It’s general knowledge that you can recover compensation for the losses and harm suffered after a car accident. However, when determining the amount you should expect, many factors come into play. It is not possible to tell at a glance.
The compensation varies across individual cases, depending on the circumstances of the crash and the severity of your injuries. Here are some of the aspects of your claim that may
Your damages will determine the compensation due
Compensation is meant to make you whole again. As such, the economic and non-economic losses from the crash are used to calculate your settlement package. These include:
- Present and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional anguish or distress
You may sometimes get punitive damages on top of the above compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the negligent party rather than cover your losses.
Did you contribute to the crash?
Another factor that may affect your potential settlement is your contribution to the crash. Under Pennsylvania law, your degree of responsibility will diminish your potential settlement.
If you are 30% to blame, you can only recover 70% of the compensation due to you. It is worth noting that if you bear most of the responsibility, it is impossible to recover anything from the other party.
Get the settlement you deserve after a wreck
As the victim of a crash caused by a negligent driver, it helps to understand the value of your car accident claim to avoid lowball offers. Assessing your damages is crucial to your claim, and if you are unsure of how everything works, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. A fair settlement package will go a long way in helping you cope and adjust to life.