Typical Car Accident Settlements
A car accident can leave you with unexpected expenses, medical bills, and lost wages. If someone else caused the crash, you might be entitled to compensation. But how much can you expect to receive in a settlement?
While every case is different, most settlements fall between $3,000 and $75,000. Crashes that cause severe or catastrophic injuries usually fall on the high end of this spectrum and may even result in hundreds of thousands or more than one million in compensation.
Dozens of factors may influence car accident settlements, even beyond your total damages and the injuries you suffered. Understanding these factors can help you know what to expect.
In recent years, average settlement amounts for personal injury cases have increased. As of 2021, the average personal injury settlement was around $55,000, showing a slight increase from previous years. Those who hired a personal injury lawyer typically saw higher settlements, with an average of $77,600, compared to $17,600 for those who did not hire an attorney. Similarly, those who negotiated their settlements secured an average of $42,500, while non-negotiators averaged just $11,800.
In car accident cases, average settlement amounts have also risen. In 2022, the average settlement for a car accident injury claim was about $24,211, up from around $17,451 in 2018. Half of claimants typically received settlements in the $3,000 to $25,000 range, with the median award for car accident cases being approximately $15,000.
As a general rule, settlement amounts may fall into the following ranges based on the severity of the accident.
Minor Accidents: $5,000 to $15,000
These crashes usually involve minor injuries like whiplash or soft tissue injuries that require minimal medical treatment. A settlement may include property damage and a few days’ worth of lost wages.
Moderate Accidents: $15,000 to $75,000
Injuries such as fractures, concussions, or injuries requiring surgery typically fall in this range. Medical bills are more expensive, and victims usually need more time off work. A settlement may consider pain and suffering and other losses for physical pain and any long-term effects of the injuries.
Severe Accidents: $75,000 to $200,000+
Accidents involving permanent disability, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries often result in higher settlements. These accidents can lead to damages that even exceed $1,000,000.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Settlements
Several factors impact the amount you might receive in a car accident settlement, including:
- Injury Type And Severity: More serious injuries like brain injuries usually result in higher settlements. These injuries have more extensive medical costs, a greater impact on your ability to work, and possible long-term effects.
- Long-Term Impairment and Ability to Work: You are entitled to be made whole and compensated for the non-financial losses you suffered. Settlements are generally higher for crash victims who cannot return to their jobs or face long-term impairment.
- Effect on Quality of Life: The greater the effect on your daily life, independence, and enjoyment of life, the higher the settlement is likely to be.
- Evidence Proving Liability: Without strong evidence, the insurance adjuster may be unwilling to make a fair settlement offer. They may even deny the claim. The stronger the evidence, the more likely you are to be offered a settlement that fairly compensates you.
Several factors can reduce or limit the amount you can recover. Because Texas follows a modified comparative negligence doctrine, any negligence on your part that contributed to the crash will be considered during negotiations.
Both sides must consider the degree of comparative fault to determine a fair offer because if the case goes to court, a jury will assign a percentage of fault to each party. Your award will be reduced by your share of blame if you are found 50% or less at fault. If at least 51% of the fault is assigned to you, you will be barred from any recovery.
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits will also cap the settlement amount. The insurance company will not settle for an amount higher than the insured’s policy limits. In Texas, drivers are required to carry minimum coverage of:
- $30,000 in liability coverage per person,
- $60,000 in liability coverage per accident, and
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
If your damages exceed these limits, you can turn to your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. The at-fault driver may also be liable for paying the remaining damages, but this option is unlikely to recover compensation.
How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement
There are several ways to increase your chances of receiving fair compensation after a car accident:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health comes first, and medical records will serve as critical evidence in your case.
- Gather Evidence: Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries. Obtain witness statements and police reports.
- Keep Records: Save all medical bills, receipts, and documentation of lost wages.
- Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Consider consulting a lawyer before accepting any settlement offers.
- Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer: Your attorney can negotiate on your behalf, protect you from unfair insurance company tactics, and build the strongest claim possible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Fort Worth, Texas, contact a personal injury lawyer to learn how they can help you get the settlement you need to move forward after a serious accident.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Texas for Help Today
If you need legal help, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Bedford and Fort Worth, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 508-9204
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 969-3956
