How Much Is My Georgia Car Accident Claim Worth?
The attorneys at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC understand the many factors that affect a claim’s value and will provide you with an honest assessment of what your case is really worth. We will help you gather evidence and build a strong case to negotiate a higher settlement with the insurance company. In the event we cannot reach a favorable agreement, we can take your case to court to fight for full and fair compensation on your behalf.
If you were injured in a car accident, you may be wondering, “How much is my Georgia car accident claim worth?” The answer depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, whether you were partially at fault for the accident, and your medical costs and other losses. There are many other factors that an insurance company will use to determine how much to offer in a settlement.
Insurance companies use algorithms to drive their calculations based on average circumstances. This ignores some of the unique hardships you may be facing due to your injuries and often results in a settlement offer that is less than you deserve. Our Athens car accident lawyers can help.
How Is a Georgia Car Accident Claim Calculated?
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Many large insurance companies use a computer program called Colossus, or a similar program, to calculate the value of a car accident claim. Insurance adjusters can input injury codes and estimate what the claim is worth based on average costs for these injuries.
Not surprisingly, a computerized system cannot accurately calculate how an injury affects a person’s life. While expenses such as medical bills, prescriptions, and lost wages may be easy to calculate, it is much more difficult to understand less tangible costs. Those costs could include the mental anguish that happens when you think of the accident or the loss of enjoyment of life that comes from a permanent injury, among other things. Our Athens car accident attorneys understand this human side of your suffering, and we will help you calculate an amount that more accurately reflects the big picture.
What Factors Go into Setting the Value of a Georgia Car Accident Case?
Many factors affect the value of your case, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The expected duration of your injuries
- The medical treatment you received
- How quickly you sought medical treatment
- Your degree of fault in the accident
- How much insurance is available from all responsible parties
- Previous claims for similar injuries
- The amount of evidence available to prove your injuries and other damages
When the insurance company offers a settlement, it is important to consult with an attorney before agreeing to anything. We can analyze the proposed settlement to determine whether it is fair and help you negotiate for a higher settlement if needed.
Where Does Settlement Money Come From?
Settlement money for a car accident typically comes from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, but only within the policy limits. If your claim is worth more than what their policy covers, you may also be able to obtain some compensation from your own insurance company, depending on what your own policy covers.
If the insurance policies do not cover the full amount of your claim, you may be able to sue the at-fault individual for the remaining amount. This can be a difficult process, and if they do not have the funds, you may be out of luck. A skilled attorney can help you determine the best course of action if you run into this situation.
In some circumstances, a third party may bear some responsibility for an accident. For example, a vehicle manufacturer may be financially responsible if a vehicle defect causes an accident. If a problem with the roads, such as improper signage, poor lighting, or signal malfunction contributed to the accident, the state or local government that is responsible for that road may bear responsibility.
What Impacts a Settlement?
There are several things you can do after a car accident to protect the value of your settlement. It is important to pay close attention to:
- Consistency in your statements – You will likely explain the details of the accident to the police, insurance companies, medical providers, and others. If there is an inconsistency between these reports, it can negatively affect your settlement.
- Medical records – When your medical records match the claims you are making regarding your injuries and demonstrate that you are following the doctor’s orders, this strengthens your claim. You should be honest with your doctors and provide them with details of all symptoms so the medical records accurately reflect your situation.
- Consistency in your actions – The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster may search social media or hire a private investigator to determine if you are performing activities that you claim to be unable to do. Therefore, it is important not to take unnecessary risks while your case is pending.
It can be hard to keep the details straight after an accident, so it is best to avoid providing any kind of recorded statements until after you have spoken with an attorney.
When to Contact an Experienced Athens Car Accident Lawyer
After being injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you likely already have a lot to worry about without the stress of navigating a complex legal process. You may feel tempted to accept a settlement right away, only to regret it in a few months or years when you realize it doesn’t cover all of your expenses. Contact an Athens car accident lawyer today.
The experienced Athens personal injury lawyer team at R. Alan Cleveland, LLC. understand the many factors that affect the value of your claim and will help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. Our compassionate and hardworking attorneys and staff will take care of the most difficult parts of the legal process and keep you in the loop every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
An Athens resident Alan Cleveland grew up in Rockdale County. As a founding partner of the personal injury law firm of R. Alan Cleveland, LLC he proudly serves his community and provides skilled representation to injury victims and their families all around Georgia. Alan earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and went on to graduate, summa cum laude, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. He is also a graduate of Gerry Spence’s renowned Trial Lawyers College (TLC) in Wyoming. In his free time, Alan frequently speaks at continuing legal education seminars. He also volunteered as a youth baseball coach and assists with Georgia’s high school moot court competition held annually. Alan serves as a Trustee of Historic Athens and is a member of the Development Authority of the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County.
