There is no average car accident settlement because every case is different. The amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on several factors unique to your case, such as the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and liability. If you hire a Colorado car accident lawyer, they can calculate the total cost of your damages to help you recover a fair settlement.
Your car accident settlement will likely cover damages like medical expenses, lost income, physical pain and suffering, property damage, and more. However, it’s difficult to determine the value of your losses without a personal injury attorney on your side.
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Tell us about your caseYour Recoverable Damages Will Determine the Value of Your Car Accident Settlement
The types of damages you can recover depend on the specifics of your case. Some of your compensatory damages may include:
Medical Bills
One of the most immediate concerns following a car accident is the cost of medical care. You can seek compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident. This includes emergency room visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatments required due to the accident.
Compensation for medical bills is not limited to past expenses—it can also cover estimated future medical costs if your injuries require long-term or lifelong care.
Property Damage
Property damage compensation covers the costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident, such as electronics, car seats, or eyeglasses. This category ensures that you are reimbursed for the value of any items that were lost or the repair costs incurred as a result of the accident.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
If your injuries force you to miss work, you can recover damages for lost wages. This includes the income you’ve lost from being unable to work temporarily as well as compensation for any sick days or vacation days you had to use.
If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future, you may also claim reduced earning capacity. This type of damage compensates for your diminished ability to earn an income.
Physical Pain and Suffering
Compensation for physical pain and suffering accounts for the actual physical pain and discomfort you experienced both immediately after the accident and into the future. This category varies greatly depending on the severity and permanency of your injuries. It acknowledges that not all injuries are fully compensable with medical treatment and that pain can have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress damages are awarded for the psychological impact of an accident on your well-being. This can include anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Proving emotional distress typically requires demonstrating that you have suffered more than transient sadness or stress, and it may necessitate psychological evaluations or psychiatric records to substantiate claims.
Your Accident Attorney Will Determine Who Is Liable for Your Car Crash Settlement
Identifying the responsible parties in a car crash is crucial for securing a proper settlement. Your accident attorney will consider various potentially liable parties, including:
- Other drivers: Individuals who may have acted negligently or recklessly.
- Car manufacturers: If vehicle defects contributed to the accident.
- Government entities: Responsible for road design, maintenance, and signage.
- Employers: If the accident involved a commercial vehicle during work-related activities.
Your lawyer’s investigation will clarify the roles these parties played in the incident, ensuring that your claim targets all potential sources of liability for your damages.
You Have a Limited Time to Seek Fair Compensation After Your Auto Accident
Filing a car accident lawsuit promptly is essential due to the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for initiating legal proceedings. According to CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101, you generally have three years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit against those responsible for your injuries.
Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation for your damages. It’s crucial to be aware of this time frame as it starts running from the date of the accident. Consulting with a car accident law firm soon after your accident can ensure that all legal actions are taken within the required limits.
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Tell us about your caseTypes of Evidence that Can Help Your Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Calculate the Value of Your Financial Recovery
To accurately determine the value of your car accident settlement, your lawyer will need to gather comprehensive evidence. This evidence not only supports the legitimacy of your claim but also proves the at-fault party’s liability. Key types of evidence include:
- Medical records and hospital bills: These documents are vital for demonstrating the extent of your injuries and the costs associated with your medical treatment, both immediate and ongoing.
- Wage statements: To calculate lost income, your lawyer will need your recent wage statements and may also require documentation related to your future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Accident reports: Police or incident reports provide an official account of the accident, helping to establish fault and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
- Witness statements: Testimonies from people who witnessed the accident can corroborate your account and provide additional details that clarify liability.
- Photos and videos: Visual evidence from the scene can show the extent of damage and help reconstruct how the accident occurred.
- Expert testimonies: Specialists in fields like medicine, accident reconstruction, or economics can provide professional insights essential for supporting your claim.
Collectively, these pieces of evidence play a crucial role in your lawyer’s ability to negotiate or argue for the most favorable settlement possible.
Call Matlin Injury Law to Discuss Your Car Accident Settlement Amount
If you were involved in a car accident, call our personal injury law firm today. At Matlin Injury Law, we take all your losses into account, such as your vehicle damage, physical injuries, medical bills, and more. You can leave all the details of your case to us, so you never have to communicate with insurance adjusters or the negligent driver.
After your accident, reach out to us right away. We provide free legal consultations, during which we answer your questions and discuss the accident settlement process.
Call or text 303-777-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
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