After being injured in a car crash, many people are unsure if they can receive payment for pain and suffering, in addition to their medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. If you’ve been in a car accident in Denver and are dealing with physical and emotional pain, you could be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages. A Denver auto accident lawyer can help guide you through this process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Pain and suffering refer to the discomfort and emotional distress caused by an accident. Unlike medical bills, pain and suffering are not easy to measure, which is why insurance companies often try to avoid paying for them. Having a seasoned car accident lawyer can make a big difference in getting a fair settlement.
What Is Pain and Suffering?
Pain and suffering include physical and emotional distress that results from an injury. These types of damages can vary greatly from person to person, making it challenging to put a specific price on them. In Colorado, pain and suffering are considered non-economic damages in personal injury claims, meaning they compensate for things that don’t have a clear financial value.
Pain and suffering typically fall into two categories:
- Physical Pain: This includes any pain you feel from your injuries, such as headaches, back pain, or broken bones that may last for weeks or even months.
- Emotional Distress: Emotional suffering might include anxiety, depression, or trauma caused by the accident, especially if it affects your ability to work or participate in the activities you enjoy.
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated?
Unlike medical expenses, pain and suffering don’t come with a clear price tag. Insurance companies and lawyers typically use a couple of methods to calculate what your pain and suffering might be worth.
1. Multiplier Method
In the multiplier method, your medical bills and lost wages are added together, and that amount is then multiplied by a number, usually between 1.5 and 5, depending on how serious your injuries are. For example, if your medical expenses are $10,000 and your injuries are serious enough to warrant a multiplier of 3, your pain and suffering could be worth $30,000.
2. Per Diem Method
The per diem method assigns a set dollar amount to each day you experience pain. For example, if you are in pain for 30 days after the accident, you might receive compensation for those 30 days based on a daily rate, like $100 per day.
Why You Need a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies don’t always want to pay for pain and suffering. They try to settle claims quickly and offer less than what you deserve. Without a lawyer, it’s easy to be taken advantage of. A Denver auto accident lawyer will fight to make sure you get fair compensation for both your medical bills and your pain and suffering.
A lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence, like medical records and expert opinions, to show just how much your injuries have impacted your life. They will also ensure you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance company’s tactics.
Steps to Take After an Accident to Further Strengthen Your Claim
If you want to make sure you’re fairly compensated for pain and suffering, here are some steps you can take:
- Get Medical Treatment: Make sure you see a doctor right away. Delaying care can make it harder to prove that your pain is a result of the accident.
- Keep a Record: Write down how your injuries affect your daily life. This could include how the pain stops you from doing normal tasks or impacts your emotional well-being.
- Talk to a Lawyer: A Denver auto accident lawyer can help you protect your rights and ensure you get what you deserve.
Working with a lawyer gives you the best chance of getting the compensation you need to cover all the impacts the accident has had on your life.
Reach Out to a Denver Auto Accident Lawyer Today
Don’t wait. Contact a Denver auto accident lawyer now to discuss your case and start the process of getting the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
