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If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident in North Carolina and you are considering a lawsuit, you may be wondering, “what is my case worth?”

To be candid, there is no exact answer since there are many variables used to determine a potential valuation on your case. But, in short, it comes down to “damages” –- determining what your injuries have cost physically, mentally, monetarily and in some cases, if the defendants conduct is a crime (i.e. if the driver was intoxicated when the accident occurred).

Money damages are paid to an injured person (the plaintiff) in a personal injury case either by the company or a person who is found to be legally responsible for the accident (the defendant). Damage awards can be agreed upon after a negotiated settlement – with your insurance company, and also among the parties and their attorneys.

Below is an explanation of major factors that are common in personal injury cases.

Did you receive treatment? When?

If you were injured in a car accident, seek treatment immediately. If you delay treatment, it can could negatively impact your claim and the outcome. Insurance companies are known to deny and delay claim, avoid giving them cause to do so. Failure to immediately seek treatment can indicate your injuries aren’t serious.

Are your injuries permanent or short-term?

A permanent injury can greatly affect the amount of a settlement. A permanent injury refers to long-term treatment, reduced quality of life and loss of wages. For example, if the accident impacted your wages and salary – not just income lost but any money that would have been made in the future if not for the accident – you would be entitled to receive those damages. This is referred to as “loss of earning capacity.”

What will your health insurance cover?

A personal injury settlement or jury award routinely includes the cost of your medical care associated with the accident. This includes emergency room care and rehabilitative care. This can also include out-of-pocket expenses incurred for medications and treatment and an estimate of medical care you’ll need in the future as a result of the accident.

To learn more about your legal rights and whether it makes sense to move forward with a car accident injury claim, contact a North Carolina car accident lawyer today and schedule a free, confidential consultation.

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