Determining Pain and Suffering Payouts in Car Accidents
Car accidents leave behind more than bodily injuries. A crash can also result in emotional scars that last long after the immediate crisis has passed. In Florida, accident victims can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, quality-of-life changes, and similar losses after a wreck. This money is called pain and suffering damages.
But how do you put a dollar amount on pain and suffering? You get customized legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney who can place a fair value on your case and fight for every penny. You get Zimmet & Zimmet on your side.
For over 50 years, our law firm has successfully obtained maximum compensation for Floridians injured in all types of car accidents. We know there’s no such thing as an average settlement for pain and suffering. Every personal injury case is unique, and our team provides you with personalized service and a custom strategy tailored to meet your needs.
Unlike large law firms that take a grab-and-go approach to traffic accident cases, Zimmet & Zimmet focuses on quality over quantity, never compromising in our commitment to do what is best for our clients. You’re a human being, not a case file — and our perfect five-star rating on Google shows we practice what we preach.
To learn more about how Zimmet & Zimmet can help after a crash, call or contact us today for a free consultation with a Daytona Beach car accident lawyer.
What Is the Average Compensation for Pain and Suffering in Florida?
There is no one-size-fits-all amount when it comes to pain and suffering. No two accidents are created equal. Similarly, the repercussions of a crash vary from victim to victim. Factors that could impact your car accident settlement amount include:
- The severity of the physical injuries
- The emotional impact of those injuries
- How the accident changed your daily life
- Your need for ongoing medical care and support
Settlements might reach into the thousands or more based on the specifics of your case. With a personal injury lawyer from Zimmet & Zimmet on your side, you’ll receive an appropriate estimate of your case’s value.
How Are Pain and Suffering Costs Calculated?
Money for pain and suffering compensates you for what you endured on an emotional and physical level after a car accident.
Juries can award whatever amount they think is fair to claimants. When determining pain and suffering damages, insurers and lawyers often use the multiplier or a per diem (daily rate) method:
- Multiplier method – Looking at your accident-related financial losses (e.g., medical bills, lost wages, etc.) and multiplying by a factor of 1.5 to 5 based on the severity of your injury
- Per diem method – Assigning a dollar amount to each day you experience harm and adding those daily amounts together
No single formula can capture exactly what you’ve lost. Our firm invests time in understanding how your accident changed your life so that the settlement for your car accident injury truly reflects your journey.
Can You Seek a Settlement from the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company?
Florida’s no-fault insurance system means you file your first insurance claim against your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy. This coverage typically pays for some of your medical bills and lost wages. However, PIP benefits do not include money for pain and suffering.
If your case meets Florida’s serious injury threshold, you can file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurer for pain and suffering. This would mean you suffered a significant and permanent loss of a bodily function, permanent injury, significant or permanent scarring, or the death of a loved one.
There are complex laws that surround finding other sources of recovery beyond the at-fault drivers’ insurance policy. It is essential to hire an experienced lawyer who not only understands how to find other sources of recovery, but will leave no stone unturned during the investigation to find them. Many times, this is the difference between no recovery and recovering millions of dollars.
Types of Financial Damages Available in Car Accident Cases
Beyond pain and suffering compensation, car accident victims in Florida can also recover money for:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses
- Therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
How Will Our Law Firm Recover Fair Compensation for Your Losses?
Unlike large firms that treat clients like case numbers, we focus on personal connections. Our people-first philosophy means you’ll never feel like just another file on a desk. We’ve seen how big firms shuffle clients through with little communication. That’s not our style. We build genuine relationships, keep you informed, and explain your options in plain language.
Our approach means:
- Putting you first – We’ll listen, learn about your challenges, and treat you like a neighbor.
- Building a strong case – We’ll gather medical records, consult experts, and document how your car accident injuries affect you.
- Exploring every option – Finding all possible sources of recovery can mean the difference between little to no compensation and a life-changing settlement.
As longtime Florida residents, we care about our community and want every client to feel supported. If you leave our office knowing we fought for you, we’ve done our job right.
Proving Pain and Suffering
Proving the losses you experience through pain and suffering isn’t always straightforward. Insurance companies might question the legitimacy of your pain or attempt to argue that you’re exaggerating. We’ll handle this pushback by gathering:
- Doctor’s notes and diagnostic tests showing your injuries
- Mental health evaluations that outline anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Statements from close friends or family members who’ve seen you struggle
By painting a full picture, we help the other side understand the true depth of your suffering.
We Get the Best Possible Pain and Suffering Settlement
Our goal is to get you the best settlement possible. That’s the bottom line. If insurers offer a lowball deal, we won’t rush you into accepting. We’re ready to fight for what you deserve.
No Fees Unless We Win Money for Your Accident Case
Zimmet & Zimmet works on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win. This is our commitment to you.
Contact Zimmet & Zimmet Today for a Complimentary Consultation
At Zimmet & Zimmet, we care. Call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident attorney.