Accidents frequently occur on Alabama roads, leaving victims with varying degrees of injuries and property damage. After a crash, the next step for a victim is to make a compensation claim against the at-fault driver. In Alabama, it is the party at fault that pays for any damages sustained in the accident.

Before making a car accident settlement claim, victims are often curious about how much they can get out of the request. This curiosity is valid and essential as it helps you prepare for all eventualities. In all these, it is always best to have a car accident lawyer in Alabama represent you to ensure that you get the right amount of compensation.

Settling With the Insurance Company or Going to Court

The amount of car accident settlement you can get is strongly dependent on whether you sue the at-fault driver or settle with his/her insurance carrier. If you accept a settlement from the at-fault party's insurer, it will be worth just as much as the driver's coverage.

We mean that only the specific benefits covered in the at-fault party's insurance policy will accrue to you. Most procedures generally include car repairs and medical bills, and this may be all you'll get.

The case is often different if you decide to go to court. A court judgment is usually more comprehensive than an insurance policy. If you can prove the other driver's negligence or error, the court may grant you compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Recoverable damages could include:

• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Cost of legal representation
• Disability damages (if any)
• Punitive damages, where the conduct of the driver is so reprehensible as to demand this.

If the jury's findings favor you, they could award you some, all, or more of the damages listed above.

Other Factors That Determine the Worth of Your Car Accident Claim

Whether you settle in court or with the at-fault party's insurer, many other situations influence the value of your car accident settlement. Some of such factors include:

Who Is at Fault

The person who caused the accident in Alabama significantly affects the car accident settlement amount. If you caused the crash, you might be unable to get any settlement money at all.

But, if the accident was the other party's fault or that of many other people, the settlement's value increases. Multiple responsible people mean that you can get money from many people without being hindered by one party's economic situation.

Your Injuries

The more severe your injuries are, the more it'll cost to treat them, thus affecting your recoverable medical bills. How long it takes to heal and whether any permanent harm ensues will also affect your hospital bills' size. Furthermore, if you require future medical attention, you should recover the at-fault driver's cost. The length of time you stayed off work because of your injuries will also affect the car accident settlement.

The Strength of Your Case

Your case's strength or weakness can also affect how much you can get out of the settlement. If you have sufficient evidence to prove your claim, an insurance company will be more willing to pay higher. Conversely, if you were unable to gather any substantial evidence, the insurer will often offer less than you deserve.

Damage to Property

Crashes almost always cause damage to vehicles and any other property in the car. Any car accident settlement will have to cover the cost of repairs or replacement of spoilt property.

How to Calculate the Worth of Your Car Accident Claim

You can estimate the value of your car accident claim by yourself by calculating your economic losses from the crash. These losses will include the cost of vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses. For these calculations and eventual proof of loss, it is best to save these expenses' receipts.

Furthermore, you can do an estimation of your non-economic losses by using the multiplier model. That is multiplying your total economic losses with any number from one to five. Finally, it would help to involve a lawyer for reliable inputs on your calculations.

Mike Bell Lawyers Can Help You!

Knowing how much to expect from your car accident settlement in Alabama and getting the money are two different issues. The first is more comfortable than the latter. Furthermore, you can do all the calculations yourself; however, you'll need to hire a car accident attorney in Birmingham to get all the money.

At Mike Bell, our lawyers are incredibly skilled at claims evaluations and can determine your claim's exact worth. What's more? With us, you'll get all that is rightfully due to you. Call us today!