Determining How Much Your Automobile Injury Claim Is Worth

If you are injured in an automobile accident and you file an insurance claim, it is initially reviewed by adjusters. These insurance company employees use a variety of factors and indicators to evaluate the extent of your injuries and their associated costs. However, insurers often undervalue claims to limit their financial exposure. This makes it essential for accident victims to consult with an experienced automobile injury lawyer before accepting any offers.

Insurance adjusters’ handling of claims begins with reviewing the details of the accident, including the police report, witness statements, photographs of the scene and available forensic evidence. They then assess the severity of the injuries sustained, relying on medical records, doctor’s statements and hospital bills to estimate medical expenses. This includes immediate costs, such as emergency room visits and surgeries, as well as ongoing expenses for rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Another relevant factor is lost wages. Adjusters calculate the income you’ve lost due to your inability to work during recovery. They may also consider the impact of any long-term disability on your future earning potential. To assess this, they review your employment records, pay stubs and statements from your employer.

Property damage to your vehicle is also considered. Adjusters evaluate repair estimates or the total loss value if the car is beyond repair. This is usually a straightforward calculation compared to the complexities of personal injury assessments.

Adjusters use these data points along with software programs designed to calculate settlement values. These programs consider statistical data and precedent to estimate a baseline value for various types of injuries. However, these calculations often fall short of what an accident victim truly deserves.

When it comes to bodily injury suffered in a crash, insurers routinely undervalue claims as part of their strategy to minimize payouts. They may offer a quick settlement that seems reasonable but fails to cover the full extent of your economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and lost wages, while noneconomic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Calculating noneconomic damages is particularly complex, as it involves subjective assessments.

This is why it is critical to never accept an insurer’s offer without first consulting an experienced automobile injury lawyer. A skilled attorney can thoroughly evaluate your claim, ensuring that all aspects of your injury and loss are accounted for. They gather crucial evidence to support your claim, including detailed medical records and reports from healthcare providers. Lawyers can also call upon expert witnesses to substantiate claims the extent of pain and suffering already endured and the prognosis for the future.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile accident in Santa Barbara or the surrounding areas, call Pulverman & Pulverman, LLP at 805-962-0397 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.