What Types of Factors Make Car Accident Injury Claims Worth More Money?

For the past 25+ years, attorney Matt Boulton has placed an exclusive focus on Indiana personal injury law. Whether it’s winning a high-profile against a massive insurance company, or simply giving a free legal consultation, Matt gives the same energy to anyone in need of help.

And while he handles a variety of case types, the vast majority of his practice is dedicated to helping Hoosiers who have been involved in a car accident.

We tell you that to tell you this: No two car accidents are the same, nor do they have the same effect on those involved. Despite this fact, insurance companies may try to compensate car accident victims at amounts well below the case’s maximum value due to statistical averages.

In other words, the insurance company may try to categorize your car accident and injury-type based on a formula that relies on a broader set of data, i.e., “Rear-end car accidents resulting in whiplash are worth roughly X amount of dollars.”

The problem with that approach is it doesn’t always take into account each car accident victim’s unique experience and circumstances.

Similar Car Accidents. Similar Injuries. Do Similar Cases Have the Same Value?

Below are examples of two car accidents, which, on the surface, seem to be quite similar.

Accident 1: Mike is a 30-year-old male stopped at an intersection light who is rear-ended by another driver. As a result of the collision, Mike sustains whiplash and a broken wrist.

Accident 2: Tracy is a 20-year-old female who is rear-ended at the same stoplight. Similar to Mike, she is also diagnosed with whiplash and a broken wrist.

If the analysis stopped here, it would be understandable to expect these two cases to have a similar value.

However, because no two accidents are alike, let’s list possible variables attorney Boulton might uncover during a case evaluation that play an important role in determining what each person’s case is worth.

Additional facts for Mike’s (Accident 1) case:

• He was rear-ended by a drunk driver who did not have car insurance.
• He must file an Uninsured claim with his insurance company.
• His whiplash aggravated a pre-existing back injury.
• His broken wrist required surgery and 2 months of physical therapy.
• His wrist injury was assigned a ‘Permanent Physical Impairment’ Rating (PPI).
• The broken wrist occurred on his dominant hand.
• He is unable to perform his regular job duties due to the injury.
• His injuries have left him unable to lift or play with his toddler son.

Additional facts for Tracy’s (Accident 2) case:

• She was rear-ended by a semi-truck.
• The semi-truck has two insurance policies.
• Her broken wrist required surgery and left a visible scar.
• Her broken wrist occurred on her non-dominant hand.
• She is a college athlete who can no longer participate on the university’s softball team.
• Her whiplash is causing ongoing headaches that make it difficult to concentrate in class.
• She keeps a diary that describes experiences related to post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Her physical therapist anticipates her wrist will achieve ‘pre-accident’ status.

Initially, Mike and Tracy’s car accidents seemed similar, yet the additional factors related to each individual’s case have the potential to result in two settlements that are tens of thousands of dollars apart in their total value.

Additionally, attorney Boulton may conclude that the individual facts of a case in combination with the insurance company’s response may merit taking one or both cases to trial.

“I’ll Get More Money if My Car Accident Case Goes to Trial.”

There are a number of misconceptions about car accident personal injury claims, such as “If my attorney takes my case to trial, I’ll get more money.”

And while it’s possible to receive more money for a car accident claim that goes to trial, it’s also possible to receive less, or nothing at all!

In short, if attorney Boulton maximizes the value of your case without the need for a trial, you will receive compensation in the form of a settlement. If he believes the insurance company has undervalued your case, he has the option to file a lawsuit on your behalf and allow a jury to determine your damages. Any compensation received in this instance will be considered part of a favorable verdict or award.

Again, every car accident case is unique. Choosing whether or not to take a case to trial will depend on several factors that should be analyzed by an experienced car accident attorney.

“I Know Someone Who Was in a Similar Car Accident.”

In addition to dispelling popular misconceptions, attorney Boulton also cautions car accident victims against taking “non-attorney” advice.

In fact, without an experienced Indiana car accident attorney, many Hoosiers are left to wonder what their case is truly worth. As such, they may ask family and friends their thoughts, or arrive at a value based on what they heard someone else in a similar accident received.

However, when you consider the countless variables involved in individual car accidents such as Mike’s and Tracy’s, it’s unlikely a non-attorney will have the knowledge or past experience to accurately evaluate and formulate a fact-driven analysis that forces the insurance company to pay the maximum dollar for your specific car accident case.

A non-attorney offering their thoughts is probably meant with the best intentions, but their opinion is not likely to be backed with a complete understanding of Indiana’s current personal injury laws or years of experience with countless car accidents throughout the Hoosier state.

In other words, you have one chance to receive the maximum amount of money possible for your car accident case, don’t risk it based on a non-attorney’s opinion.

Indiana Car Accident Injury Attorney

No one wants to be involved in a car accident, but now that it’s happened, you should receive maximum compensation for your injuries. To help ensure the best outcome, we recommend you allow an experienced Indiana car accident attorney to review the details of your individual case.

In addition to developing custom case strategies for each of his clients, attorney Matt Boulton also offers every Indiana car accident victim a Zero Fee Guarantee. This means you will never be charged for a case evaluation, nor will you owe the firm any money until a recovery is made on your behalf.

Our firm’s confidential, free contact form allows you to send the details of your case directly to Matt for a complimentary review.

We look forward to hearing your story and learning how we might be able to help you!