your case for free with our legal team today.