Full Compensation After A Car Crash

car accident lawyer Midvale, UT

Getting hurt in a car accident turns your life upside down. Medical bills pile up. You miss work. The pain doesn’t stop just because the crash is over. When you’re dealing with an insurance company, you need to know exactly what your settlement should cover. Too many accident victims accept lowball offers because they don’t understand the full scope of damages available to them.

Medical Expenses And Treatment Costs

Your settlement needs to cover every penny of medical care related to the accident. We’re talking about:

  • Emergency room visits and ambulance rides
  • Hospital stays and surgical procedures
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Prescription medications
  • Medical equipment like crutches or braces
  • Future medical care for ongoing conditions

Insurance companies often try to limit compensation to past medical bills only. That’s not how it works. If your doctor says you’ll need future treatment, surgery, or long-term care, those costs belong in your settlement too. A Midvale car accident lawyer can help document these expenses and project future costs with medical expert testimony.

Lost Income And Earning Capacity

When injuries keep you from working, you lose more than just a paycheck. Your settlement should account for wages lost during recovery, sick days, and vacation time used, and any reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to the same job. Lost career advancement opportunities matter too, along with the benefits and bonuses you would’ve received. Some injuries are severe enough that you’ll never work the same way again. Can you still do your old job? If you can’t or have to take a lower-paying position, the difference in lifetime earnings belongs in your settlement calculation. This isn’t speculation. It’s compensation for a very real loss.

Property Damage And Vehicle Loss

Your car took a hit too. The settlement needs to cover the full cost of repairs or the vehicle’s fair market value if it’s totaled. You’re also entitled to compensation for rental car expenses during repairs, diminished value (your car is worth less even after repairs), personal items damaged in the crash, and custom parts or modifications. Don’t let the insurance company pressure you into accepting their first repair estimate. Get your own assessment if their numbers seem too low.

Pain And Suffering Damages

Physical pain and emotional distress have real value under Utah law. These non-economic damages compensate you for things like physical pain from injuries, emotional distress and anxiety, loss of enjoyment in daily activities, scarring and disfigurement, and disability or loss of bodily function. There’s no exact formula for calculating pain and suffering. Insurance companies often use multipliers based on your medical bills, but severe injuries warrant higher compensation. The impact on your quality of life matters, and it matters a lot.

When Settlements Fall Short

Insurance companies make money by paying you less than you deserve. They’ll use every trick to minimize your settlement. They’ll question your injuries. They’ll blame you for the accident. Utah follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% responsible, you lose 20% of your settlement. That’s why working with Acadia Law Group PC makes such a difference. Experienced attorneys know how to value cases properly and fight back against lowball tactics.

Additional Damages To Consider

Depending on your situation, you might also recover compensation for loss of consortium, which addresses the impact on your relationship with your spouse. Punitive damages can come into play if the other driver was grossly negligent. A Midvale car accident lawyer can evaluate whether these additional damages apply to your case. Your settlement needs to reflect the full impact of the accident on your life. Not just what the insurance company wants to pay. Before accepting any offer, make sure you understand what you’re entitled to receive and whether the settlement truly covers your losses. You can’t undo the acceptance of a settlement once it’s done.