Many questions arise after car accidents. One of the most common questions is, “How much is it worth?” The answer depends on your injuries and the financial impact of the crash.
There are many factors that go into determining the amount of compensation that you are eligible for, and it is helpful to take an organized approach to determining your damages from the very beginning. This is particularly true when the accident results in catastrophic injuries, which is often the case for high-speed highway accidents. Missouri car accident lawyer Matt Uhrig can advise you on how much your car accident case may be worth, and he can help you maximize your compensation if you choose to bring a claim.
Factors to Consider When Estimating What a Car Accident Case is Worth
There are a variety of aspects to consider when determining the amount of compensation that a plaintiff may be eligible for in a settlement or judgment regarding their motor vehicle accident.
One key factor to consider is the level of liability assigned to each party that is involved. Missouri law recognizes a doctrine called comparative fault, which allows the defendant to present evidence that shows how the plaintiff also acted negligently at the time of the crash.
If the plaintiff was also negligent, such as if they were engaging in distracted driving activities behind the wheel, the jury can assign a percentage of fault to the plaintiff, and any damages awarded in their favor will be reduced by that percentage.
Another factor that is considered is the amount of financial harm that the plaintiff has suffered as a result of the accident.
Common examples of damages that plaintiffs typically claim include medical care, damage to property, and any difference between what the plaintiff has formerly earned versus what they are able to earn as a result of the injuries.
Other damages like pain and suffering may apply in certain scenarios, particularly when an injury is catastrophic in nature. In addition, the age of the victim can be important in determining the amount of compensation that they will require throughout their lifetime. A younger individual who suffers a devastating injury may require more compensation to cover medical expenses and lost earnings than an older person.
Another factor to consider is the availability of insurance coverage for the at-fault driver. Knowing the policy limits for the person who caused your injuries can help you ascertain a more realistic picture of the amount of damages that you may be able to receive.
Prior to receiving compensation from the person who caused your accident, your attorney must show that the defendant failed to use reasonable and prudent care in operating their vehicle.
This involves many factors, including obeying all traffic laws. Additionally, circumstances like heavy traffic, road construction, and inclement weather may also shape the level of care that the driver should have exhibited at the time of the crash. If multiple drivers are involved in an accident, the plaintiff must establish liability as to each driver.
This is common in chain reaction accidents. The plaintiff must also prove that there is a causal connection between the other driver’s failure to use due care and the injuries that they sustained. If the defendant can show that some other factor was the substantial cause of the plaintiff’s damages, the plaintiff may be precluded from recovering compensation.
Arrange a Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer in the Mid-MO
Knowing which steps to take after a motor vehicle accident, and determining whether you are eligible to receive compensation, can be challenging.
At The Law Office of Uhrig & Brown, our team has assisted victims throughout Missouri, including in Jefferson City, Ashland, and Columbia, with determining what their car accident case may be worth. We provide a free consultation with an attorney to help you understand the legal process and decide whether filing a civil action against the person who caused your injuries is right for you. We’re here if you need us.
