6 Factors That Determine How Much Compensation You Recover After a West Palm Beach Car Accident
Car accidents are incredibly common in West Palm Beach. Hundreds of car accidents happen in West Palm Beach every week. In a year, tens of thousands of car accidents involving injuries occur in West Palm Beach. In West Palm Beach, just like in other parts of Florida, you have the right to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation if you are injured in a car accident because of another driver’s negligence. Seeking fair compensation after a West Palm Beach car accident can help you move forward with your life. However, when it comes to car accident claims, several factors can impact how much you recover as compensation. It is crucial that you understand the factors that can influence your West Palm Beach car accident settlement. Below is a look at six of the factors that determine how much compensation you recover after a West Palm Beach car accident:
- The Severity of Your Injuries
The extent and severity of your injuries will be crucial in determining how much you recover as compensation. Generally, the more severe the injuries, the more you can expect to recover. More severe injuries require extensive treatment and result in substantial pain and suffering and lost wages, resulting in higher compensation.
- Total Damages Suffered
The total damages incurred due to the car accident are vital in determining your settlement amount. Damages in a car accident claim can be categorized into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Insurance companies consider both economic and non-economic damages when determining the appropriate compensation for the claimant.
- Insurance Coverage
If the at-fault driver has the minimum car insurance coverage, the amount might not cover all your damages. In such a case, you can file a lawsuit against the driver, but that will only work if they have the resources to pay the judgment. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to obtain additional compensation from your insurer.
- Comparative Fault
This concept applies when more than one party is responsible for the accident. Florida’s new modified comparative negligence law bars claimants from recovery if they are more than 50% at fault for their accident. And if you are not more than 50% to blame for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Strength of Evidence
The stronger the evidence, the higher the chances the defense side will offer a generous settlement amount. Sufficient and strong evidence can prevent disputes over liability. When liability is disputed, it may lower your settlement. A qualified attorney can help you gather evidence.
- Your (or Your Attorney’s) Negotiation Skills
If you handle your case “pro se,” your negotiation skills will impact how much compensation you recover. On the other hand, if you have an attorney, their negotiation skills will impact how much you recover. Skillful negotiation can result in a higher settlement amount, while poor negotiation may result in a less favorable outcome.
Contact a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney
Contact our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm for help with your car accident case.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Orlando, Fort Myers, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Bradenton, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Naples, and Melbourne areas.
