Whiplash is a common injury in auto accidents. If you’ve been the victim of whiplash in an auto accident, you’re no doubt in a lot of pain. You’re certainly entitled to payment for your injuries, but you need to know how to calculate a payment amount that is fair.
There are several elements that go into determining a fair payout amount. If you consider all these elements you should be able to come up with an amount that fairly compensates you for your injury. Though whiplash is one of the most common injuries in auto accidents, it’s also one of the most painful.
Medical Expenses are the Basis
You’ll need to provide receipts for your medical bills from the accident. The amount of medical expenses is also important because it is usually used as the basis for determining pain and suffering calculations, too. But, at a minimum, you are entitled to dollar for dollar reimbursement of the costs of your medical treatment and any lost wages from work. Your employer can help you document the wages lost due to missed work.
Other Factors to Consider
Pain and suffering along with any permanent disability are the other factors that should be considered when determining a payout from a whiplash injury. In some cases, the amount of your medical bills is doubled, tripled or even quadrupled to come up with a payout amount for your pain and suffering.
If you’ve had a permanent disability from your accident, you’ll need to calculate lost wages going forward in calculating your settlement amount. Even if you are able to work, but must change professions or tasks, you are entitled to a disability claim.
Once your demand amount has been determined, a demand letter should be sent to the insurance company of the party at fault in the accident. This is where the negotiation begins.
Get Professional Help
An attorney is essential in settling your payout for your whiplash injury. The other party’s insurance company will take your claim far more seriously if it is negotiated on your behalf by an attorney. In addition, your attorney will have a much better idea of how much money you should be asking for. He will more than make up for the fees he charges you by getting you more money than you could ever have expected on your own.
