Car Accident Impact Statement Example

The injuries you sustain in a motor vehicle accident may be long-lasting. Not only will you have the right to compensation for your financial losses, including your medical bills, repair expenses, and loss of income, but you can also be reimbursed for non-economic damages. This might include your reduced quality of life, pain and suffering, or emotional distress.

If you hope to get the most out of your claim, your Atlanta car accident lawyer may advise you to write a victim impact statement. This way, you can describe the severity of the injuries you sustained the impact they have had on your life, and help persuade the judge or jury to award you the total value of your losses. Contact John Foy & Associates today to get help crafting your car accident impact statement and building the strongest case possible against the liable party.

The Purpose of a Victim Impact Statement

A victim impact statement is a personal message you write to the judge or jury that describes the accident you were involved in and the various ways your life has been affected. The goal is to capture the true essence of your traumatic experience, including your emotional distress, severe financial losses, and devastating injuries. Not only can a victim impact statement be provided to the jury and judge presiding over your case, but it can also be sent to the insurance company after you file a claim with help from an Atlanta catastrophic injury lawyer.

Elements of a Powerful Victim Impact Statement

When you sit down to write your car accident impact statement, you may feel overwhelmed. Just speak from your heart and tell the judge exactly who you are and how you have been affected by this catastrophic event. Here are some of the most important elements to include while writing:

• Your personal information – Introduce yourself to the reader. Provide them with your name, what you do for a living, and how you are involved in this case.
• How the accident occurred – Describe how the accident occurred. Include where it happened when it happened, and what the defendant did to cause the collision.
• The profound impact of the collision – Next, detail the devastating ways your life has been affected. Do not forget to include the emotional stress, the strain on your relationships, your inability to do things you previously loved, and the financial hardships that have followed the car crash, such as your lost wages after a car accident.

Avoid These Mistakes When Writing Your Car Accident Impact Statement

While it is important to elicit compassion in your car accident impact statement, there are also certain mistakes you want to avoid. You do not want to risk undermining the credibility of your statements. Some of the things you might want to avoid include:

• Using offensive or inappropriate language: Instead, maintain the same etiquette you would use if you were speaking to the judge in the courtroom as described by the Judicial Council of Georgia Administrative Office of the Courts’ Basic Rules of Court Conduct.
• Blaming the defendant outright: Focus on “I” statements as described by the Boston University Medical Campus. This way, the reader can put themselves in your shoes.
• Oversharing: Anyone reading your car accident impact statement does not need to connect with you on social media or by phone. It is important to protect your privacy.
• Exaggerating the impact of the accident on your life: Be open and honest about your feelings, but never embellish.

A Sample Car Accident Impact Statement 

Now that you have a better idea of what your car accident impact statement should include, the message you want to convey, and the mistakes you should avoid, it is time to write your own. Reading a few sample victim impact statements may be in your best interests. Here is a quick example of what your statement might look like:

“Your Honor,

My name is Joe Johnson. I am the plaintiff and injury victim in this car accident case. On the evening of August 31, 2023, a drunk driver t-boned me while I was going through a green traffic light at the intersection of 14th St. and Northside Drive. They were accelerating through the red light and were driving well over the speed limit. In the collision, my left leg suffered multiple injuries that led to an infection that ultimately required amputation. I also suffered a concussion, whiplash, and multiple shattered bones in my right arm.

Months after the amputation, I am still going through weekly physical and occupational therapy sessions, though I am looking forward to my next appointment, where I will be fitted with my first prosthetic. I am still experiencing phantom limb syndrome and have struggled with insomnia, depression, and anxiety since the accident. Unfortunately, due to my leg amputation, I can no longer return to work in my job as a plumber. Your honor, the trauma of this accident has had a significant impact on my ability to take care of myself and enjoy relationships with my wife and children.

My medical expenses have reached over $500,000 and counting. I can no longer afford to put my children through private school or contribute to their college savings. If we miss another mortgage payment, we risk foreclosure. There is no aspect of my life that has not been traumatized by this drunk driver’s negligence. I have always believed in the United States justice system. Please hold the drunk driver accountable and award me fair compensation so I can get home, cover my out-of-pocket medical expenses and future costs, and start to put this ordeal behind me. 

Best regards,

Joe”

Request the Fair Compensation You Deserve with a Top-Rated Atlanta Car Accident Attorney On Your Side

After suffering debilitating injuries in a motor vehicle wreck, the at-fault party should be ordered to repay you in full for your losses. By delivering a powerful car accident impact statement, you can convince the jury to award you for every loss and do your part to ensure the liable party is held accountable for their negligence. You do not need to go through this difficult time on your own.

Call in the strong arm. Reach out to a reputable Atlanta car accident lawyer from John Foy & Associates for help writing your car accident impact statement and fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Fill out our online contact form or call us to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as today.