An automobile accident can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. In California, if you've been injured in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses, including pain and suffering. However, the value of your injury claim isn't a fixed figure but depends on a variety of factors. In addition, any comparative negligence attributed to you can play a significant role in fixing the amount of damages.

These are among the factors that can influence the value of your claim:

• The extent of your injuries — More severe injuries often result in higher medical expenses, longer recovery times and extended care, which can lead to a higher compensation amount.
• Medical expenses — The medical expenses you incur as a result of the accident are factored into the value of your claim. These include hospital bills, doctor's visits, surgery costs, prescription medications, rehabilitation and any future medical expenses related to your injuries.
• Lost wages and future earnings — If your injuries have caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. If your injuries are expected to affect your ability to work in the future, you may be entitled to pay compensation going forward.
• Pain and suffering — These damages encompass the physical and emotional distress you've experienced due to the accident. Calculating pain and suffering damages is complicated but they can significantly increase the overall value of your claim.
• Property damage — The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is another factor to consider. While it might not directly relate to your physical injuries, it can be a significant expense caused by the accident.
• Driver fault — In California, to recover financial compensation, you must prove that another driver was primarily at fault in causing the accident. The extent of that fault has a direct bearing on the size of an award or settlement.
• Insurance coverage —If the at-fault party has adequate insurance, it may be easier to recover the full compensation you deserve.

California’s comparative negligence doctrine can significantly affect your compensation amount. It means that if you were partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. For instance, if it is determined that you were 20 percent at fault, your compensation would be 20 percent less. However, as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault, you may still be eligible for partial compensation.

Recovering financial compensation for injuries suffered in a crash is a complex process and requires careful handling. Retaining a qualified car accident attorney can better your chances of success with your claim.

The attorneys of Favaro, Lavezzo, Gill, Caretti & Heppell, PC in Vallejo and Fairfield-Suisun, California have wide experience providing legal assistance for auto accident victims in Solano, Contra Costa and Napa counties. Please call (PHONE) or contact us online today.