How much can I expect from my car accident claim?
A car accident can be a life-changing event. Crash victims often sustain serious and long-term injuries that can result in costly medical care.
It's not easy to determine how much you can expect from a settlement or verdict. Your losses can go much deeper than current medical costs and the cost of repairing or replacing your car. Before pursuing a claim for a car or truck crash, it's important that you first consult with an experienced attorney.
Scheduling your free case evaluation is the first step. During this process, your attorney will ask questions regarding:
- How your crash occurred — Do you remember how your crash occurred or the behavior of the at-fault driver moments prior?
- The injuries you sustained — Describe how your injuries occurred and the nature of your injuries.
- Your medical treatment — Did you receive medical attention after your crash? What injuries were you diagnosed with? Note: if you haven't sought medical treatment yet, it's important that you do so promptly.
- If you have any evidence to provide from the crash scene — You may have taken pictures of the crash scene, spoken to witnesses or obtained a copy of the police report.
How is the value of my case determined?
Determining how much your claim is worth will take some time. Your attorney may first need to investigate your crash by hiring a crash reconstruction expert, examining the police report, examining your medical evaluation and medical history, and speaking to witnesses.
Your attorney may also obtain evidence that the other driver was at fault by getting a subpoena of cellphone records, checking the at-fault driver's social media, and obtaining surveillance camera or dashcam footage if available.
Before your attorney can negotiate a settlement with the at-fault driver's insurance company, an accurate value needs to be placed on your claim. This includes:
- Current and future medical costs
- Costs of day-to-day assistance if you sustained a long-term injury or disability
- Wage reimbursement if you're unable to work
- Reimbursement for property damage or loss of property
- Non-economic damages for pain and suffering, mental and emotional anguish, or loss of life enjoyment.
- Punitive damages if your crash was caused by malicious behavior or gross negligence.
Once an accurate value has been placed on your claim and the evidence needed to support your case has been gathered, your attorney may begin negotiating for a fair settlement. If a settlement can't be reached with the insurance company, then your case will go to trial. The process can take several months or years, especially if the insurance company decides to appeal the court's decision.
Why hire a car accident attorney to handle my claim?
If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, don't hesitate to speak to an experienced Jacksonville attorney at Pajcic & Pajcic. We have successfully advocated for thousands of crash victims all over Florida, Georgia and many other states for more than 45 years.
Our case results speak for themselves. For example:
- We helped an injured passenger receive a $4.3 million verdict in a distracted driving case.
- $5.25 million in compensation for the family of a driver killed by a negligent truck driver, including punitive damages.
- A $7 million settlement to a driver who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury after being broadsided.
- An 8-figure settlement for a man paralyzed in a crash caused by an inattentive truck driver.
- A $13 million verdict for a passenger who sustained a severe traumatic brain injury in a crash with a logging truck.
To get started on your claim, contact us online to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.