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If in a Car Accident, How Much Can You Sue For?

If you have been seriously injured by another driver’s negligence, obtaining the compensation to which you are entitled and that you need to reach your most complete recovery is critical. To do so, however, you might need to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company (in addition to your own no-fault coverage).

While the majority of claims are settled out of court, others do proceed to trial, and the amount you sue for will hinge upon the damages you’ve suffered. In other words, it is a complicated calculation process, and it is in your best interest to have an experienced Tampa car accident attorney on your side.

Your Complete Damages

The damages you will address in your car accident claim can include all of the following:

  • Your medical costs
  • Your lost earnings
  • Your physical and emotional pain and suffering

Your Medical Costs

Your car accident claim should incorporate all of your medical expenses – beginning with your emergency care costs and extending to the cost of surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and beyond. The serious injuries sustained in car accidents can lead to secondary health concerns and the need for ongoing medical attention, and these costs shouldn’t be neglected in your claim. Receiving the care you need when you need it is the best way to move forward on the path toward regaining your health and well-being.

Your Lost Earnings

While you recover from the injuries you’ve sustained, you are very likely to miss work and to experience lost wages. This financial imbalance can be one of the most difficult aspects of car accident claims. Further, if your injuries interfere with your ability to do your work or advance your career, they can leave you with a loss of earning potential into your future.

Your Physical and Emotional Pain and Suffering

Being injured as a result of someone else’s negligent behavior can be emotionally scarring, and this – on top of the physical pain and suffering you endure – can add up to a considerable amount of damage.

Dealing with the Insurance Company

You and your experienced car accident attorney will compile a comprehensive claim that addresses your damages in their entirety to file with the other driver’s insurance company, but considerable negotiations are almost certainly ahead. The fact is that the insurance company is in the business of turning hefty profits and – as such – is invested in doing everything it can to minimize settlements like yours. Some of the tricks of the trade include:

  • Offering a small, early settlement offer before you are fully aware of the damages involved
  • Attempting to turn blame back on you (and away from the at-fault policyholder)
  • Making the claims process as complicated, convoluted, and lengthy as possible (in an attempt to make you walk away in frustration)

A further note about the insurance company is that a representative is very likely to reach out to you for an official statement about the accident in question. The insurance rep is well versed at coaxing the kind of statements the insurance company is looking for out of claimants like you, and the best practice is to simply bypass this potential obstacle and let your car accident attorney communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

An Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney Can Help

The practiced Tampa car accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos understand the difficulties you face and are committed to helping you obtain your most beneficial case resolution. We’re here to help, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 today.