How much do I ask for due to pain/suffering/inconvenience regarding a car accident?
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How much do I ask for due to pain/suffering/inconvenience regarding a car accident?
About 4 weeks ago an uninsured/unlicensed driver totaled my car while I was sitting at a red light. I had uninsured drivers coverage on my insurance. My car was looked at by the adjuster and we came to a fair price as to what my car was worth. Now, my insurance agency would like me to come up with a “price” as to what my pain/suffering/etc is worth (all of my medical bills are covered so I am not to include those in this check). I was told that I would get no less than $500. I don’t want to ask for too much. Where should I start? Remember this is my insurance company I don’t want them to later on drop me.
Asked on August 15, 2011 Indiana
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
There is no simple answer: pain and suffering claims depend as to the circumstances. Generally speaking, the longer-lasting the injury, the greater the disability or inability to do normal life or work things, if there is an disfigurement, what you have been forced to give up (if anything), etc. are all things that would increase the pain and suffering award, if the matter were ever to go to trial (and hence are factors to consider in settlement). Conversely, if there is no disability or disfigurement, if the pain is resolved more quickly, if you weren't prevented from doing normal life or work functions, etc., the award would be smaller.
If you want a quick rule of thumb, a large percentage of pain and suffering awards will be 1 - 3 times what your medical costs would have been (had you paid them yourself).
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