If you’ve ever been injured by someone else, whether from a car crash, or from some other kind of negligence, you will know that recovering money for your injuries can be a long, complicated process.  North Carolina law states that when you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to certain “damages”, or money for your injuries.  These include things like payment for any medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.  Making sure you are fairly and fully compensated for these damages is usually the work of a personal injury lawyer.  Whether you are settling a personal injury claim without a lawyer, or with a lawyer, here’s how to maximize your settlement.

Personal Injury Settlement Calculator 

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, your personal injury lawyer can help you recover money you are entitled by law.  These usually include payment for your medical bills, lost wages, and something called “Pain and Suffering“.  Calculations for Medical bills and lost wages are usually very easy – if you have a $5,000 medical bill, the at fault party owes you $5,000 to pay for that bill.  But money damages for physical pain and mental suffering is much more difficult and subjective to calculate. 

Here are some of the factors that help determine the value of physical pain and mental suffering.  Keep in mind that a jury usually makes this valuation, and settlements are usually based on how a jury might value the case.

As an Asheville personal injury lawyer, it is common that someone comes into my office asking if I can represent them in a minor car accident claim.   When a car accident is minor and the details are simple, I often advise the potential client that they handle the claim on their own, armed with some basic knowledge and know-how.   Occasionally, these clients return to my office down the road looking for help resolving the claim, if they are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company or adjuster. 

When can you handle a claim by yourself?

You can attempt to settle a claim by yourself, and avoid paying your personal injury attorney the 33% fee (that most all injury lawyers charge), potentially saving you thousands of dollars.  For example, if you are able to settle your case for $10,000, you will not have to pay your attorney the $3,333 that they charge for representing you.