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How is compensation determined after a Virginia car crash?

Were you hurt in a Tidewater area car wreck? One of the most common questions we’re asked by Virginia accident victims and their families is: how much money will I get?

It is difficult to determine up front how much compensation you’ll receive from the insurance company after a crash. Most companies have sophisticated computer programs that they use to help them decide what your injuries are worth. However, it is important for you to understand how compensation is determined so that you can ensure you’re getting treated fairly.

In general, there are three categories of damages that are examined after a Virginia car or truck crash: physical damage, general damage, and personal damage. Let’s see how they all come into play:

  1. Physical damage: Physical damage refers to property damage, not damage to your person. The insurance company will first determine the value of your car in order to decide how much to pay you. However, insurers don’t usually offer top dollar. They will take into account the condition of your vehicle at the time of the crash, and all they will do is give you enough money to return your car to that condition.
  2. General Damage: These are general issues suffered by the accident victim, and include any pain and suffering you’ve experienced, mental anguish as a result of the crash, and any money you’ve lost as a result of not being able to work. These damages can include emotional distress or anxiety if you can make a good argument for how you’ve suffered from these problems because of a wreck.
  3. Personal Damage: This speaks to the injuries that you as the crash victim sustained. Your personal damages include anything like broken bones, wounds, brain injuries, neck or back injuries, and more. Personal damage also includes compensation for death, if someone you love was killed in the crash. The amount you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and your prognosis.

To make sure you get the most compensation possible, make sure you talk to an attorney BEFORE you speak with the insurance company. If you’ve already talked to the insurance company, get in touch with a lawyer to discuss the status of your claim as soon as possible. Please remember that insurance companies are in the business of making money, and the more serious your injuries the more likely it is that they will try to wear you down and get you to accept less than you really deserve.

Please contact us today to talk about your case – we’ll give you confidential advice for no cost or obligation.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com