When deliberating whether or not to bring suit against an at-fault driver after an auto accident in the state of South Carolina, it is useful to have an idea of the potential value of a claim.
If personal injuries have resulted from an auto accident, the specific nature of the injuries suffered will impact the value of the case. As one might expect, the more severe the injuries suffered, the more compensation a victim may be entitled to for medical treatment costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Thus, while strains and sprains will not entitle an accident victim to much personal injury-related compensation, broken bones, slipped discs, and other serious injuries will.
The damage categories of pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life are closely related to the severity of injury. Minor injuries will cause minor pain and suffering and at most a temporary loss of enjoyment of life. Serious, life-altering injuries, on the other hand, may cause immense pain and suffering and a permanent decrease in enjoyment of life. Paralysis and loss of limb, for example, can cause tremendous pain and suffering and a steep loss of enjoyment of life. As such, damages awarded for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life caused by severe accident-related injuries can be significant. With potentially significant damages appearing reasonable, the value of a case increases.
Medical bills are another form of damages available to auto accident victims. Again, there is a correspondence between the amount of medical bill and the legal damages an accident victim may be entitled to. The more bills an accident burdens a victim with, the more compensation can be sought from at-fault driver to make the victim whole.
Lost wages are also a form of damages available to auto accident victims. Personal injuries arising from an accident, especially serious injuries, may force a victim to miss work while receiving treatment or recovering. When missed work results in lost wages, an accident victim may be entitled to recover compensation for these losses from the at-fault driver.
Disability, too, is a basis for damages. A disability exists when an accident is unable to resume the type of work or activity performed or enjoyed prior to the auto accident. For example, if a construction worker suffered a permanent back injury after an accident, he or she might be unable to perform some or all construction-related job duties. As such, disability damages may be an appropriate award. With these damages in play, the value of the case further increases.
Let Us Help You Recover Compensation Today
If you have been the victim of an automobile collision in the state of South Carolina, contact an experienced auto accident attorney today. An attorney will explain your legal rights, the potential value of your case, and work to get the full compensation you need and deserve for your property damage, personal injuries, pain and suffering, and more.