When dealing with the aftermath of an accident, one of the biggest questions is, “How much is my case really worth?” The answer to this is not always straightforward. To determine the true value of your damages, you must consider economic and non-economic damages.
That’s where a lawyer comes in. When you visit Coates Law Office, you will have access to experienced attorneys who will help you identify, prove, and calculate the damages you can pursue. A lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve by doing the following:
Spotting All the Damages You May Not See
Most people can recognize the obvious costs after an accident, like hospital visits, medication, and car repairs. But a lawyer’s job is to look beyond the surface. They will account for:
- All medical expenses, including future treatments, surgeries, and therapies.
- Lost income and sometimes future earning capacity.
- Property damage, whether it is to your vehicle, phone, or personal items.
- Loss of enjoyment of life, that is, if your injuries affect hobbies or daily activities.
- Emotional distress, like anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
- Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm
In short, a lawyer helps you uncover the full picture, not just what is included in the medical bill. This can help in increasing the value of your compensation.
Gathering the Right Evidence
To calculate everything that is listed above, you need plenty of proof. Lawyers know exactly what to collect and how to present it. This can include:
- Medical records and expert opinions from doctors
- Pay stubs and tax records to show lost income
- Police reports, witness statements, and photos of the accident scene
- Expert testimony from even vocational specialists
This evidence is essential not just for estimating the value of your case but for convincing the claims adjuster or the court that your claim is legitimate.
Telling Your Story in a Powerful Way
There is more to a claim than numbers on a spreadsheet. A good lawyer will ensure your story is told in a way that explains the emotional and human toll of your injury.
To do this, an attorney may need your written or spoken account of how your life has changed. They can also talk to their family members, coworkers, or therapists to get a different point of view. Personal journals and psychological evaluations can assist in recording your struggles.
This personalization approach makes it easy to prove non-economic damages like pain and suffering or loss of quality of life, which comes in handy when calculating your damages.
Calculating a Fair Settlement
Putting a value or a dollar amount on months of pain and lost opportunities is not easy. Lawyers use their experience, legal knowledge, and expert advice to arrive at a fair figure. This amount should reflect current and future losses.
Additionally, attorneys are skilled in dealing with claims adjusters and their tactics of offering the lowest payout. Your lawyer will be ready to push back and fight for what is fair without taking the easy route.
Negotiating and Going to Court if Necessary
Most of the time, claims are calculated, negotiations are done, and the compensation is settled out of court. But not all of the time, negotiations go smoothly, and claims adjusters may push back.
If your lawyer believes you are being lowballed, they can take your claim to court and present your damages in front of a judge or jury. The court can be used as leverage to settle the case fairly or secure a bigger win if it ends up in a trial.
Conclusion
A lawyer’s job after an accident is to help you determine how much your case is worth by guiding you through the claims process and uncovering hidden damages. If you have been hurt and don’t know what to do next, consider speaking to an attorney.
