How is My Car Accident Settlement Calculated in Florida?
Florida car accident attorneys calculate the damages for your injuries based on the sorts of losses that apply to your case. There are generally three different forms of losses available in a motor vehicle accident claim:
- Economic losses
- Non-economic losses
- Punitive damages
The total losses you could be eligible for will depend on the circumstances leading up to your car accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are extremely subjective and far less concrete than your economic damages. Some examples of non-economic damages are:
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
A Tampa car accident attorney can help you determine if you are entitled to receive non-economic damages because of your injury and estimate their value.
Economic Damages
Economic damages sometimes referred to as special damages, are intended to be financial compensation for any financial losses you accrued due to your accident. Examples of these kinds of damages include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- The cost of continuing medical care
- Property damage
- Decreased earning capacity
To figure out your economic damages, your car accident attorney will add up the receipts from your real expenses. Calculating the costs of future medical treatments and decreased earning capacity can, however, be very tricky to work out.
Tort Threshold
In nearly all car accident claims in Florida, you will be asked to prove that your injuries exceed the tort threshold if you wish to sue for non-economic damages. According to state law, the types of injuries that usually surpass this threshold include:
- Significant and enduring loss of vital bodily functions
- Lifelong damage within a sensible degree of medical probability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Death
If your injuries fall under one or more of these categories, you may be allowed to receive non-economic damages.
The Multiplier Method
Florida car accident attorneys often use something called the multiplier method in order to figure out your non-economic damages. Using this method, your economic losses are multiplied by a number from one to five.
The more severe your injuries, the higher your number is going to be. The total is the estimated dollar amount of your non-economic damages.
As with every kind of car accident case, the endless number of variables makes your claim unique. Someone with a case that sounds very similar to yours could end up with a very different outcome than what you should expect. This is just one of the many reasons why hiring a skilled attorney is beneficial to your Florida personal injury claim.
Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys
Your attorney will know the most thorough and efficient way of collecting vital evidence that proves you were not at fault for the accident. Establishing this fact is essential to the success of your Tampa personal injury case.
If you have sustained injuries during any kind of accident that was caused by another person’s negligence or carelessness, there is evidence out there that will substantiate your claim. A reputable personal injury attorney from Fulgencio Law will be able to help you. Call us at (813) 463-0123 to schedule your free Tampa personal injury consultation today.
