An automobile accident is always a frightening thing to face. Adding an injury to the mix can make things more traumatic and difficult. Auto insurance can help you with things like medical bills or car repairs, but there are a few things that might have some impact on the precise payout that the company gives you. Here are some of the top factors that can influence the award for your claim.
Liability
This might be the biggest thing that can affect the kind of payout you get after an accident. Making sure that you can establish who is liable is a crucial part of recovering full payments for damages done to you and your vehicle. It may only be necessary to prove that the other party was somewhat at fault. Even if you can’t prove there was absolutely no fault on your side, partial fault with the other driver is key to recovering at least some of your expected payout.
Injury Level
A more severe injury tends to get a higher payout for expected medical expenses than something relatively minor. Extra funds for pain and suffering might be added to the initial number as well. Exact amounts are difficult to determine, but an expert auto accident attorney can make your case for you. Some states will have clear guidelines that determine thresholds for injuries. Your lawyer can work with other professionals to determine what that threshold is in your case. Injuries that result in significant impairment or disfigurement are more likely to add pain and suffering to the payout.
Venue or Location
Lots of people seem to think that all accidents are the same regardless of where they might happen. In truth, the location of your collision can matter a great deal when it comes to filing a claim. Depending on their sizes or rules, different cities can award higher or lower settlements to most of the cases that come across their desks. These awards usually reflect average incomes for the area or historical decisions by juries. Although there are no guarantees, historical cases for your area might give you a rough idea of what to expect.
Medical Costs
Many auto injuries have at least some medical costs associated with them. Even minor ones may require a few stitches and some time in physical therapy. However, your provider is going to look at whether these costs are both absolutely necessary and entirely reasonable. The company may not agree with your initial determination of the payout. Most providers don’t like to give out awards for procedures they find excessive. In many areas, acupuncture and chiropractic visits are things that insurance companies tend to contest.
These are some of the main things that can determine the actual dollar amount that your injury case might be worth at the end. Qualified professionals in the legal field can help you navigate these tricky waters. Don’t forget to check your state’s laws when it comes to liability. If you live in a no-fault state, you may still have all medical expenses paid even if you’re at fault for the accident.
Author information: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.
