The value of a personal injury case arising from an auto accident can range from a few hundred dollars to millions of dollars. In lower value cases, you will likely recover from your no-fault insurance1 company while in higher value cases, you may have to file a claim in civil court for a judgment against the liable party. No matter what your case is worth, you have the right to compensation for your losses and should contact a Michigan auto accident attorney who will stand up for those rights.
What is your case worth?
One of the first steps in the personal injury process is to determine the value of your case, which involves calculating the damages2 that you suffered. Damages can vary widely and the calculations process may require many different tools to ensure the damages you seek accurately reflect your losses. The following are brief explanations of how certain damages are determined.
Medical expenses – Past medical expenses are fairly straightforward since you can simply present your medical bills and doctor recommendations to prove that your treatments were necessary. To prove future estimated medical expenses, however, a medical professional who specializes in your type of injury may have to testify to the estimated future treatments you will require.
Lost income – Again, past lost income can be fairly easily demonstrated by reviewing pay statements and time sheets. However, victims of serious injuries may not be able to return to their previous position, work full-time, or even work at all due to their conditions. In such cases, an economic expert can use your pay rates, inflation, and other factors to calculate the amount of future earning power you have lost due to the accident. This can also include benefits, potential retirement income losses, and much more.
Non-economic damages – In addition to concrete financial losses, many victims with severe injuries sustain intangible losses that are referred to as “non-economic damages.” These losses can include loss of enjoyment of life, physical suffering and pain, emotional distress, mental trauma, permanent disfigurement or scarring, permanent impairment or disability, and more. Because of the intangible nature of these losses, they should be calculated carefully using experts who can attest to how such injury would affect a victim's life and your own testimony regarding the pain and challenges you have experienced as a result of your injuries. An experienced attorney will know how to calculate these non-economic damages.
Contact a skilled Michigan car accident attorney for assistance
Not every attorney will fully understand how to accurately and fully calculate the damages in a complex auto accident case. At the law firm of Michigan Injury Lawyers, our legal team has the necessary resources, knowledge, and network of experts to ensure that you request the full amount of damages that are appropriate in your individual case. We know that every claim is different and use creative solutions whenever needed to fully protect your interests. Call us today at 313-438-4357 to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
References:
1https://www.michigan.gov/documents/cis_ofis_noflt_gd_25094_7.pdf
2https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/damages
Thomas L. Stroble
FOUNDER
Mr. Stroble is a highly accomplished graduate of Michigan State University, with degrees in both science and law. He specializes in commercial lawsuits and personal injury cases. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and even the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s a well-qualified legal expert. Besides his career in law, he loves outdoor activities and volunteers as a part-time police officer in Birmingham.
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