When one is in an accident, the usual question that comes to mind is: what is the average settlement for a car accident with injury? For this reason, we can say that it is very important information to consider.
However, the truth is that the average settlement for a car accident with injury cannot be easily determined without considering some factors. Why? Because the damage caused by car accidents varies. This is because each car accident is different, and the settlements are calculated based on the unique circumstances of the accident.
So, before a car accident injury settlement is determined, there are certain protocols that should be observed. First, the injuries sustained are examined, and then the usual compensation for similar injuries is considered. Once these factors are ascertained, then the settlement can be determined.
Average Settlement for a Car Accident that are Available
There are several car accident settlements available for victims to claim. They are:
- Medical expenses
- Wage loss
- Suffering and pain
- Emotional anguish
- Loss of property
But regardless of what type of car accident settlement it is, the compensation offered is largely dependent on the amount of insurance available or the amount at-fault driver’s is willing to offer as compensation for the victim’s damages.
SO the average settlement for a car accident with an injury will hinge on the above.
What is the average settlement for a car accident with injury?
In the United States, the average settlement for a car accident with injury case is around $19,000 if you are able to find a good lawyer to take your case. This simply implies then that not every car accident with injury is pegged around that amount. For collisions with minor damage, the settlement may be less, and it may be more for collisions with greater damage or permanent injuries.
Since the average car accident settlement is not always indicative of compensation for accident cases, there is a formula popularly used by insurance firms to calculate the settlement of personal injury automobile accident claims.
Formula
Previous Medical Bills + Future Medical Bills + Lost Wages in the Past + Future Wages Lost + Damages for Pain and Suffering = Car Accident Settlement.
Using this formula on computer-generated settlement calculators, most insurance firms attempt to award fair compensation to victims of car accident claims.
Settlements Are the Most Common Result of Personal Injury Claims
The payout in a vehicle accident case may not be considered to be full justice in an accident case. But it can be a fair compensation for the victim to move on.
When a car accident occurs, especially with injury, both parties are entitled to resolve the issue either through a settlement or a trial in court. But settlements seem to be the most preferred option in personal injury claims because it is quicker and you can avoid the uncertainty of a trial.
Usually, most claims are settled out of court because insurers want to avoid the cost of a trial and victims want to have closure quickly. This is one advantage of settling a claim rather than filing a lawsuit.
A settlement is a one-time payment in exchange for the victim giving up all rights to future claims of damages, whether they are medical costs, property damage, missed wages, or other losses. However, if the victim does not believe the provided compensation is reasonable, he or she may file a vehicle accident case.
Again, the amount of compensation paid out as a settlement out of court is determined by the level of the damage sustained in the car accident as well as other considerations.
Factors Influencing the Size of Car Accident Settlements
There are a range of factors that influence the amount of settlement car accident victims receive in a claim. They include:
- Insurance Protection
It is usual practice for drivers to obtain insurance protection. These insurance protection varies and often comes with policy limitations. When a driver goes for the cheapest package available, the policy limitation is invariably low.
So, this implies that when an accident occurs, the at-fault motorist can only pay up to the policy limitations. Insurance firms never pay the excess if the damages exceed the amount of insurance coverage. Hence, the higher the insurance cover of the at-fault motorist, the higher the payout is likely to be.
- Liability
When it is obvious who is at-fault in a collision, it can lead to a greater payout. However, if the fault is unknown or not evident, settlements may be lower than the average settlement for a car accident with injury in general.
When the fault is shared and both drivers are partially to blame, there may be no compensation paid. But even so, the motorists with the most damage can still file a claim for compensation.
- The severity of injuries
The severity of the injury sustained during the car accident is a significant factor that can influence the size of the settlement. The more severe the injury, the greater the accident settlement amount you are entitled to.
- Financial Setback
Since a settlement is intended to be fair compensation to a crash victim for the losses he or she suffered because of the accident, it is important that whatever settlement is offered should reflect this.
This is why you need to know the average settlement for a car accident with injury so that you can weight what you are offered and determine if it is right for you.
So, not just the medical costs related to physical injuries, the settlement should also include significant losses incurred as a result of missed work, medical costs, and property damage.
Final words
We have tried to give you a ball park range of the average settlement for a car accident with injury.
In the United States, the average settlement for a car accident with injury case is around $19,000 plus or minus.