Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers | December 4, 2022 | Car Accident
The car accident settlement process in California can be very confusing, and many people do not know how much they should expect to receive. The answer to this question is not always clear, but here are some of the factors that will help determine how much you’re entitled to:
1. Severity of Injuries
One of the most important factors in determining the amount of your settlement is the severity of your injuries. If you’ve been seriously injured, you can expect to receive more money than if you’ve only suffered minor injuries.
Severe injuries will have a greater impact on your ability to work, and you will likely end up with substantial medical expenses. The more severe your injuries, the greater the financial impact they will have on your life.
2. Wages You Were Earning Before the Car Accident
If you were earning a high salary before the accident, you can expect to receive more money from your car accident settlement than someone who was only earning a minimum wage.
You are entitled to lost wages that result from the accident, so if you are unable to work, you should be compensated for that loss. Your lawyer will be able to look at your wage history and determine what kind of financial compensation you should receive.
3. Amount of Time Out of Work
If you were out of work for a week or two, you will probably receive less money than someone who must miss work for months or even years. This is because your lost wages will not be as significant if you have only been out of work for a short period of time.
4. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Another factor that can affect how much money you should expect from your car accident settlement is your out-of-pocket expenses. These expenses can include deductibles, home alterations for disability, childcare, and other expenses.
If you have any out-of-pocket expenses, your lawyer will likely argue that you are entitled to reimbursement. These expenses can add up quickly, so it is important to keep track of them so that your lawyer can include them in your settlement demand.
5. The Skill of Your Car Accident Lawyer
If you hire a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer, you can expect to receive more money from your settlement than if you hire a less experienced lawyer. A skilled lawyer knows how to maximize the value of settlements, and they understand the law better than less experienced lawyers.
6. The Severity of Property Damage
Another factor that will affect the amount of your settlement is the severity of the property damage. If your car was totaled in the accident, you can expect to receive more money than if it only suffered minor damage. Replacing or repairing a totaled car is more expensive than repairing minor damage.
7. Liability
Who is at fault for the accident will also affect the amount of your settlement. If you were not at fault for the accident, you can expect to receive more money than if you were at fault. If you were partially at fault, you can probably still recover financial compensation, but your damages will be reduced by the percentage that you’re deemed to be at fault.
8. Your Own Mistakes
Making inconsistent statements, driving without car insurance, not hiring a lawyer soon enough, and discussing your claim on social media can all hurt your case. The insurance company will be looking for any opportunity to pay you less money,
9. Pre-Existing Conditions
If you had any pre-existing conditions prior to the accident, this could affect how much money you’re entitled to receive. This is because it may be difficult to prove that your injuries were caused by the accident as opposed to a condition you already had.
However, an experienced personal injury lawyer will help you prove that the collision caused your new injuries (or worsened your pre-existing condition).
Contact the North County Car Accident Lawyers at Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the Vista car accident law firm of Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve in North County, CA and its surrounding areas:
Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers – Vista, CA Office
380 S Melrose Dr. Ste. 201
Vista, CA 92081
(619) 344-0360
Petrov Petrov Personal Injury Lawyers – Oceanside, CA Office
702 Civic Center Drive Ste. 105
Oceanside, CA, 92054
(619) 678-1016