A common question when involved in an accident is “how much is my claim worth?” There’s quite a range of figures and a variety of situations involved leading up to what would be considered a fair settlement offer. All cases are unique and require a professional consultation.

The amount your claim is worth depends on many factors. Some of these factors include:

• 1. Severity of injuries: auto accident injuries can result in a variety of injuries, from whiplash (which is considered a soft tissue injury) to more severe cases such as a head injury or even a permanent disability.
• 2. Time lost from work due to injuries: when an injury occurs it often results in loss of wages from missed time at work. It can be hours, weeks, days or even months of time depending on the severity of the injury.
• 3. Any related medical expenses: medical expenses also vary greatly. The more severe injuries can result in huge medical bills.
• 4. Pain and suffering: this is the commonly-used term for the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury. Some damages that might come under this category would include aches associated with injuries, temporary and permanent limitations on activity, potential shortening of life, depression, stress, and any mental or physical trauma resulting from the accident.

Anyone in the vehicle who’s been injured can file a claim against the at-fault driver and their insurance company.

There are actually some startling statistics on automobile crashes according to the CDC. With today’s distractions, it’s advisable to be even more aware of your surroundings when driving and make sure to pay attention to what other drivers are doing as well as to what you’re doing while behind the wheel. Keep your eyes on the road and don’t pick up your phone.

There are some more common injuries that affect victims involved in auto accidents:

• 1. A soft tissue injury is damage to the body’s connective tissue, which includes muscles, ligaments and tendons. This is the most common type of injury resulting from a car accident.
• 2. Head injuries are common in automobile accidents. Some are relatively minor, but others can be quite severe. The sudden unexpected stop or change in direction often causes the occupant’s head to experience sudden and unnatural movements.
• 3. Chest injuries are also common in a car accident. These injuries typically take the form of contusions or bruises, but can be more severe. Broken ribs or internal injuries within the impacted area can occur. Drivers often experience chest injuries because their position behind the steering wheel allows very little freedom of movement before the chest collides with the steering wheel.
• 4. The same forces that unexpectedly throw a person’s head around in unnatural ways in a car can also cause traumatic injury to arms and legs. If your car is involved in a side impact, your arms and legs might be thrown hard against the door. Car accidents often cause an occupant’s knees to hit the dashboard or seat in front of them. Especially in the case of passengers, a person’s legs have very little room for movement further enhancing the risk of injury.

It’s important to remember that there are levels of severity within each common injury. Depending on the age of the victim, speed and size of the vehicles involved and previous medical issues, a mild injury for one person can be severe for others. The value of a claim takes all of these factors into consideration. Your attorney will gather all of the facts including accident reports and medical records. The settlement can not be finalized without the client understanding the terms and agreeing to the amount offered.

Contact Alexander Law Group, PLC at (804) 271-1969 for a consultation to discuss all of your legal needs.