If you’re considering reaching out to a personal injury attorney, your first question is probably about the value of your case. It’s a fair concern. If the insurance company makes you an offer, how can you judge whether it’s fair? You need to know if the offer is even worth considering.
There Are No Guarantees
The value of a case relies on many factors. In some cases, the maximum amount of compensation is fairly easy to calculate. In other cases, it’s virtually impossible. In every case, there’s an element of uncertainty. No attorney can tell you exactly how your case will turn out. There are no guarantees.
Personal Injury Compensation Basics
Car accident victims can receive three different kinds of compensation for what they’ve lost. There are economic damages, non-economic damages and exemplary damages, including punitive damages. The value of any personal injury case can be broken down into those three categories.
When considering what compensation you could potentially receive, we look at several factors. Here are five of them.
5 Factors That Affect Case Value
1. The Losses Incurred
The maximum value of a case depends on the losses suffered. Medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vocational rehabilitation and other costs can add up. These combine to form the theoretical top limit for most personal injury cases. Remember, though, that actually getting the full amount is not as simple as proving those costs are real.
2. Insurance
In many cases, the real value of a personal injury case is tied to the coverage the person who caused the accident has. Their policy limits may form the realistic top amount a personal injury victim will receive.
You may still get a judgment for an amount that covers all your losses. However, your chances of getting that money may be slim if there’s no insurance policy to pay it.
3. The Venue
Where a case would be tried can have a significant impact on the value of the case. Some jurisdictions are known to be friendlier to injury victims. Insurance companies and their lawyers know the reputations of the various courts.
4. Your Car Accident Attorney
The attorney you choose to represent you makes a difference. An attorney with experience, strong negotiation skills, willingness to go to trial and ability to prepare your case for success can change the value of your claim.
5. The Story of Your Accident
You, the plaintiff, can impact the value of your case. Fair or not, a person with a sympathetic story to tell may get a better result in negotiations or a trial. An experienced trial attorney can help you present the case in the best possible light.
Contact an Experienced Texas Injury Attorney
Getting maximum compensation is important for your future. At The Fell Law Firm, our team can help you get what you deserve after an accident. Call our Dallas offices at 972-450-1418 to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
