When it comes to evaluating the value of your car crash claim, there are many factors to consider. In this blog, Macgillis Law Group, LLC discusses how critical factors affect your claim, guiding you to make an informed decision.
5 Critical Factors that Influence the Value of a Car Crash Claim
1. Injuries- The Severity
The severity and type of injuries sustained in a car crash impact the value of a claim. At the same time, some victims may sustain injuries that can heal quickly. Minor injuries allow a victim to return to their routine life without any significant medical treatment. In such cases, the value of the claim is typically lower. Traumatic and catastrophic injuries imply greater medical expense, lost wages, pain & suffering.
Some severe injuries that increase the value to claim include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Amputations or loss of limbs
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
- Permanent disability
- Other severe injuries
2. Medical Expenses & Other Damages Incurred
Apart from the severity of injuries, the value of your car crash claim is also determined by the other expenses and damages. This includes medical expenses for recovery from an injury:
- Emergency transportation
- Lab testing
- X-rays
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Pain management
- Rehabilitation
- A wheelchair to help with mobility
Other non-economic damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of companionship
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Depression
Our experienced Milwaukee Car Accident Lawyer is are expert on how to calculate the value of pain and suffering in a car crash, ensuring victims get the fair compensation they deserve.
4. Liability of a Car Crash
To obtain full and fair compensation for damages incurred in a car crash, negligence on the part of the other driver must be proven. Your lawyer needs to build a strong case against the at-fault party, proving that the party violated the duty of care. If negligence cannot be proved, there will be no case. In many cases, the victims may be held responsible for the crash with some degree of fault. Also, insurance companies look for loopholes to shift blame and lower the compensation amount.
5. Available Insurance Coverage
Different states require drivers to carry have minimum liability insurance. So, in case of an injury, the accident claim is most likely to be higher than the minimum coverage amount. For car accident victims in Wisconsin, the minimum insurance coverage is:
- $25000/$50000 (injury of one person)
- $10000 (property damage)
Common Mistakes Made by Victims That Can Affect Their Claims
- Ignoring Immediate Medical Treatment: The insurance company looks for an opportunity to lower injury claims, and by not seeking immediate medical treatment, supports the insurance company.
- Giving Statements: Statements like ‘I am sorry’ can imply that you are admitting you were at fault for the cause accidents. These words can be used against your case and damage your claim.
- Hiding Pre-existing Conditions: Having a pre-existing condition is not an issue, but hiding it can hurt your claim and credibility.
- Ignoring Doctor’s Advice: Indulging in activities that can worsen injuries or prolong recovery gives an advantage to insurance companies, arguing you have worsened injuries.
How MacGillis Law Group, LLC, Can Help You with Your Case
At MacGillis Law Group, LLC, our team of expert car accident attorneys in Milwaukee ensures the maximum value for your car accident claim. Over the years, we have successfully secured fair compensation for our clients. If you have been injured in a car crash, we can help to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced lawyers today. Let us protect you.