Each car accident settlement or jury award is calculated according to the specific circumstances of the crash. People who suffer minor vehicle damage and injuries, for instance, would receive lower compensation amounts from the liable party than those who suffer catastrophic injuries in a car crash.
The compensation an injured party can obtain must cover all losses incurred due to the car accident. The worth of a car accident case will depend on various factors affecting the amount of the settlement or jury award.
The Injury’s Nature, Severity, and Consequences
The top factors concerning compensation amounts in car accident cases are the severity and exact nature of the claimant’s injuries. Usually, claimants with severe injuries tend to receive higher compensation amounts than those who only sustained minor injuries. Generally speaking, injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord damage, and other permanent and life-altering injuries will garner higher compensation amounts than injuries like strains, sprains, or bruising.
Injuries disrupting a person’s life or their ability to do daily tasks like household chores, caring for the family, and their ability to earn a living will be considered when calculating the value of a car accident claim.
Lost Earnings and Earning Ability
A car accident can prevent the injured person from working for some time as they recover. If this is the case, they can recover compensation for their income lost when they couldn’t work. Lost earning ability can be harder to prove because it covers the permanent consequences of the crash, which undermine the person’s ability to earn a living in the future.
Even if they can return to work, they may recoup damages from lost earning ability if they must work a lower-paying job due to their injuries.
Certainty of Fault and Liability
The compensation for car accident claims often revolves around the certainty of fault and liability for the accident. The injured party should receive full compensation if full liability rests with another party.
Take note Connecticut follows the modified comparative negligence rule, meaning an injured claimant can only recoup compensation from the liable party if their share of fault for the accident is no more than 50%.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
It is very common for people who suffer injuries in a crash to experience psychological and emotional issues, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and PTSD. With help from their attorney, the injured person must show they have suffered significant trauma due to their injuries.
Reach Out to a Seasoned CT Roadside Lawyer Now
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for calculating the value of a car accident claim because each claim’s damages will depend on various factors. A CT roadside lawyer may be able to provide an accurate estimate based on the accident’s circumstances and similar cases. Contact Berman & Russo and set up a free case evaluation with a CT roadside lawyer by completing an online form or dialing 860-644-1548.
