Our Snellville car accident attorneys understand that the reason people hire us is so we can get them compensation for their car crash. This is perfectly normal. Interestingly enough, many of our clients have no idea that they’re entitled to different types of damages, including for lost future income.
If Your Car Accident Lawyer in Snellville Can Prove Fault, You Should Be Entitled to Damages
One of the things we always explain to our clients is that we have to prove fault before we can even discuss damages. If your car accident lawyer in Snellville can’t prove that the other driver caused the crash, you won’t receive anything.
In most of the cases we handle, we need to find a way to prove the defendant was negligent. This means we have to demonstrate that the other driver didn’t behave the way a reasonable person would given the circumstances.
There Are Two Types of Damages
Your Snellville accident attorney is required to list your damages on your initial complaint. According to OCGA §51-12-2, there are two main types of damages. These include both economic and non-economic damages.
The best way to understand the difference between these two types of damages is to think about how you’ll prove them. Don’t make the mistake of assuming that non-economic damages refer to something other than money. For the most part, all types of damages are to be monetarily.
Economic Damages
When you think of economic damages, imagine all the bills you had to pay as a result of your accident. For example, if you had to go to the hospital immediately after the crash, you would be billed for the hospital visit.
Of course, your insurance carrier will be the one who pays these bills. But the defendant is the one who should be responsible for them since they caused the crash.
The most common types of economic damages include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to those things that cannot be proven using receipts. For example, your Snellville accident attorney will demand damages for pain and suffering. Ask yourself how your car accident lawyer in Snellville will prove these damages.
When you think about it, there are no receipts or invoices you can submit to prove these damages. You’ll have to rely on things like expert witnesses, doctors, and other third parties.
Lost future income is another example of non-economic damages.
Your Snellville Accident Attorney Has to Offer Specific Evidence to Prove Your Damages
In order for you to collect damages, your car accident lawyer in Snellville must prove your damages.
It is not enough for your lawyer to swear that you suffered these damages. They must submit specific evidence to the court demonstrating that you deserve to be compensated for your losses.
It Is Not Always Easy for Your Car Accident Lawyer in Snellville to Prove Non-Economic Damages
When our Snellville accident attorneys first meet with a new client, there are a few things we tell them. For example, we always tell our clients not to talk to the defendant or their insurance company without their lawyer present.
One other thing we tell our clients is that it is not your car accident lawyer in Snellville’s job to make them rich. It is your lawyer’s responsibility to ensure you’re made whole.
When all is said and done, no accident victim should be left responsible for bills related to their crash.
Many of Our Clients Receive a Significant Amount for Lost Future Income
One other important thing to remember about non-economic damages is that they are usually for a lot more money than economic damages. Of course, your medical bills will probably be the biggest out-of-pocket cost associated with your motor vehicle accident.
The same thing may be true when it comes to lost future income. Lost future income represents the difference between what you would’ve made had the accident never happened and what you’ll actually earn going forward.
Is There a Formula for Calculating Lost Future Income?
There is an accepted formula car accident lawyers in Snellville use to calculate damages for lost future income. As briefly explained above, these damages represent the difference between your prior income and what you’ll earn as a result of the accident.
The best way to describe how these damages is by way of example.
Imagine that you are 30 years old. You work as a construction worker and earn, on average, $80,000 per year. Your car accident injuries were so severe, you will no longer be able to work.
You will receive an estimated $40,000 per year while on disability. This is an annual difference of $40,000. Since you’re only thirty years old, you would have worked for another thirty-five years.
Your Snellville accident attorney will multiply $40,000 by the thirty-five years. This comes out to be $1.2 million. Your lawyer will cushion this a little bit to leave room for settlement negotiations.
There is a Good Chance Your Snellville Accident Attorney Will Settle Your Case
It makes sense to worry about how your car accident lawyer in Snellville will prove your damages. However, you shouldn’t worry too much until your attorney tells you the case is going to trial.
What you may not know is that more than 95% of all car accident lawsuits settle long before they go to trial. This is by design. Even if the parties weren’t all that interested in settling, the judge is.
Why Is There So Much Pressure to Settle Your Case?
In the early days of your car accident lawsuit, you may insist on having your “day in court.” From time to time, our Snellville accident attorneys tell us they aren’t entitled to settling. They want justice.
While you may think you want justice, what you really want is compensation for your injuries. If all people really wanted was justice, a lawsuit would be over as soon as the defendant admitted that they were at fault.
The best way for you to get the money you deserve is to give your car accident lawyer Snellville permission to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
Call to Discuss Your Case With One of Our Car Accident Lawyers in Snellville Today
Some people think that you’re only entitled to compensation for medical bills after a car crash. The truth is that our Snellville accident attorneys get our clients several types of damages.
If you feel overwhelmed or aren’t sure what to do next, contact our office. We offer all new clients a free, initial consultation. This gives you a chance to find out if you have a case worth pursuing.
