The number of car accident fatalities has been rising in the last few years. This indicates a need for vigilance from motorists.

As the largest city in Alberta, Calgary is not new to car accidents. Ask anyone who goes through Deerfoot Trail, Macleod Trail, or the Glenmore Reservoir area. The sight of crashed cars is all too common in these spots.

In the unfortunate event that you’re caught in a car accident, it is important to consult a Calgary car accident lawyer. This legal professional will ensure that all your losses are accounted for, including non-economic losses like pain and suffering.

What is pain and suffering?

Pain and suffering refers to any distress a victim of a car accident goes through, including emotional distress and physical pain. The law awards victims compensation for this suffering. How it’s calculated depends on the severity of the condition and how long it exists.

There are typically two methods of calculating pain and suffering. They are:

• The multiplier method
• The per diem method 

Some states may place a cap on the amount a victim can receive for pain and suffering.

The multiplier method

The multiplier method is one way of calculating the damages owed to the victim for the pain and suffering they’ve experienced.

This method is pretty straightforward, where the total amount the victim spent on things like medical bills is multiplied by a number. This number is called the multiplier, and the number can vary between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the condition.

For example, if a victim had to pay medical bills of $10,000 and has long-term damages from the accident, the law firm or insurance company can decide on a multiplier of 4, so the total damages awarded will be $40,000.

Typically, most firms use 2 or 3 as the multiplier.

The factors considered in this method include:

• The severity of the injury
• Long-term effects
• Gross negligence by the defendant
• How much the victim has to spend on medical bills, both current and future, related to the accident

Per diem method

An alternate method used is the per diem method, which multiplies the number of days a victim suffers by a monetary value. How this amount is determined varies and could use the victim’s daily wage as a base.

Whatever method is used, the amount awarded depends on the specifics of the case and can vary from case to case.

Takeaway

The multiplier method is one way of assigning a dollar value to pain and suffering in a car accident claim. It is designed to cover medical expenses and any other inconveniences victims may suffer due to an injury.

This method is not always used, and there are other methods, like the per diem method. The damages awarded also depend on the facts of the case, like the extent of damage, total cost of medical bills, impact on a victim’s life, and so on.

Whatever the case may be, if you ever find yourself in a car accident, it is important to consult a lawyer so that you know your rights and responsibilities.

David Radar, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.