How to Calculate General Damages Auto Insurance

In terms of auto insurance, general damages are those damages that can't be weighed or put on a scale. This includes pain and suffering, mental anguish and any other psychological problems a victim may experience. Calculating those problems can be difficult because there is no price tag attached with the pain. To figure out general damages, you'll need to give it some serious thought and do your research.

Instructions

1. Think long and hard about the type of injuries you have sustained and how they'll impact your life. For example a back injury that makes your job harder to do is worth more than a headache that lasts for a few weeks.

2. Know the minimum and maximum limits for pain and suffering claims in your state or city. Many times an insurance company is capped by the amount they can give, which makes filing your claim a little easier.

3. Ask your insurance company how they usually determine the cost of general damages. Some companies multiply the medical bills by a set amount, while others will only give less than that amount.

4. Include any future medical bills, time taken off work and other issues that may arise once the claim is settled. A settlement may include all bills paid at that time, but not what might happen in the future.

5. Use a personal injury attorney to help determine the correct amount. While you'll have to pay for their services, they can help you get the right amount and not settle for an amount that is too low.

6. Multiply the bills you accumulate from the injury including time off work and medical expenses, times three. This is a general formula used by a number of personal injury law firms.

7. Negotiate with the insurance company to find an amount that both sides agree on. Offer different amounts until each side is happy.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to ask for more money or to demand it. Insurance companies are notorious for offering less for a claim than their client needs.