Accidents happen all the time. But if your injuries are caused by the negligence of another person, and they can be held accountable, you should seek legal action. Filing a claim may result in substantial compensation. When you file a personal injury claim, you have the chance to recover damages. Plus, the wrongdoer doesn’t go unpunished. The law also takes into account situations where the fault is shared between parties because everyone owes a duty of responsible care.
In case you’re wondering how much your personal injury case is worth, there’s no definitive answer to this. Getting compensation for your personal injury is important so that you can get on with your life. You’ll incur lots of out-of-pocket expenses. When a claim is made within three years of the date of the accident, you can get relief.
The best way to know how much you stand to receive is to reach out to a personal injury solicitor. They’ll help you recover full and fair compensation. Hiring a solicitor will make a world of difference to your case. They’ll help identify all the relevant expenses you can claim compensation for. Most importantly, the personal injury solicitor will do everything possible to make sure you get the maximum amount of compensation.
You’re Entitled to More Than the Insurance Company is Willing to Offer
If you haven’t already been contacted by the insurance adjuster, don’t be surprised if you get a call. The insurance company will rush to make you an offer before you’ve completed your medical treatments. If you agree, you’ll receive less money for your personal injury claim. The first offer is an opportunity for the insurer to find out what you think the case is worth.
If you entertain the offer, they’ll use that against you. Keep in mind that the insurer doesn’t have your best interest at heart. No matter how friendly the insurance adjuster might seem, be sceptical. Review the offer with your solicitor for accuracy.
Tempting as it may be to take the cash, don’t. The settlement won’t help you get back to normal. Even if you reject the initial offer, you can still receive compensation. It’s just the beginning of the negotiation process, so don’t worry. More often than not, a quick settlement is unfair for the victim because the value of the accident is a lot higher than the settlement offer.
You should make a counter-offer. Going to trial means there’s no guarantee you’ll win. But when you settle, you get compensation for your injuries. Make sure that your solicitor speaks about the emotional damage you’ve incurred.
There’s No Simple Formula to Figure Out How Much Your Personal Injury Case Is Worth
Personal injury law in the UK isn’t all that different from US legislation, but there are some small differences. UK claims have a smaller value than those pursued in the US, in case you were curious to know how much compensation you could receive in the UK. It’s difficult to say how much your personal injury case is worth because there are so many factors to consider. These are the most common factors that will be considered
1. Medical expenses
If you get into an accident, your first priority is to seek medical treatment. You have to cover ambulance fees, hospital bills, medication, and medical procedures, such as surgery. Healthcare is delivered at half of the cost of the US healthcare system, but the fee for NHS services can be high. You can claim for the cost of medical and related treatment during compensation. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your medically-related costs. The at-fault party is responsible for your medical expenses.
2. Lost income
If you’ve been seriously hurt in the accident, you can’t work. This can leave you in a very vulnerable position. The accident’s impact on your salary and wages is taken into consideration when calculating how much compensation you’re entitled to. If you’re out of work for a couple of weeks or so, you’ll be remunerated for the wages lost during that time. If your injury makes it impossible to get back to work, you’ll be compensated for future earnings.
3. Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering describe the physical and emotional injuries incurred during an accident. It’s by far one of the most difficult damages to calculate as it’s unquantifiable. As a rule, it’s determined by the judge or the jury, who use their good sense, background, and experience. It’s their responsibility to determine whether or not the pain and suffering are permanent. There’s no limit to the amount you can sue for pain and suffering. You can sue for any serious discomfort you’ve suffered.
4. Property damage
If your property is damaged and it’s not your fault, you’re entitled to compensation. As you can imagine, it’s simpler to calculate the property damage than it is to calculate pain and suffering. If you were involved in a road traffic accident, the fair market value of the vehicle would be calculated by taking into account factors such as age, mileage, and so on. The other person should have taken reasonable steps to prevent property damage.
5. Lost opportunities/experiences
You can recover compensation for lost income, but what about lost opportunities or experiences? You’re forced to miss out on a lot of things. The injury has severely impacted your lifestyle and work. When claiming loss of opportunity/experience, it’s important to understand that all cases are different. Seek legal advice and ensure you have relevant information. If you were forced to miss the funeral of a loved one, that could be factored in calculating your injury compensation.
The policy limits on the at-fault party’s insurance are crucial when establishing the amount of compensation. If it doesn’t cover your entire losses, you’ll get compensation directly from their personal assets. That’s the way things are. Make sure you have convincing evidence and statements from witnesses if you want to come out victorious. Prove the extent of your damages. Gather as much evidence as possible to secure the compensation you deserve.
Also read: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do Immediately After “A Slip and Fall Accident”
