man in business suit handing over payment check[Video Summary] Value of Missouri Car Crash Claim

Determinants of Claim Value:

1) Severity of injuries: More severe injuries result in higher medical expenses and increased compensation.
2) Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and future earning potential contributes to the claim's value.
3) At-fault driver's insurance: The coverage plays a significant role, with higher limits leading to more compensation.
4) Additional liable parties: Involvement of multiple parties can significantly increase compensation.
5) Proving liability: Strong evidence of the at-fault driver's negligence strengthens the case.
 

Potential Damages in Missouri Car Crash Claim:

1) Medical expenses: Covers hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgeries, emergency room treatment, etc.
2) Lost wages: Compensation for missed work and loss of future earning capacity.
3) Property damage: Covers repairs or replacement of the damaged vehicle and personal property inside.
4) Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
5) Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact on personal relationships.
6) Other damages: Including medical devices, home care, transportation costs, future medical expenses, punitive damages, legal fees, court costs, and other economic losses.
 

Importance of an Experienced Attorney:

1) Having an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial.
2) An attorney can maximize the claim and face insurance companies confidently.
3) Without an attorney, the insurance company may not take the claim as seriously.
 

Free Consultation and No Win, No Fee, It's that Simple!!

1) Peterson and Associates offer a free, no-obligation consultation.
2) Legal representation is on a "no win, no fee" basis, meaning no fees unless they win the case.
 

Peterson and Associates Legal Team:

1) The legal team at Peterson and Associates is experienced in handling car accident cases.
2) They aim to make the victim whole again by clarifying the claim's potential value and guiding them through the legal process.

This is the most common question we get from potential clients who have been injured in a car accident that was not their fault—and understandably so. Knowing what your claim could be worth will help you decide if it’s worth pursuing, whether an offer made by the at-fault driver’s insurance company is fair, and what kind of medical care and lost-wage reimbursement you can expect. In this article, we discuss the factors that affect the value of a car accident claim in Missouri and explain what you can do to maximize the compensation you could be awarded after a successful claim.

Factors That Can Significantly Increase the Value of Your Car Accident Claim

Compensation awarded to an injured party is based on the losses they suffered in the accident. Generally speaking, the more catastrophic the crash is and the more losses you suffer, the more your claim will be worth. Factors that will play a role in determining the value of your claim include the following:

  • Severity of injuries. More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care lead to higher medical expenses and increased compensation. Serious injuries often result in greater pain and suffering, affecting the overall value of the claim as well. If a car accident victim has suffered permanent disability or disfigurement, they face life-long medical care and a loss of earning potential that would also significantly increase the value of their claim.
  • The extent of lost wages. Compensation for lost wages due to missed work and reduced earning capacity due to long-term injuries or disabilities can significantly increase the claim's value, as it accounts for both current and future financial losses. Depending on your line of work and earning potential, the lost-wage portion of your compensation could radically increase the value of your claim.
  • Insurance carried by the at-fault driver. You can’t get blood from a stone, so the value of a claim often comes down to how much liability insurance the at-fault driver has. If they carry state-required minimum coverage, your damages might be capped at $25,000. However, if they have a higher liability policy—or they have significant personal assets—the value of your claim could increase with the help of a lawyer.
  • Additional liable parties. If there is more than one liable party—for example, more than one driver in a multi-car crash or the employer of the at-fault driver who was on duty at the time of the crash—that could increase your compensation considerably.
  • Proving liability. If the at-fault driver’s negligence, carelessness, or recklessness is clear and there is strong evidence to support their liability, you will have a stronger case to put before the insurance company. Solid proof of fault, along with significant financial losses, will strengthen your claim for compensation.
  • Having an experienced lawyer on your side. Insurance companies take claims presented by personal injury lawyers far more seriously than claims that come from individuals without legal representation. Not only does a lawyer understand all of the factors that contribute to the value of a claim, but they have the skill and confidence to not back down—even in the face of a team of lawyers or a stubborn insurance adjuster.

When you meet with our car accident lawyers in a free, no-obligation consultation, we will help you understand the potential value of your claim. If we believe that we can add value to your claim, we will explain how and walk you through our process.

Potential Damages in a Missouri Car Crash Claim

The goal of a personal injury claim is to make the injured person whole again. In other words, we want to restore what the negligent driver took from you in the crash. It will be your lawyer’s job to calculate all of your financial losses and demand compensation that covers all of the damages. These damages might include some or all of the following:

  • Medical expenses. These can include hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgery and medical procedures, emergency room treatment, diagnostic tests (X-rays, MRI, CT scans), rehabilitation and physical therapy, and prescription medications.
  • Lost wages. If you have had to miss work to recover from your injuries, you should be compensated for the time. In addition, you could be owed damages for loss of earning capacity for future income if injuries lead to diminished earning potential.
  • Property damage. This includes repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle as well as any personal property inside the vehicle (laptops, phones, etc.).
  • Pain and suffering. Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries, including loss of enjoyment of life due to injuries, can be calculated by an experienced attorney. Emotional distress might manifest as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the accident.
  • Loss of consortium. This includes compensation for the impact of injuries on personal relationships, including spousal relationships, companionship, and affection.
  • Medical devices and assistive equipment. If you need crutches, braces, wheelchairs, or other necessary medical devices now or in the future, those costs should be covered by your compensation.
  • Home care and assistance. Expenses for hiring help or assistance for daily activities during recovery should also be included in your demand for damages.
  • Transportation costs. Your award should cover expenses related to transportation to medical appointments, therapy sessions, and work if you are unable to drive or your vehicle is not available because of the crash.
  • Future medical expenses. Your lawyer should include anticipated costs of ongoing medical treatment, surgeries, therapies, or medications required in the future due to accident-related injuries, including costs associated with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitation services.
  • Punitive damages. In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by the at-fault party, punitive damages may be awarded by a judge to punish the wrongdoer. Punitive damages are often awarded in drunk driving cases.
  • Legal fees and court costs. Your lawyer will work on a contingency fee basis, meaning he will be paid out of your award if your claim is successful; however, additional fees, such as court filing fees and other legal expenses incurred during the claim process, could be included as part of your damages.
  • Other economic losses. Your lawyer will also list additional out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident, such as home modifications, childcare costs, or transportation costs.

