Car accidents are more than just a bad day: they can alter your life long-term. An accident is often just the start of an inconvenient (at the least) and sometimes painful process. If you have been involved in a car, truck, or boating accident, trying to pay for medical bills, vehicle and property damage create additional stress and worry. You may be wondering, “How much is my personal injury case really worth?”
Insurance companies may not have your best interest at heart and you may find that others undervalue the severity of your situation. An auto accident attorney in Tampa with Inkelaar Law can explain your rights and evaluate your specific situation to determine what your case is worth.
When you contact an auto accident injury lawyer in Tampa, several key factors will be taken into account to determine the monetary value of your case. These may also be evaluated by expert witnesses, who work with your attorney to uncover the full cost of the accident in the long-term. These factors include:
The psychological and emotional trauma of an accident goes beyond the blanket “pain and suffering” that is often seen in the movies. Car accidents can create PTSD, mental anguish, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, phobias, insomnia, and depression. This can severely impact your lifestyle. Auto accident injury attorneys in Tampa will help you understand how your psychological or emotional trauma factors into your overall case value.
Physical trauma and injuries may not be felt right away after an accident. It may take days or even weeks for an injury to become apparent.
Common injuries after a car accident may include:
No matter when the injury became apparent, it may result in expensive medical bills not covered by traditional health insurance, loss of wages, inability to care for children or other dependents, and ongoing emotional trauma. These injuries may entitle you to compensation.
Property damage caused by a negligent driver may not be fully covered by an insurance company. For example, if your vehicle is deemed a total loss you may not have received the fair value, turning you upside-down on your loan. You may also be entitled to compensation to cover car seat replacement, vehicle add-ons such as custom wheels or body work, or property inside of the vehicle such as laptops or personal items.
You may lose wages at your job the day of the accident and beyond as you continue to deal with the aftermath of the accident. Whether lost wages are due to physical injuries, psychological or emotional trauma, or losing your mode of transportation to get to and from work, you may be entitled to compensation.
Further, you may experience a loss of future income depending on your injuries or damages. For example, you may find yourself facing a loss of future wages because your injuries prevent you from remaining in your career field. If this is the case, an experienced auto accident lawyer in Tampa will discuss the impact this may have on your case value.
The first hospital bill is often not the last. Future medical expenses may follow you for years to come due to the accident. Whether for physical therapy or ongoing serious care, your medical insurance may not be enough. Your attorney will help you understand the value of these bills and how to estimate their impact on the value of your claim.
After a car accident, the last thing you should worry about is how to take care of your family. When you contact an experienced auto accident injury lawyer in Tampa with Inkelaar Law, you can focus on recovering from the accident while your legal team fights for the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, please give us a call for free consultation at (813) 722-0622, or submit our consultation request form.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.