How Are Car Accident Settlements Calculated?

Every day, drivers going to and from work, home, and school pack San Antonio roads and highways. If you drive in our city long enough, you are bound to be involved in or witness a vehicle collision. Maybe you have to stop suddenly for a stray animal crossing the street, and someone rear-ends your car. Perhaps another driver fails to stop at a red light and plows into the side of your vehicle. If you have been in a severe car accident, it is likely you suffered injuries that disrupted your routine in ways you never anticipated.

Who will pay for my injuries?
What about my lost wages for missing work?
Who do I call after car accident injuries?
How do I know when to sue after a car accident?

These are just a few of the questions that may be running through your mind. The overarching issue is what you should do when injured in an auto accident and the other driver is at fault. Even if the other driver is at fault, you may still be wondering, “How are car accident settlements calculated?”

There is no pat answer to the question, “How are car accident settlements calculated?” No two accidents are alike. No two people are alike. What may seem like a minor injury to one person may be of great consequence to another. The easiest way to understand how car accident settlements are calculated is to know there are two types of damages related to bodily injury: special damages and general damages.

Special damages are the actual, out-of-pocket expenses you experience as a result of your injuries. These damages include, but are not limited to, physician’s fees, emergency room charges, medications, and even lost wages. The actual cost to you of your injuries falls under this category.

General damages deal with the intangible effects of an accident on your life. Some may refer to this as “pain and suffering” or “mental anguish.” These qualifiers can vary from person to person. For example, a severe hand injury to a college professor may have a very different impact as the same wound on a concert pianist.

As you can see, assigning a value to a car accident is not as easy as plugging numbers into a formula. It requires insight, experience, and expertise. It calls for a thorough understanding of the legal issues involved, and this is why you should seek the assistance of an attorney.

An experienced car accident attorney in Texas will understand not only know how to engage with the insurance company but can also provide valuable insight into what your injury claim is worth. Your lawyer will advocate for your rights and make sure you receive the compensation to which you are entitled.

At the law offices of Carabin Shaw in San Antonio, we understand the needs of car collision survivors. Our team of attorneys has decades of experience representing those who have been hurt in auto accidents. Our San Antonio auto accident lawyers understand what it means to advocate for those who were injured as the result of another’s actions and are prepared to make sure the responsible party is held accountable.

Your first step is to contact our office and schedule a free, no-obligation initial visit with a Carabin Shaw San Antonio car wreck attorney. During our first conversation, we will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and learn the facts regarding your case.

When you decide to let one of our San Antonio auto accident lawyers represent you, he or she will work hard on your behalf. We will deal with the insurance company so you can focus on your treatment and getting back on your feet. Carabin Shaw attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis, so we will not collect any fees until we win your case.

Hurt in an auto accident? Call our office in San Antonio today at 800-862-1260.