Published on behalf of Determining value in a car, motorcycle or truck accident case does not happen overnight. It takes months to develop the facts of the case, especially the damages. When serious injuries result, medical treatment is often ongoing and determining whether an injury is permanent takes time.
It is important to note that every lawsuit is unique. There are no two cases which are exactly alike, and car, motorcycle, and truck accident cases are no exception. Determining the value of a given case will depend on a whole host of factors:
1. Type of Accident
Generally, the more serious the accident, the higher the value of the case. However, this does not always apply. Rear-end accidents can result in serious injuries. In addition, motorcycle riders and truck accident victims tend to suffer very serious injuries due to the nature of the vehicles, i.e., size, speed, etc.
2. Type of Injuries
Because the civil justice system works by assigning monetary value to physical injury, accident cases like car accident cases are often evaluated on the basis of the injuries. Sprains and strains are not as serious as broken bones and head trauma.
3. Extent of Medical Treatment
There are several factors related to medical treatment which affect the value of a given car accident case: nature and extent of medical treatment, duration of medical treatment, need for future medical treatment, and amount of medical bills (paid by insurance and also outstanding/owed). Click here to learn more about medical treatment and valuation in a Pennsylvania car, motorcycle or truck accident case.
4. Extent of Damages
Naturally, other damages flow from serious injuries and extensive medical treatment. An individual seriously injured in a truck or motorcycle accident will often lose time from work. For most families, a few weeks or a month off from work can result in significant financial stress. In addition, Pennsylvania law allows an injured individual to make a claim for pain and suffering, which manifests in many ways, depending on the individual. For instance, a business professional is going to have different pain and suffering than a child.
5. Strength of the Evidence
Half the battle in any accident/injury lawsuit is preparing and presenting sufficient evidence of liability as well as issues discussed above. Eyewitnesses, family, friends, co-workers, etc., as well as tangible evidence vary from case to case. It is crucial to have an experienced lawyer to present evidence to strengthen weak areas in the case. Read more about documenting the extent of the injuries in a PA motorcycle accident case.
6. Credibility of the Parties
Lastly, credibility or believability is another very important factor in assessing the value of a car, motorcycle or truck accident case. In addition, parties who have serious credibility issues, i.e., a prior conviction for perjury or other fraudulent behavior like filing false insurance claims, may not be believed and may lose the case.
More Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Articles:
- Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Law – Recovering Pain and Suffering Damages
- Documenting the Extent of Injuries in a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit
- Litigating Damage Claims in Motorcycle Accident Lawsuits in Pennsylvania
Help After a Car, Motorcycle or Truck Accident in Pennsylvania
For more information, contact a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania car/motorcycle accident lawyer. Our lawyers have been helping those injured in accidents since 1984.
Schwartz & Blackman handles car, motorcycle and truck accident cases in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey area:
- PA: Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Allentown, Lehigh Valley, Norristown, Philadelphia
- NJ: Atlantic County, Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County, Mercer County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Camden, Cherry Hill, New Jersey shore cities
*This website does not provide legal advice. Every case is unique and it is important to get a qualified, expert legal opinion prior to making any decisions about your case. See the full disclaimer at the bottom of this page.