If you have sustained any type of injury following a car accident in Annapolis, you have the right to file a personal injury claim. The amount of your claim will depend on several factors, including your medical costs, your vehicle repair costs, and the amount of “pain and suffering” you have experienced. Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine the total monetary amount you are likely to be rewarded as personal injury compensation, including pain and suffering. 
Understanding Pain and Suffering
In legal terms, pain and suffering refers to emotional distress and physical pain caused by a car accident or other incident for which you may file a personal injury claim. While medical costs and vehicle repair or replacement costs are fairly straightforward, calculating the amount of pain and suffering you have experienced is typically accomplished using one of two methods: the multiplier method or the daily rate method.
The Multiplier Method
The multiplier method calculates pain and suffering damages by multiplying your other damages by a given value. In the past, lawyers often multiplied the costs of your other damages by a factor of three to arrive at a viable amount to request for pain and suffering compensation. Today, the multiplier used is based on factors such as the severity of the accident, the type of injury you have sustained, and your expected total recovery time.
The Daily Rate Method
The daily rate method is an alternative technique used to calculate pain and suffering damages. This method uses a “per day” calculation to estimate the amount of pain and suffering compensation you should reasonably receive for each day of your recovery. The per diem rate you receive can be based on daily medical needs and other factors, such as the number of days you were forced to miss work or unable to perform other activities.
An experienced attorney can help you better understand the legal actions you can take following a car accident. Your injury may make you eligible for several types of financial compensation, including compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
