One of the first questions every injury attorney gets asked after a car wreck in Charleston is, “How much is my case worth?” When we point out that each case is unique and it’s hard to say upfront, the next question is often, “Well, what is the average settlement for a car accident?” Again, this isn’t an easy question to answer. Let’s look at how car accidents are valued, and why it’s so difficult to give an average amount.
How Can I Get an Idea of What My Settlement Will Be?
The truth is, there is no reliable average settlement for a car accident. This is because some accidents are worth a few thousand dollars for property damage, while others could be worth millions for injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and more. Because the range of values for car accidents is so broad, there’s no reliable average amount that a car wreck attorney can give you without first reviewing your specific case. Contact our experienced Charleston car accident attorneys today, and the Thumbs Up Guys will conduct a free thorough case review to help determine what YOUR case may be worth.
Types of Damages in a Car Accident
There are two major types of damages in a car accident. The first, and most obvious, is called special damages. Special damages are accident-related losses and expenses that are visible and fairly easy to put a price tag on. They include things like property damage, your medical bills, the wages you have lost from being unable to work, and the potential wages you might have earned in the future.
The other type of damages is called general damages. These are things like loss of consortium, emotional damages, loss of comfort, pain and suffering, and even punitive damages. These are things that are not so easy to put a dollar value on, but our experienced car wreck attorneys may be able to secure compensation for.
How Are General Damages Valued?
Most insurance adjusters determine the value of general damages by plugging your claim into a computer that tells them what to offer. This is an ineffective method but one that insurance companies use to try to “low ball” injury victims. Your Charleston car accident attorney will use a completely different formula to value general damages than the insurance adjuster, considering your unique circumstances to account for what you have been through. This is why it’s important to hire a Charleston car accident attorney right away!
What Is the Process of Seeking Compensation?
When you speak to your vehicle accident lawyer, the lawyer will review your case in detail, gathering information and evidence about your special damages, and then work with you to value your general damages. At this point, we submit a demand letter to the insurance company with the total.
The insurance company will then respond with a counteroffer, usually one that is less than what you actually deserve. The insurance company will point out what it sees as the flaws in our demand letter and outline the reasons for its own offer. From there, the process of negotiation begins. We will go back and forth with the insurance adjuster in an attempt to reach a settlement that’s acceptable for all involved. If we are unable to reach a settlement that you are satisfied with, we proceed with filing a lawsuit against the at fault party. Typically, once a lawsuit is filed we are able to resolve your case prior to going to a trial, but, if not, we are prepared to try your case!
Why You Need a Charleston, South Carolina, Auto Accident Law Firm
You need someone in your corner who knows how to stand up to the bullying insurance companies and fight for compensation for you. That’s why we’re here. Call the Thumbs Up Guys at Miller, Dawson, Sigal & Ward Injury Attorneys for a free case consultation today.
