What are typical car accident settlement amounts with injury? Quick Answer
- The typical settlement amount for a car accident involving injuries is $30,416, though it can vary widely based on factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and fault.
Summary
- Car accident settlements depend on factors such as injury severity, fault, and insurance policy limits.
- The average car accident settlement amount with injuries is $30,416, but severe injuries can lead to much higher payouts.
- Hiring a skilled attorney can significantly increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
In the United States, millions of car accidents occur every year. If you’ve been involved in a crash, it’s important to know your rights and seek legal counsel so that you can receive compensation for your injuries. The question many people ask is, how much compensation can you expect from a car accident settlement with injuries?
Learn more about typical car accident settlement amounts with injury. Keep in mind your specific settlement amount will vary based on a wide range of factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the state you live in, what type of insurance the other party has, and other variables.
How Are Car Accident Settlements Calculated?
Attorneys and insurance companies consider a wide range of criteria when calculating car accident settlement offers. Some common factors at play include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
If you’ve suffered a severe personal injury and experienced ongoing emotional distress, your settlement will likely be higher than that of someone who, for example, was a passenger and suffered minimal injuries. The length of your recovery and potential for long-term disability also influence settlement amounts. While injury severity has a major impact on settlement amounts, it’s not the only determining factor.
Lawyers and insurance companies also consider the degree of fault. For instance, if you were involved in a motorcycle accident where another driver pulled out in front of you, but you were going over the speed limit, the other driver would have more of the blame. However, since you contributed to the accident by speeding, your potential settlement might be reduced.
Settlement vs. Verdict
Many car accident claims end in a settlement. A settlement occurs when you and the other party reach an agreement outside of court, typically through negotiations facilitated by your attorneys.
That’s not to say you will reach an agreement right away. Insurance companies will often offer settlements to resolve car accident injury claims quickly and avoid a lengthy trial. However, a good attorney will likely counter this offer to obtain better terms and conditions which can take a bit longer. Their goal is to ensure you receive fair compensation.
If you and the other party cannot reach an agreement, the case will go to trial and be heard by a judge and/or jury. They will determine whether the defendant is liable for your injuries and, if so, the amount of compensation you receive.
Taking a case to trial can be a long and drawn-out process. A good lawyer can help you decide whether to accept a settlement offer or proceed to trial.
Average Settlement for Car Accident
Every car accident trial is unique. State laws, insurance limits, and the circumstances surrounding the accident all vary. Therefore, it’s nearly impossible to identify an “average” settlement amount that applies to all cases. The average settlement for a car accident with injuries varies depending on several factors.
Here, we have compared the average settlement amounts for car accidents from five law firms:
| Law Firm | Average Amount |
|---|---|
| Tor Hoerman | $30,000 |
| Corey Pollard | $15,000-$25,000 |
| Injured CT | $24,000 |
| Phillips Law Offices | $20,000-$25,000 |
| Brown and Crouppen | $37,249 |
Two firms declared ranges between $15,000 and $25,000, while three firms provided exact average amounts, from which we calculated the total average of $30,416.
Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts With Minor Injury
If you are in a vehicle crash and suffer minor injuries, the settlement amount can vary greatly. Some factors that will impact your settlement include:
- Medical bills
- Time out of work
- Mental anguish
- Length of recovery
- Nature of the injury
Sometimes, the line between minor and severe can get blurry. Keep in mind that cases without injuries or requiring minimal treatment can also lead to settlements, although they tend to be lower. A good attorney will help you understand the lasting impacts of your injuries and help you pursue a fair settlement amount based on the facts of the case.
Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts With Injury
If you suffer a major injury or lasting harm, your settlement could be in the tens of thousands of dollars. In rare cases, plaintiffs receive hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars from the other party. For instance, a Virginia couple received a $16 million settlement after being struck on their motorcycle. However, their injuries were quite severe, as the husband died on the scene and the wife lost her leg.
Keep in mind that insurance policy limitations can apply in these situations. These limits restrict the amount an insurance company can pay out on a single claim.
Typically, cases with huge settlements involve commercial trucks or other company vehicles. However, just because an incident involved a commercial truck does not mean you’ll automatically receive a giant settlement. All of the other factors, such as injury severity and level of fault, still apply.
For instance, neck and back injuries tend to draw higher settlements due to severe and chronic pain.
Car Accident Settlement Examples
Here are a few examples of what car accident settlements might look like:
- Whiplash injury case: A plaintiff received $20,000 after being rear-ended at a stoplight and suffering soft tissue injuries requiring several months of physical therapy.
- Severe injury case: In one case, a pedestrian hit by a distracted driver received $250,000 in compensation after suffering multiple broken bones and requiring surgery.
- Wrongful death case: A $1.5 million settlement was awarded to the family of a driver killed by a commercial truck driver who fell asleep at the wheel.
Each case is unique, and your settlement will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident.
How Are Car Accident Settlements Calculated?
Attorneys and insurance companies use a combination of medical reports, accident reports, and other documentation to calculate settlement amounts. They will evaluate the severity of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatments, your lost wages, and your pain and suffering. The stronger your case and the more evidence you have, the better your chances of receiving a higher settlement.
Insurance policy limits can also play a significant role. For example, if the at-fault driver’s insurance only covers $50,000, that may be the maximum you can receive unless you sue the driver personally. This is why hiring an experienced lawyer is crucial—they can help you navigate these complexities and secure the best outcome possible.
If You’ve Been Injured, Don’t Delay
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it’s vital that you act fast. The sooner you connect with an attorney, the better the odds are of obtaining important evidence to support your claim. Waiting weeks or even months to start the filing process can make it hard to track down witnesses, videos, and other evidence. Most importantly, there are legal deadlines—called statutes of limitations—which restrict how long you have to file a car accident injury claim. In most states, this is between two and four years from the date of the accident.
Contact ConsumerShield for trusted legal advice on car accident settlements with injury. We’ll connect you with an experienced attorney who can help with your case. Fill out our contact form to get started.
