Getting into a car accident in San Antonio can leave you dealing with more than just physical pain. You might face medical bills, car repairs, and time off work. Figuring out how much your car accident claim is worth can feel like solving a big puzzle. But don’t worry—it’s easier than it seems. By knowing what to look for and adding everything up, you can get a good idea of what your claim might be worth. Better yet, just hire a San Antonio car accident lawyer. They will know what to look for and how to calculate losses accurately.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to help you calculate your car accident claim.
Going further:
1. Assess Medical Expenses
Medical bills are usually the most significant part of a car accident claim. Start by gathering all your medical records and bills. This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, and hospital stays. Remember ongoing treatments like physical therapy, medications, or follow-up appointments. Even smaller costs like bandages or crutches count.
If your injuries are severe, you might need long-term care. The cost of future treatments should also be considered. Keep track of all medical expenses because they form a big part of the compensation you’re entitled to. The more detailed your records, the easier it will be to calculate. San Antonio car accident lawyers can assist you to get more understanding on how to asses medical expenses.
2. Evaluate Property Damage
After an accident, you’ll need to figure out how much it will cost to repair your car or replace it if it’s totaled. The best way to start is by getting estimates from repair shops. For total loss, insurance companies usually pay the car’s market value before the crash.
If personal items in your car were damaged, include those in your claim. Maybe your laptop was broken, or your phone was damaged. Every bit adds up, so include all property damage when calculating the total.
3. Consider Lost Wages and Future Earnings
After a car accident, you might not be able to work right away. You can claim your lost wages if you miss work because of your injuries. Add up the missed days and calculate how much money you didn’t earn.
In some cases, severe injuries may prevent you from going back to work for a long time or even permanently. If this happens, you’ll need to calculate how much money you could have earned in the future. For self-employed people or freelancers, this can be tricky. You might need to look at your past earnings to estimate your loss.
4. Pain and Suffering
Medical bills and lost wages are easy to count, but pain and suffering can be more challenging to put a number on. Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional stress caused by the accident. The good news is this type of damage can still be claimed.
There are two standard methods to calculate pain and suffering.
The first is the multiplier method, where you multiply your medical expenses by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5). The more severe your injuries, the higher the number. The second method is the per diem approach, which assigns a dollar amount to each day you suffer. Either method can help you estimate what pain and suffering may add to your claim.
5. Factor in Comparative Fault
In Texas, the law follows something called “comparative fault.” Your compensation may be reduced if you are partly responsible for the accident. For example, if you are 20% at fault, your total claim will be reduced by 20%.
It’s important to know that you won’t receive compensation if you are more than 50% at fault. So, if you believe you weren’t responsible for the accident, make sure your side of the story is clear. Your percentage of fault will play a significant role in the final amount of your claim.
6. Punitive Damages
In rare cases, you might be entitled to punitive damages. These are awarded when the person who caused the accident acted recklessly or intentionally. For example, if drunk driving or texting while driving, they may receive punitive damages. However, punitive damages are not guaranteed. They are meant to punish the wrongdoer and are usually only awarded in extreme cases.
Calculating punitive damages can be complicated, but they can significantly increase the total value of your claim if you qualify.
7. Consulting a Lawyer in San Antonio
While you can calculate the worth of your claim on your own, consulting with a car accident lawyer in San Antonio can be helpful. A lawyer will know the specific rules and regulations in your area. They can help you consider every possible factor and not miss any details.
A lawyer can also deal with the insurance companies for you. Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what your claim is worth. With a lawyer on your side, you can ensure that you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Calculating the worth of your car accident claim in San Antonio involves looking at several factors. You must add your medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Don’t forget to consider comparative fault and the possibility of punitive damages. By carefully gathering all the information, you can get a clearer picture of what your claim is worth.
