Accidents happen every day, and you may be left wondering what to do next. You could be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering if you’ve been injured. How much could you claim?

This article discusses how personal injury claims are calculated, what type of compensation you might expect, and how to get the most out of your claim.

How to Calculate Your Personal Injury Settlement Amount

There are a few different ways to calculate the value of your personal injury. One way is to use the multiplier method. This method multiplies your medical expenses by a number between 1 and 5, considering the severity of your injuries. For example, if your medical expenses are $10,000 and you use a multiplier of 4, your settlement would be $40,000.

A second way to calculate the value of a personal injury settlement is to use the per diem method. This method calculates damages based on the number of days you were incapacitated and unable to work or enjoy your normal activities. For example, if you could not work for ten days and your daily wage is $100, your damages would be $1,000.

A combination of the multiplier and per diem methods can also be used to calculate the value of a settlement.

What to Expect From Your Personal Injury Settlement

The amount of your injury settlement will depend on the severity of your injuries, the total amount of your medical bills, and the impact the accident had on your quality of life. Generally, you can expect to receive compensation for the following:

• Doctor & Hospital Bills: This includes the cost of your doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
• Lost work: This includes the income you lost due to your inability to work after your injuries.
• Pain and suffering: This is payment for the emotional and physical pain you experienced due to your injuries.
• Other related damages may include payment for lost earning capacity, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (social life disruption.)

How to Get the Most Out of Your Personal Injury Settlement

• Hire an experienced personal injury lawyer: A lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance companies and informs you of your legal rights.
• Be prepared to negotiate: The insurance company will almost certainly try to lowball you on a settlement offer. Be prepared to negotiate, and don’t be afraid to walk away from the table if you’re not getting what you and your attorney believe you deserve.
• Document everything: Keep good records of your medical costs, lost income, and peripheral damages. This will help when you’re negotiating your settlement.
• Don’t accept the first offer: The insurance company’s first offer is typically just a starting point. Feel free to negotiate and wait for a higher settlement.

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer

When choosing a personal injury lawyer, finding someone experienced, knowledgeable, and proactive is wise. You should also ensure that you feel comfortable with them and trust them to represent you.

To find a personal injury attorney, ask for referrals from friends or family, or search online. Once you’ve found a few lawyers, schedule consultations with each one to discuss your case and get a feel for how they work.

Here are some of the best attributes of an excellent personal injury lawyer:

• Experience: A good personal injury lawyer should have experience handling personal injury cases similar to yours. They should know the law and how the legal system functions.
• Knowledge: A good lawyer has in-depth knowledge of the personal injury laws in your state. They should also be familiar with local insurance companies.
• Communication: A good lawyer can communicate effectively with you. They should be able to explain the legal process to you in simple language and answer your questions.
• Responsiveness: A good injury lawyer is responsive to your needs. They should promptly return your calls and emails and not leave you hanging on for days waiting for information. They should be available to meet with you when you need them.
• Assertiveness: A good personal injury lawyer should proactively pursue your case. They should be willing to confront the insurance companies and fight for the compensation you need to move on.
• Compassion: A good lawyer is compassionate. They understand that you are going through a difficult time and are there to support you.

If you are considering hiring a personal injury attorney, it is vital to interview several lawyers before making a final decision. This allows you to find a lawyer you feel comfortable with and who you believe will represent your interests well.

How to File a Personal Injury Claim

To file a personal injury claim, you need to:

• Compile evidence: This includes all your medical records, official police reports, and other documentation related to your accident.
• File a claim with the insurance company: You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
• Negotiate with the insurer: The insurance company will likely offer you a meager settlement offer. Be prepared to refuse the offer and continue negotiating.
• Sue if necessary: If you can’t settle with the insurance company, you can file a lawsuit.

How to Negotiate a Personal Injury Settlement

When negotiating a personal injury settlement, be prepared. You should have all of your evidence organized and settled in your mind on what you want to achieve. You should also be ready to walk away from the table if you’re not getting the amount you need to get your life back on track.

The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney to Negotiate

Having a personal injury attorney negotiate on your behalf is always better. A personal injury attorney can help you review your legal options, and they will aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve.

Insurance companies are businesses whose goal is to keep as much of their profit as possible. They will often try to pay victims a very low amount to save money. A personal injury attorney can negotiate a fair settlement that covers all your medical bills, lost pay, pain, and suffering, and related damages.

An attorney can also stand up for you in court if necessary. If the insurance company refuses to play fair, your attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf. An experienced injury attorney has the knowledge required to get you fair compensation.

Contact the Personal Injury Specialists Near You

If you suffer from injuries after an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact Dozier Law today for an initial consultation. We will review your case and discuss your legal options. There is no obligation; we only get paid if we win for you.

Here are some of the factors that can affect the value of your injury settlement:

• The severity of your injuries
• The extent of your medical expenses
• Your lost wages
• Your pain and suffering
• The fault of the other driver
• The insurance coverage of the other driver

Remember that every case is different, and the value of your settlement will depend on the specifics of your case. If you have been injured in an accident, it is vital to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Dozier Law is a Georgia personal injury law firm that has helped injured victims for over 50 years. We understand that being injured in an accident can be a life-altering event, and we are here to help you get the compensation you need to move forward.

Why choose Dozier Law?

• We have a documented track record of success. We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients, and we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
• We are experienced, injury attorneys. We have handled all types of personal injury cases for more than five decades.
• We are dedicated to our clients. We work tirelessly and will never give up on your case.
• We are compassionate and understanding. We know that being injured in an accident can feel like chaos, and we are here to help you through it.

Contact the team at Dozier Law today. Our experienced team will fight for your rights and ensure you are compensated for your economic damages, including medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.