Clients sometimes question our New Jersey car accident lawyers about how to determine the worth of their case. In order to calculate damages, it’s easiest if you look at the actual economic losses first and then assess the non-economic losses.

Economic and Non-Economic Damages

With economic damages, remember to include the loss of future earnings. Property damage is a further consideration as are medical expenses. In addition, the courts might allow you to include the loss of credit or the loss of insurability. Wrongful death cases usually include funeral expenses. A jury views non-economic damages more favorably in terms of the loss of something positive. For example, our New Jersey car accident lawyers will likely focus on the loss of health instead of pointing out pain and suffering. However, additional non-economic damages include physical impairment or disfigurement; loss of enjoyment of life; mental impairment and loss of companionship and society.

Legal Issues During a Claim

The courts will review two aspects of the claim:

1. What happened to bring the case to court and
2. What harm resulted from the incident.

These questions will continue throughout the life of the lawsuit, with complicated cases lasting a year or longer. You need a clear record to document the history of your claim.

Preserving Evidence after an Accident

After your car accident, record the details of the incident on your cell phone so that you have documentation of the accident. If you can’t record what happened, then take extensive notes and keep them in a safe file with your other important paperwork. While you might not want to relive the traumatic events of the incident, this will provide substantiating evidence of your injuries. A family member or close friend can assist you with these steps if you cannot do so because of your physical or mental condition. Keep a regular journal of how the accident affected your day-to-day life, including your ability to do regular household tasks and the things that you enjoy, such as lifting and hugging a small child or grandchild.

What to Document

Write down the following:

• What happened before, during and after the car accident – Include weather, who was with you, location, time, conversations and a step-by-step sequence of events.
• Relevant information about your injuries – The types of physical and mental injuries you sustained, the type of medical treatment you received and how your injuries impacted your life overall. Remember to include time off work, any events, such as vacations, that needed to be rescheduled and how your injuries affected your relationships.
• Any additional details that might impact your claim.
• Ongoing information about your case, such as conversations with a claims representative, doctor, witnesses or anyone else when you talk about the case.

Note the time and date of each conversation along with the person’s name. If you have further questions about what to document, ask our New Jersey car accident lawyers for assistance.

Call Our New Jersey Car Accident Lawyers

Our New Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Neal S. Axe LLC can help you determine a fair value to your claim. Call us at (866) 414-3380.