When you get a settlement after a car accident, it does not just include compensation for expenses like medical bills and lost wages. Some things are harder to calculate, like pain and suffering. How does an insurer figure out how much to offer? They have their ways, and a car accident lawyer in Queens can help you make a convincing case to them.
What is Pain and Suffering?
You don’t just end up with physical injuries, like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries, after a car accident. A car crash can also be traumatic and recovering from your injuries can be a challenge. When you sue for compensation for pain and suffering, your settlement is meant to make up for all of that and any other negative experiences stemming from the accident.
Can I Be Reimbursed for Pain and Suffering Through My Own Insurance?
While your own insurance coverage can be used to help you pay for some expenses, like medical bills, it is not meant to reimburse you for pain and suffering. You will be required to submit a claim to another driver’s insurance company. You have to show that you have serious injuries and that the other driver’s negligence caused those injuries.
What Will Insurers Consider When Calculating Pain and Suffering?
An insurance company can consider a few different elements before it pays out for pain and suffering. Some of the most important things that determine a settlement include:
- How severe your injuries are
- Who was at fault for the accident
- How long and difficult your recovery will be
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- Whether or not some injuries could stay with you for life
The more trauma and pain that you’ve experienced, the higher a “multiplier” an insurance company will choose. They take this number, usually a score between 1.5 and 5, and multiply it by your medical expenses. This is how they can assign a monetary value to your pain and suffering.
What Kind of Evidence Can Help Make My Case?
If you want to make a convincing case, you need evidence. Fortunately, there are many things that you can use to show why you deserve compensation for pain and suffering, including:
- Medical bills
- Prescription records
- Photos of your injuries
- Testimony from medical and mental health professionals
You can also keep a journal that serves as a record of your recovery and what you experienced. This can be an especially convincing tool and an effective way for you to tell your story.
Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, our attorneys can help. Contact the Law Offices of George Poulos and ask to schedule a consultation with our team. We would be happy to tell you more about how we can be of assistance.
