In Chester County, accidents happen every day. A distracted driver might cause a serious car crash. Someone might slip and fall on a wet floor in a store. These accidents can change lives in an instant, leaving people with painful injuries and expensive medical bills.
At HoeyLegal, we’ve helped many people in Chester County get the money they need to recover after an accident. We know the laws inside and out, and we fight hard for our clients.
Knowing how to calculate personal injury settlement after an accident isn’t easy. That’s why we want to help you understand how it works in Pennsylvania. This way, you’ll know what to expect if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Pennsylvania’s Fault-Based System and Your Claim
Pennsylvania has a “fault-based” system for personal injury cases. This means that whoever caused the accident is usually responsible for paying for the injured person’s losses.
If you’re hurt in an accident, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It’s important to act quickly so you don’t lose your right to seek compensation.
There are two main types of damages you can claim after an accident. The first type is economic damages, which are the actual costs you face. These include things like medical bills, lost wages from missing work, and any future medical care you’ll need.
The second type is non-economic damages. These are harder to put a price on because they involve things like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
How to Calculate Personal Injury Settlement
How, therefore, do we determine the proper amount of money for your injuries? There is not a straightforward explanation. Numerous factors influence the potential value of your personal injury claim in Chester County.
First, just how devastating are your injuries? A broken arm is not like brain damage that alters life. These differences matter, and you need to know how to calculate personal injury settlement with them in mind.
Second, who brought about the mishap? It strengthens your case if it is evident that the other individual was to blame. We label this “clear liability.” When it’s evident who caused an accident or injury, a fair settlement is more likely.
Third, what changes in your life resulted from the accident? Is it still possible for you to work? Are you needing assistance with everyday chores? These things really count. If the accident has fundamentally impacted your life, you are entitled to be reimbursed for that.
Fourth, how strong is the evidence? Strong evidence is built via medical records, accident scene pictures, and witness accounts. Your prospects of a fair settlement increase with the strength of your proof.
Fifth comes the insurance of the other individual. Most people carry insurance to pay for accidents. These rules have restrictions, though. Even if your case is worth more, occasionally, the insurance company will pay just a specified sum.
And lastly, we consider what Chester County juries have concluded in such circumstances. This helps us to define our expectations.
As you can see, knowing how to calculate personal injury settlement requires much consideration. HoeyLegal’s attorneys have the expertise and know-how to ensure you receive the pay you are due.
What’s Your Personal Injury Lawyer’s Role?
Trying to deal with a personal injury claim on your own can be a fruitless endeavor. It’s tough, and you might not get the results you want which is why having an experienced personal injury attorney is so important.
At HoeyLegal, our team knows the ins and outs of personal injury law. We have a proven track record of getting great results for our clients.
So, what does a personal injury lawyer do? First, we gather all the evidence. This means collecting medical records, police reports, and witness statements; we also talk to experts who can help us understand your case better.
Next, we talk to the insurance company – this is where things can get tricky. Insurance companies often try to pay you as little as possible, but we know how to negotiate with them. We use a tool called a “multiplier” to figure out a fair settlement amount. This takes into account your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Sometimes, the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement. If that happens, we’re not afraid to go to court where we fight for our clients in front of a judge and jury to make sure they get the justice they deserve.
What You Should After an Injury in Chester County
You know how to calculate personal injury settlement, but what should you do immediately following an accident? If you get hurt in an accident in Chester County, these are the important steps you should take right away:
Seek Medical Care
First, see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t feel hurt at first, some injuries might not show up until later, and your health is the most important thing. Plus, medical records will be important evidence for your case later on.
Collect Evidence
Next, start keeping track of everything related to your accident. Take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the accident. Keep all your medical bills and any receipts for things you had to buy because of the accident.
You can also write down how you’re feeling each day in a journal. This will help you remember details and show how the accident has affected your life.
Consult with a Chester County Injury Attorney
Then, call HoeyLegal for a free consultation. We can answer your questions and explain your options. We’ll let you know if you have a strong case and how we can help you.
Don’t talk to the insurance company for the other person without talking to us first. Insurance adjusters might seem friendly, but their job is to save the insurance company money.
They might try to get you to say something that could hurt your case. Let us handle all communication with the insurance company for you. We know what to say to protect your rights.
Call HoeyLegal for an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Chester County, PA
As you can see, figuring out how to calculate personal injury settlement isn’t simple. It involves many factors and requires experience and knowledge of the law. Don’t try to do it alone.
The lawyers at HoeyLegal are ready to help you get the best possible outcome. We offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose. Click the “Request a Free Consultation” button below and let us fight for you.