Accident victims often have one question when they meet with an Atlanta Car Accident Attorney about their case. They want to know how much their car accident settlement will be. Their lawyer will not be able to answer this question immediately. They can provide a rough estimate for their clients. However, it is impossible to predict how strong a case for a car accident will be early on in the process.
A lot of factors can influence the value of a car accident lawsuit. If the evidence is strong, it may increase the value. This is also true for serious injuries sustained in crashes. Sometimes the injuries are severe, but the evidence does not prove that the driver was negligent. Before they can give you an estimate, your Atlanta personal injury lawyer will need to thoroughly review your case. They must also hear the opposing side’s perspective.
We’ll be discussing how much the average Georgia car accident settlement is worth. We will also discuss the factors that could affect a case’s worth. Don’t be discouraged if you have any questions after reading this article. Call our office to schedule your initial, free consultation. Your lawyer will be able to answer any questions you might have.
The Majority of Cases Settle for Less than the Full Demand
It is important to understand the maximum amount of damages that you can claim in your case. It is important to understand that your case is not likely to settle in court. Only 5% of personal injury cases make it to court, as going to trial is often not in anyone’s best interests.
Trials can be expensive. The higher the cost associated with your Atlanta auto accident lawyer, the less you’ll receive in settlement as a result. These are some of the costs associated with a trial:
- Filing fees
- Discovery
- Service, copies, and postage
- Expert witnesses
- Reconstruction specialists for accidents
- Travel expenses
- Court reporters
All of these items add up. You’ll soon be spending thousands on a trial that wasn’t necessary.
Another problem is that your case may not be heard until years later. Covid has already caused major delays in the courts. It’s not surprising that your case can take so much time when you consider all of the other cases on the docket. Instead of waiting for your case to be tried, you can settle it in a matter of months. This will ensure that you walk away with a funded settlement.
The last thing to be considered a concern before you go to trial is the possibility of losing. Even if you believe your case is strong enough, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the judge or jury will agree. There is always the possibility that you might lose in a trial. This could result in you and your Atlanta, Georgia personal injury lawyer coming out of the case empty handed.
What Damages Can Your Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney Demand?
Your Atlanta car accident lawyer will need to prove the damages incurred during the accident. It doesn’t suffice that you were in a car accident. It is necessary to prove that you actually suffered injuries. This covers both financial and physical losses.
The following are some of the damages that an Atlanta personal injury lawyer may seek to recover:
- Future and current medical bills – The defendant should be held accountable for any future medical bills. These won’t be as high if your injuries are minor. If you have minor injuries, such as bruises or muscle strains, your medical bills may only run a few thousand dollars. But, physical therapy and surgery will cost more.
- Property Damages – You probably sustained damage to your vehicle or SUV in a motor vehicle collision. Your lawyer will ask for reimbursement of any costs incurred to repair or replace the car. Remember that even though your car has been declared totaled you can’t get more than $10,000 to $20,000 in reimbursements. A new car loses approximately $5,000 value once it leaves the lot. The average car is worth between $20,000 and $30,000 so you won’t get much in your lawsuit.
- Loss of wages – The majority of people are out of work for one to two weeks after a car accident in Georgia. Your attorney can request that the defendant pay you compensation if this is the case. Consider that you make $750 per workweek. You would be entitled to $1500 if you were absent for two weeks.
- Future income loss – After a car accident, some people find it difficult to work the same job again. An Atlanta car accident lawyer will insist that you are compensated for any future income lost. If you make $75,000 annually and are now receiving $40,000 per year due to disability, your Atlanta auto accident attorney can request the $35,000 difference. Simply multiply that number by the number of years you have been out of work and you will include that amount in the complaint.
- Pain and suffering – The majority of the value towards your settlement is calculated here. Your lawyer will typically demand three times the amount of your medical bills and claim that amount as pain and suffering. You would most likely ask for $150,000 in pain & suffering if your medical bills were $50,000
There is no way to determine the exact amount of your settlement. This merely provides you with a rough estimation of how settlements typically are broken down. Your Atlanta, Georgia personal injury lawyer will work with you to determine the value of your case.
Get in Touch with a Skilled Atlanta Auto Accident Attorney Now
Don’t be discouraged if you want to know the value of your car accident case. An Atlanta auto accident lawyer can evaluate your case and provide you with an estimate of its value. Realistic expectations are important. Without proving negligence, you can’t expect anything. They must also prove damages. The lawyer for the defendant should be willing to settle if they are able to prove damages.
Call our office to schedule your initial, free consultation. Your attorney will review your case to determine the value of your case. You don’t have to pay for the consultation, so what are you waiting for?
