Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering After a Car Accident? Here’s What You Need to Know

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be a harrowing experience. Amid the physical injuries, mounting medical bills, and the emotional turmoil, victims often find themselves grappling with the concept of pain and suffering. This is a term that goes beyond the tangible costs of an accident, delving into the intangible impact on your quality of life. If you have been injured in a car accident, understanding whether you can sue for pain and suffering is essential to ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Pain and Suffering in Legal Terms

Pain and suffering encompass the physical discomfort, emotional distress, and overall decline in quality of life that a person experiences after an accident. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, which have clear numerical values, pain and suffering are more subjective and thus more challenging to quantify. The law recognizes that accidents can leave lasting scars, both visible and invisible, and allows victims to seek compensation for this suffering. However, the process of obtaining such compensation is complex and often requires a nuanced understanding of the legal landscape.

The courts typically consider several factors when determining the value of pain and suffering. These include the severity of the injury, the duration of the recovery process, the impact on the victim’s daily life, and the extent of the emotional trauma experienced. For instance, if a person suffers a broken leg in a car accident, the pain and suffering might be deemed higher if the injury leads to permanent disability, or if it significantly disrupts the victim’s ability to work or engage in daily activities. The emotional toll, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress, also plays a crucial role in assessing pain and suffering.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Associate Attorney

How Pain and Suffering is Calculated

Calculating pain and suffering is not an exact science. There are no receipts or invoices that can precisely capture the agony of a lingering injury or the distress of losing one’s mobility. Instead, courts and insurance companies often rely on methods like the multiplier method or the per diem approach to estimate these damages.

The multiplier method involves taking the total amount of economic damages—such as medical expenses and lost income—and multiplying it by a number typically between one and five. The specific multiplier is chosen based on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim’s life. For instance, a minor injury might warrant a multiplier of one or two, while a more severe injury that results in long-term disability might justify a multiplier of four or five.

The per diem approach, on the other hand, assigns a specific dollar amount to each day that the victim suffers from their injury. This amount is then multiplied by the number of days the victim is expected to endure pain and suffering. While this method provides a daily value, it can still be challenging to determine an appropriate per diem rate.

Both methods are inherently subjective, and the final amount awarded for pain and suffering can vary widely depending on the specifics of the case, the jurisdiction, and the skill of the legal representation involved.

Factors That Influence Pain and Suffering Compensation

Several factors can influence the amount of compensation you might receive for pain and suffering. These include the nature and extent of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the credibility of the evidence you present. Courts often consider medical records, testimonies from doctors, and even statements from friends and family about how the injury has affected your life.

For instance, if you can demonstrate that your injuries have led to ongoing pain, loss of mobility, or significant psychological distress, this may strengthen your case for a higher pain and suffering award. The duration of your recovery and the likelihood of future complications also play a crucial role. Long-term or permanent injuries generally result in higher compensation, as they have a more profound impact on your life.

Your ability to carry out daily activities, return to work, and enjoy life as you did before the accident are also taken into account. If your injury prevents you from participating in hobbies, engaging with your family, or performing your job, this can justify a larger pain and suffering claim.

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

Proving Pain and Suffering in a Lawsuit

Proving pain and suffering in a lawsuit can be one of the most challenging aspects of a car accident claim. Unlike medical bills or vehicle repair costs, pain and suffering are not easily documented. However, there are several ways to strengthen your case.

Medical records are among the most critical pieces of evidence. They provide documentation of your injuries, the treatment you have received, and any ongoing medical issues that might contribute to your pain and suffering. Additionally, keeping a personal journal detailing your daily pain levels, emotional state, and how your injury affects your life can be valuable evidence. This journal can provide a day-to-day account of your struggles, helping to convey the extent of your suffering to the court or insurance company.

Witness testimonies, including statements from friends, family, and coworkers, can also support your claim. These individuals can speak to the changes they have observed in your behavior, mood, and abilities since the accident. Their accounts can paint a fuller picture of how your life has been altered.

Testimony from mental health professionals can also be crucial, particularly if you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the accident. These specialists can provide insights into the emotional and psychological impact of your injuries, which can significantly influence the pain and suffering component of your claim.

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Challenges in Pursuing Pain and Suffering Claims

While it is possible to sue for pain and suffering after a car accident, it is important to recognize the challenges involved. Insurance companies often downplay the extent of pain and suffering, aiming to minimize the payout. They may argue that the pain is not as severe as claimed or that the emotional distress is unrelated to the accident. This is why having strong legal representation is crucial.

Another challenge lies in the burden of proof. As the plaintiff, you must prove that the pain and suffering you are experiencing are directly related to the car accident. This requires compelling evidence, such as medical documentation, testimony, and credible personal accounts.

Moreover, the laws surrounding pain and suffering claims vary by state. Some states have caps on the amount of non-economic damages (which include pain and suffering) that can be awarded. This means that even if a jury awards a large sum for pain and suffering, the amount may be reduced if it exceeds the state’s legal limit.

In states with no-fault insurance systems, pursuing pain and suffering claims can be even more complex. In these states, your ability to sue for pain and suffering may be limited unless your injuries meet certain thresholds, such as being classified as serious or permanent.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

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The Importance of Legal Representation

Given the complexities involved in suing for pain and suffering, having experienced legal representation is essential. A skilled attorney can help you navigate the intricacies of the legal system, gather and present evidence, and advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation.

An attorney with a deep understanding of personal injury law will know how to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They can help you understand the full scope of your damages, including pain and suffering, and work to ensure that you are not shortchanged in the settlement process.

Furthermore, an attorney can provide guidance on whether it is in your best interest to settle out of court or pursue litigation. While settling can provide a quicker resolution, it may not always offer the full compensation you deserve. On the other hand, taking your case to court can be time-consuming and risky, but it may result in a higher award. Your attorney can help you weigh these options and make an informed decision.

Suing for pain and suffering after a car accident is a complex process that requires careful consideration of various factors. From understanding how pain and suffering are calculated to proving your case in court, the path to compensation is fraught with challenges. However, with the right legal support, you can navigate these hurdles and secure the compensation you deserve for the physical and emotional toll of the accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident and you believe you are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, it is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible. The experienced team at Serrano Law is here to guide you through this challenging time and ensure that your rights are protected. With our commitment to personalized service and in-depth knowledge of personal injury law, we will work tirelessly to help you achieve the best possible outcome. Contact Serrano Law today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing the compensation you deserve.