9 Factors That Determine How Much To Expect From a Car Accident Settlement
Car accident are common throughout Texas, with as many as 15,299 serious accidents occurring each year. Being in a traffic crashescan be physically and psychologically traumatizing while also potentially leaving you with significant bills to pay.
Because Texas is an at-fault state that follows a modified comparative negligence standard, if the accident wasn’t your fault or only partly so, you can claim compensation for the losses you suffered. However, as you navigate the claims process with your attorney, it can be tough to know how much compensation you can expect.
To help you have a better idea of what to expect, the following factors play a significant role in the settlement you receive. Learn more about each one and why hiring a lawyer may be the best thing you can do for your claim.
1. Severity of Your Injuries
The first factor that will come into play is the type of injuries you suffered. Car accident injuries can range from mild to catastrophic, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries that could leave you with lifelong disabilities. The more severe the injuries are, the more you will be affected financially and emotionally.
More serious injuries mean higher medical expenses, including the need for ongoing care. Pain and suffering damages also become important, with more severe injuries allowing you to claim a potentially significant amount for the pain and distress you’ve suffered.
2. Who Was at Fault
In Texas, you can still receive compensation if you were partly at fault as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or lower. However, if you were 20% at fault, for instance, your compensation will be diminished by that much.
If the other party was wholly at fault, you need a car accident lawyer by your side to ensure they don’t try to put any degree of blame on you. You don’t want to be cheated out of even a single percentage point of compensation.
3. How Much Money You Were Earning Before the Accident
When you claim lost wages as part of your damages, you have the right to get compensated for the income you missed out on during treatment and healing. If your injuries are severe and may not allow you to return to your job in your usual capacity or at all, you can claim your lost future wages and diminished earning capacity as well.
Of course, this means that if you were making a substantial amount of money before the accident, you’ve likely suffered an equally significant amount of income loss. Insurers will consider that when deciding on your settlement.
4. Insurance Coverage Limits
Every driver in Texas has to meet minimum liability insurance requirements. That includes at least $30,000 to cover one person’s injuries (up to a total of $60,000 per accident) and $25,000 of coverage for property damage.
If the damages you suffer are greater than the other party’s insurance coverage, the only way to recover what you deserve is to sue them. If, however, you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company may compensate you for the damages the at-fault party’s insurance doesn’t cover.
5. The Evidence You Have
To get compensation, you need to prove the other person holds the majority of the fault for the car accident. You need to have police reports, medical records, photos, and witness statements to help prove that what you’re claiming is true.
When you hire a car accident lawyer, you have access to expert witnesses, too, like accident reconstruction professionals. The better your evidence, the easier getting compensation can be and the more you can expect.
6. Property Damage
If your car was totaled because of the accident, you’re more likely to get higher compensation than if your bumper was mildly dented. Because Texas requires a minimum coverage of $25,000 for property damage, you’re likely to get what your vehicle was worth or what you need to repair it.
7. Whether You’ll Experience Long-Term Disabilities
Because the cost of treatment and care is much higher for injuries that result in long-term disabilities, you’ll usually be entitled to higher compensation. Aside from medical expenses, you’ll have a chance to claim non-economic damages like loss of enjoyment of life because of the substantial changes you’ll have to adjust to after a disabling injury.
8. The Insurance Company Handling the Claim
Some insurance companies are more difficult to negotiate with than others. All insurers want to pay as little as possible and will try to do anything they can to get you to accept a low offer or give up your claim. They may even resort to tactics like bullying. To ensure you have the best chance of getting fair compensation, you need to turn to a lawyer.
9. Whether You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
People who hire car accident lawyers are more likely to get fair compensation than those who don’t. Lawyers will know how to gather the kind of evidence that can make a difference in these claims, and they’ll also be experienced in negotiating with insurers.
If needed, a lawyer can even file a lawsuit and take your claim to court. All these things increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve after a car accident.
Don’t Go Through the Claims Process Alone
Filing a car accident claim in Fort Worth, TX, isn’t simple. You don’t want to run the risk of not being able to recuperate coverage for the losses you’ve suffered, so the best thing you can do is turn to personal injury lawyers who have experience with car accidents.
With a lawyer by your side, you can focus on healing while they gather evidence and deal with insurance companies. Schedule a free consultation to learn about your legal options.
Contact the Bedford Car Accident Lawyers of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 510-9400
Office Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
Office Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
