How to Value Neck Injury in a Car Accident

Neck injuries are a common product of a car accident. Whiplash or hyperflexion-hypertension injury is one of the most frequent types of neck injuries resulting from the mishap. The health issue is not only difficult to detect, but may linger. A study in the United States revealed that as high as 75% of individuals with whiplash continued to experience medical issues 6 months after the initial incident. This provides a strong case for victims applying for a car accident neck injury settlement.

Basic Criteria For Valuation

Before preparing the personal injury (PI) or boldily injury (BI) claim and filing it with the appropriate authorities, the individual needs to compile medical documentation and expense amounts. What is required is data – both current and projected, for specific economic and non-economic sectors of an individual’s life affected by the neck injury. Of particular importance are:

Medical bills – past, present and future related to the neck injury
Lost income – wages, commissions, salary present and future
Pain and suffering resulting from the neck injury

Medical injuries and lost income are common aspects of any car accident neck injury settlement insurance claim. The two items are often referred to as special damages or “specials” by the insurance company. Claims for pain and suffering may not be permissible. It depends upon the state and the insurance policy according to state statutes.

Figuring It Out

There are certain types of “formula” to help someone figure out the value of the total settlement for your neck injury. While the industry utilizes a specific type of software called “Colossus,” the affected individual usually relies on either of 2 possible systems: multiple of specials or per diem.

Multiple of specials – This takes the 2 “specials” – medical bills and lost income, adds them together, then multiplies them by a specific figure. Usually, the multiplier ranges somewhere between 1.5 and 4. The resulting figure is the set value of the neck injury – plus pain and suffering if legally permitted
Per diem – This method takes a somewhat different approach. While it still adds the “special damages” together, the system takes into consideration an amount related to the monthly cost of the injuries. It adds this projected figure to the total of the 2 Specials

Is A Lawyer Necessary?

Determining the value to receive for a car accident neck injury settlement is not simple. It requires the expertise of an experienced accident attorney. He or she will be able to help you provide an accurate value for compensation for your painful neck injury.

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