If you’re injured in a car accident, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and damages. However, you may be unsure of how much your claim is worth. Insurance companies consider numerous factors to determine the value of a car accident claim. From who’s at fault for the cause of the accident to the severity of your injuries, the settlement amount may increase or decrease depending on the circumstances of your case. Every car accident is different, meaning there’s no universal car accident settlement payout. Please continue reading to learn what factors can impact the value of your car accident claim and how a reliable Morris County Car Accident Attorney can help you fight for the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.
What Factors May Impact the Value of a Car Accident Claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, various factors can impact the value of a car accident claim. However, one of the most significant factors is who was at fault for the cause of the collision. A modified comparative negligence system governs New Jersey. This means an injured plaintiff is barred from recovering monetary compensation for their damages if their negligence exceeds that of the other party. If responsibility for causing the accident is shared, the injured parties’ award will be reduced to reflect their degree of fault for the collision. For example, if an injured party bears 30% liability, they can only recover 70% of the compensation they should receive for the damages they’ve endured.
Another factor that will weigh heavily on your settlement amount is the type and severity of your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, injuries can range from minor to catastrophic. In most cases, the value of your claim will increase with the severity of your injuries. For example, if you sustain a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, you will likely receive a higher settlement than a person who breaks their arm. If your injuries have caused you to miss work or affected your earning capacity, you may be entitled to recover additional compensation.
Will My Pain and Suffering Be Taken Into Account?
Furthermore, it can be easy to overlook non-economic damages, as assigning a monetary value to your subjective losses can be difficult. However, car accidents can result in severe emotional damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, inconvenience, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, etc. These intangible losses and, ultimately, how the accident has impacted your life will be evaluated to determine the value of your claim. If your pain and suffering are associated with permanent disability or impairment, you may be entitled to a larger settlement amount.
If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined Morris County car accident attorney from Lutz Injury Law today. Our legal team is prepared to help you negotiate a fair settlement.