After a serious car accident, one of the first questions people usually have is, “How much is my case worth?”
There is no simple answer because every case is different. The value of a car accident case depends on what happened, how badly you were hurt, how the accident has affected your life, and what insurance coverage is available.
How Serious Are Your Injuries?
Were you hospitalized? Did you need surgery? Are you still in physical therapy or facing more treatment?
We also want to know how the injury has changed your everyday life. Maybe you cannot work right now, take care of your family the way you used to, or do the things you normally enjoy.
Someone who needed surgery, missed months of work, or is dealing with a permanent injury may have a very different case than someone who recovered quickly.
How Did the Accident Happen?
The facts of the accident matter too.
Were you rear-ended? Did another driver run a red light? Were you hit by someone who was speeding or distracted? Were you walking or riding a bike when you were hit?
Police reports, photographs, videos, witness statements, and other evidence can help show what happened and who was responsible.
Insurance companies may also try to argue that you were partly responsible for the accident. That is one reason it can be important to understand the facts early and make sure the accident is properly investigated.
Is There Enough Insurance Coverage?
You can have serious injuries and a strong case, but you still need to know what insurance coverage is available.
Sometimes the driver who caused the accident does not have enough insurance to cover the full extent of someone’s injuries.
There may be other coverage available. For example, the driver may have been working at the time of the accident, another person or company may also be responsible, or your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply.
Finding all available insurance coverage can make a big difference in a serious injury case.
Will the Accident Affect You Long Term?
A fair settlement is not just about the medical bills you have today. If you may need more treatment, cannot return to the same job, or your injuries are expected to affect you in the future, those issues may also be important when evaluating your case.
That is one reason it can be risky to settle before you understand the full extent of your injuries. A settlement usually resolves your claim, so it is important to understand your medical situation before making that decision.
So What Is Your Car Accident Case Really Worth?
The honest answer is that it depends on your specific situation.
An insurance company may try to put a quick number on your case, but a serious injury case deserves a closer look at what happened to you, the treatment you need, how your life has changed, and what insurance coverage is available.
At Donahoe Kearney, we help people who have been seriously injured in car accidents. We deal with the insurance company and take some of that pressure off you so you can focus on getting better. Attorney Frank Kearney has more than 30 years of experience handling serious injury cases and knows how insurance companies look at these claims.
If you have questions about what your car accident case may be worth, call Frank and our team at 202-393-3320.
Tell us what happened and how you are doing. We will listen, answer your questions, and help you understand what to do next.
Choosing a Lawyer After a Serious Car Accident in the DMV
After a serious car accident, it can be hard to know who to trust or what to do next.
In this video, Attorney Frank Kearney explains how our team helps people injured in serious car and truck accidents throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Watch to learn why getting the right guidance early can help you avoid costly mistakes, protect your rights, and focus on your recovery.
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