How a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Values Damages
Having a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer on your side can be immensely beneficial when seeking compensation for an East Highland Park car accident. A lawyer helps determine the appropriate value of your damages, considering both economic and non-economic losses. The following factors may be considered to calculate economic damages.
Medical Expenses
Your lawyer works closely with medical professionals to assess the full extent of your injuries and calculate all costs associated with the accident and your injuries.
Property Damage
Your attorney considers the value of repairing or replacing the damaged vehicle and any other personal belongings affected by the accident.
Lost Income
To determine lost income, your lawyer reviews employment records, pay stubs, and other evidence to calculate the earnings lost due to your inability to work during the recovery period.
Loss of Earning Capacity
When long-term or permanent disabilities due to the accident affect your ability to work, your attorney consults with vocational experts to calculate the loss of future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are subjective and more challenging to value. An attorney uses various methods, such as the multiplier method, to calculate pain and suffering damages based on the severity of injuries, the extent of pain endured, and the impact on your life. They may work closely with psychologists or mental health experts to evaluate the emotional toll of the accident and consider factors like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
An experienced car accident lawyer also evaluates how the accident and resulting injuries impacted your daily activities, hobbies, and social relationships. In some cases, car accidents and the aftermath of recovery strain personal relationships and result in the loss of consortium or loss of companionship. These factors are all considered when evaluating non-economic damages.
Other Ways a Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
In addition to valuing damages, a lawyer navigates the legal process efficiently on your behalf and assists you in the following ways:
Investigation
This includes gathering evidence, reviewing medical reports, interviewing witnesses, and reconstructing the events leading up to the collision.
Prove liability
Proving negligence of the other party involved is crucial to recovering damages. An experienced lawyer gathers necessary evidence and presents a compelling case to demonstrate liability.
Negotiate with insurance adjusters
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. Your legal team handles communication with insurers to ensure your rights and interests stay protected and you get the full compensation to cover the damages you suffered.
Represent you in court
If your claim isn’t settled with the insurance company, a skilled lawyer will represent you and fight to get the settlement you deserve.
