Car accident attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia see all kinds of cases. Some involve rear-end collisions. Others require them to go after drunk drivers. Regardless of the type of accident, the goal is always the same. Your Atlanta auto accident lawyer wants to get you compensation for your injuries.
Most cases involve the same four types of damages, including:
- Medical bills: You’re entitled to money to cover your current and future medical bills. Your doctor can testify as to how much medical care you may need as a result of your accident.
- Lost Wages: If you miss time from work, you’re entitled to compensation. You could be out of work for weeks or months following your accident.
- Property Damage: The defendant will be responsible for the money it costs to repair or replace your vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering: If your injuries are serious, you may be entitled to pain and suffering. You could suffer anxiety, physical pain and mental anguish.
But, what is your damages involve a bit more than lost wages and medical bills? What if the accident leaves you permanently disabled?
How Could You End Up Disabled?
Some accidents are minor. You end up with just bruises and a concussion. Or, you may have to deal with whiplash for a few weeks. But sometimes, your injuries are a lot more serious.
Some of the more serious types of injuries caused by car accidents include:
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken neck
- Internal injuries
Any of these can leave you out of work for weeks or months. You may never be able to work again. If you suffer a really serious back or neck injury, chances are, they can leave you disabled. This means you won’t have any way to earn a living. What happens then?
If you end up permanently disabled as a result of your car accident, your Atlanta auto accident attorney will help you.
You will have to do two things. First, you’ll need to pursue a claim against the other driver and his insurance company. Second, you may have to apply for disability.
How Are Disability Damages Calculated?
It may be hard to determine how much your disability damages are worth. It depends on a few factors, such as:
- Age
- Earning capacity
- Education level
- Prior work history
- Current salary
If you’re close to retirement age, it will be hard to prove disability damages. You probably weren’t going to work for much longer. This means you won’t be missing out on many wages.
However, if you’re expecting to work for 10-20 more years, (or longer), you’re entitled to significant damages.
For example, let’s assume you make about $100,000 a year. On disability, you’re only going to receive about $30,000 a year. This means you’re losing about $70,000 a year.
Now, how many more years were you going to work?
Let’s say you’re about 30 years old. You probably would’ve worked another 35 years. So, you just have to multiply the $70,000 a year you’re losing by 30 years. So, your Atlanta auto accident attorney will demand about $2 million in damages for lost future earnings.
Contact an Atlanta Auto Accident Lawyer for Your Free Case Evaluation
If you get into a serious car accident, you may end up with pretty severe injuries. You could be laid up for weeks or months. And, if you suffer a bad enough injury, you may never be able to work again.
You’re going to need to find a way to take care of your family. This is why you need to call an Atlanta auto accident lawyer. Your lawyer can review your case and let you know what it may be worth. He’ll help you file a claim against the other driver’s insurance company. He can also file a lawsuit on your behalf if need be.
If you end up permanently disabled as a result of your accident, your damages may be quite high. They may exceed the insurance policy’s limits. This means you’ll have to pursue the defendant personally. Your Atlanta auto accident lawyer knows how to handle disability cases. He has years dealing with insurance adjusters and will work to negotiate a fair settlement.
Call and schedule your free initial consultation today. You pay nothing until you win your case.
