How to Calculate Damages for a Car Accident Claim

To properly calculate the total damages for a car accident claim there are two main categories of costs to be included, which are personal injuries and property damage. These are assessed by insurance companies along with other factors such as fault and the involved drivers’ past history.

Personal Injuries

The two major costs from personal injuries come from the medical bills paid for treatment, and any missed work or reduced earning ability because of those injuries.

• Medical costs, which include more than just the current costs of treatment. Any prolonged costs from continuing pain or further recovery treatments should also be included. These costs can be accurately determined by medical professionals, but more than one consultation should be made in order to forecast the most accurate amount.
• Losses in income or reduced earning ability can be attained even if one’s employer provides compensation for missed work because of injuries. However, both compensation from the employer and from insurance companies can only be attained if the time of from work is ordered by a doctor. To estimate the value of any reduced earning ability, past earnings should be assessed along with estimated future earning abilities.

Further associated costs are much less easily assessed because they involve mental trauma from the actual accident and from the injuries associated with it.

• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish can be assessed and documented by psychologists, but is not always felt before the insurance claim is made, and can easily be forgotten in insurance claims.
• Loss of consortium is a form of mental trauma, but is more complicated as it stems from the injury rather than the actual car accident. It involves any problems between the injured person and their married partner, such as loss of companionship, a worsened sexual relationship, or any other new problems.

Property Damage

Much simpler to calculate are property damages. All overt costs associated with the accident can be accounted for by their precise bill or payment, and damages not yet paid for can be determined by professional appraisal.

• Vehicle Damage includes the possible external costs, such as the cost of towing the damaged vehicle or renting a replacement one.

Getting Legal Help

Assessing all of these damages accurately requires a great deal of documentation and help from professionals. Some insurance lawyers specialize in car insurance and car accidents. They are helpful for organizing the process as a whole and making sure all damages are accounted for. There are many online services available to find lawyers, but most commonly personal or professional referrals have the best results.