Calculating the full value of your claim takes experience, as do gathering evidence and writing a demand letter. If your demand for compensation is rejected and your insurance claim becomes a personal injury lawsuit, you want the confidence of having an experienced trial lawyer on your team.

[Video Transcript] Value of Your Missouri Car Crash Claim

Hello I'm Ross Paczkowski a personal injury attorney at Peterson and Associates here in Kansas City. I'm here today to try and answer one of the most common questions we receive from car crash victims in Kansas City Missouri.  What's my claim worth?  Knowing the value of your claim is crucial. It helps you decide whether or not to pursue it, how to evaluate the insurance company settlement offers and plan for medical care and lost wages. In this video we'll discuss how some of the factors affect your car accident claims value, how to maximize your compensation and what potential damages you might recover.

So to begin what determines your claims value here are some key factors. One, severity of injuries. More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term disability or disfigurement mean higher medical expenses and very likely increased compensation for your claim. At the end of the day the value of your claim is rooted in how much the insurance company believes a jury would award you for the damages you sustained.

Two, lost wages compensation for missed work and future earning potential adds to your claims value depending on your line of work and the amount of time missed. The lost wage portion of your claim can radically increase the value of your claim. For example if you were earning tens of thousands of dollars a year at the job you were working and now you are unable to do the job or you had to miss some time due to your injuries, we will make a claim for your lost wages to get you compensated and made whole.

Three, the at fault driver's insurance.  The driver's insurance coverage plays a role higher limits mean more compensation. Please note, even if you believe the insurance coverage for the defendant driver is minimal you should always contact the personal injury attorney to fully evaluate all insurance coverage. There could be policies out there that you never would have discovered if you had tried to resolve the claim without legal counsel. In addition, we will always want to evaluate the personal assets of the defendant or defendants to make sure that there is nothing out there beyond insurance coverage. Furthermore, your own insurance coverage may have no fault insurance which could provide additional settlement money to help make you whole after car crash.

Four, additional liable parties. Multiple liable parties can significantly increase your compensation.  If the defendant driver was on the job at the time of the crash it can mean that their employer is also vicariously liable for the injuries you sustained.

Five, proving liability. Strong evidence of the at fault driver's negligence strengthens your case.  Solid proof of fault along with significant damages will strengthen your claim. This is why it's always important to have an attorney look at the facts of the crash and see what evidence we can preserve to help prove liability, such as video of the crash or proof of the defendant being distracted or on their phone.

Six, having an experienced attorney. The insurance company will take your claim much more seriously if you have a personal injury attorney representing you. Plainly put, without an attorney the insurance company is not scared of you filing a lawsuit and thus you lose a lot of leverage in negotiations. A personal injury lawyer can maximize your claim and face insurance companies confidently.

Now let's talk about the potential damages you could recover in a Missouri car crash claim. The goal is to make you whole again by restoring what the negligent driver took from you in the crash. Here are some of the damages you might be entitled to. One, medical expenses. This will cover your hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgeries, emergency room treatment and more.

Two, lost wages. This can cover compensation for missed work and loss of future earning capacity.

Three, property damage. This section will cover repairs or replacement of your damaged vehicle and the personal property inside.

Four, pain and suffering. This is compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.

Five, loss of consortium this is compensation for for the physical impact on your personal relationships.

Six, medical devices and assistive equipment this will be coverage for any necessary medical devices.

Seven, home care and assistance. This area will be expenses for daily activities during your recovery.

Eight, transportation costs. This covers expenses related to medical appointments therapy and work.

Nine, future medical expenses. This will cover any anticipated costs for your ongoing and future treatment.

Ten, punitive damages. In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct you can recover additional damages called punitive damages.

Eleven, legal fees and court costs. Legal expenses during the claim process can be collected.

Twelve, other economic losses. Additional out of-pocket expenses related to the accident can also be collected.

When you consult our team of car crash lawyers we aim to clarify your claims potential value and guide you through the process. Reach out to us for a free no obligation consultation. You don't owe us a dollar for the consultation and our legal representation unless we win for you!

No win, No fee, It's that Simple!

Calculating and collecting the full value of your claim takes experience. Gathering evidence negotiating with insurance companies and writing a compelling demand letter are all part of the process. If your demand for compensation is rejected and your insurance claim becomes a personal injury lawsuit, you want the confidence of having an experienced trial lawyer on your team. Our experienced legal team at Peterson and Associates is dedicated to fighting for your rights! We've successfully handled numerous car accident cases and we know the ins and outs of the legal system.

When you choose us you're not alone in this journey. At Peterson and Associates our goal is to make you whole again. Contact us and let's work together toward getting you the compensation you deserve!

Don't wait, call the 8's! Thank you for watching and remember, When you're injured, Results Matter!