“What is My Claim Really Worth?”

When someone calls our office after being injured in a car wreck, one of their first questions is usually, “What is my case going to be worth?”

It’s a good question. After all, you probably wouldn’t accept a job offer before being told an hourly wage or salary. And who would shop at a grocery store where none of the items were priced?

Unlike purchasing bread and bananas, however, a personal injury case is much more complex. If you call an attorney and they refuse to give you a dollar amount for the value of your case, you may feel frustrated. Isn’t that their job? Your instinct might be to keep calling different firms until you find one who will promise the numbers you think your personal injury claim will be worth. Some legal websites even offer an “online calculator” which spits out an estimated settlement amount after you submit the details of your car accident and injuries.

Why Shouldn’t I Use an Online Claims Calculator?

The truth is that no personal injury attorney, regardless of skill or experience, can determine the settlement amount you should receive simply by listening to the details of your accident. In fact, any attorney who is willing to make that type of promise during an initial consultation is probably not someone to trust with your personal injury case. After all, it’s more than a legal case; it’s your life.

How Is My Settlement Value Calculated?

A personal injury claim involves quite a few people: the victim, the at fault driver, attorneys, and multiple insurance adjusters. While it is true that most insurance companies use a baseline “formula” to determine the initial settlement amount they are willing to offer the accident victim, that’s simply a starting point to begin negotiations. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to negotiate in your favor based on the facts of your case.

No two car wrecks are alike, and no two victims will suffer identical injuries or complications from the wreck. A number of variables will influence settlement amount for your specific case, and it takes time for the attorney to identify those variables and determine how they impact your claim value.

What Factors Impact my Settlement?

These variables include, but are not limited to:

• Cost of medical treatment
• Severity of injuries
• Missed work or lost income
• Pain and physical suffering
• Emotional damages and lower quality of life
• Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
• Ability to live normally
• Pre-existing injuries
• Insurance coverage
• Whether the other driver was completely at fault, or the plaintiff shares a percentage of the fault
• At fault driver’s negligence – was it a simple error in judgement, or were they driving under the influence or acting with deliberate negligence?

What Should I Look for in an Attorney?

Instead of looking for a personal injury lawyer who offers quick numbers, look for one who offers a free consultation, patiently answers your questions, and works to help you feel comfortable before asking you to sign any contracts. Car wrecks can wreak havoc on your life. You need an attorney who will work hard to ensure that your settlement will cover your expenses and meet your long-term needs.

You will never find a personal injury value calculator on our website. When you call for a free case consultation, we won’t claim to know the value of your case. Instead of offering fast or flashy answers, our promise is to invest time and work into what matters: results. That’s what it means to be On Your Side, By Your Side. 

Injured in an Accident?

Injured in a car wreck? With a team of more than 20 attorneys and 7 offices located in Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas, Taylor King Law is here to help. We’ve been helping our friends and neighbors for more than 25 years.

Call us today at 800.305.0529. You can also reach us online through our chat feature or using our Online Contact Form. You’re just a call or click away from getting the help you need.