All accidents are different and as a result the value of your claim is not a simple question to answer. In general, personal injury claims involve two major elements: the actual damages and damages for pain and suffering. Actual damages include items like past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and damage to property. Actual damages are determined by reviewing documentation such as receipts or bills, and calculating the time you missed from work or potentially the reduction in your future earning capacity. Pain and suffering is much more difficult to determine and will largely depend on the severity of your injuries. Insurance companies use a variety of methods to calculate pain and suffering including using formulas which multiply your actual damages by a pre-determined amount. Insurance companies will always try to resolve a claim for as little money as possible, whether it is a reasonable amount or not. That is why in order to protect your rights and maximize the value of your claim you need an experienced attorney on your side.

