Since personal injury law is a $42.3 billion business, it goes without saying that these professionals earn their living by winning a lot of case settlements each year. Whenever you have a car accident case, you’ll need the assistance of a car accident attorney that can maximize what you get paid, while handling your case promptly.
So, how much should you expect to get from a car accident settlement? How do you win your case? Consider the tips below to learn the answer to these and other questions.
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How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?
In general, car accident settlement cases amount to at least $14,000. They could go well into the six figures depending on the nature of the injuries and other damages that you encounter.
Understanding national averages will give you the chance to factor in how much you might expect to get in your case.
What Affects the Payout in a Car Accident Case?
Before anything, you need to understand the different kinds of damages that people encounter in car accident cases. This will give you an idea of which areas you’ll calculate, and what details will play a role in the amount that you’re paid.
Here are some of the major factors that come into play when you’re considering the kind of settlement you’re expecting:
Types of Injuries
There are always plenty of injuries that you’re subject to whenever you’re involved in a car accident. Physical injuries are some of the most noticeable and costly, and often leave people in a world of hurt when they experience them.
Here are a few different physical injuries that people often experience in a car wreck:
- Lumbar area injuries
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Broken bones and sprains
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
Physical injuries aside, you might also experience pain and suffering due to the accident and its fallout. This could involve a mixture of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) from the accident, chronic anxiety, and emotional distress.
You will also have to account for damages related to losing paychecks while you heal, ongoing physical therapy services, and several other issues that come into play.
Value of the Vehicle
When filing an auto accident case, you have to also be aware of the cost it’ll take to repair or replace your vehicle. After the wreck, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get your vehicle to an adjuster that can appraise it and let you know how much it’s worth in today’s market.
They will consider the age, year, make, and model of the vehicle, along with its current condition and the number of miles it has on the odometer. Once you have an idea of your vehicle’s value and how much you can expect from it, you can decide whether to fix it or replace it altogether.
Long-Term Implications
Give yourself a chance to think about the long-term implications of your car accident case. This means whether or not your car accident injuries are permanent or short-term, and if you require any long-term care.
A lawyer will help you assess these issues and figure out how much to seek in a settlement.
How Can You Win Your Car Accident Lawsuit?
Now that you have an idea of what is considered in a car accident settlement, you have to figure out how to handle your situation with care. Consider these steps as you pursue legal action or an out-of-court settlement:
Hire the Best Car Accident Lawyer
You will need the assistance of a qualified attorney to get the results you need from your case. Turn to a car accident lawyer that is licensed and insured, along with the pedigree to handle any sort of circumstances that come about during the proceedings.
They will let you know whether it’s best to battle in court or seek a settlement. Find out how long the lawyer has been certified by your state’s bar association, and get some references from people who have used them in car accident settlements.
Understand the Law
Before you file a car accident case, take the time to familiarize yourself with the law in your state. This will let you know what burden of proof you have to satisfy, along with an understanding of the types of damages that you can seek.
States have certain differences in how they handle car accidents and other personal injury cases. For instance, some states operate under contributory negligence, which means that plaintiff and defendant can share responsibility in who is at fault.
Always take the time to get more information that’ll help you win your case.
File Your Case in Time
One of the main reasons to hire a lawyer is that they will keep your case on track so that you don’t wait too long to file suit or seek a settlement. It’s when you wait too long that your case falls out of the statute of limitations, at which point you can no longer seek damages.
The sooner you file your case, the more time you will have to work on it. You’ll also be able to decide whether you’d like to go to court or settle, without having to feel rushed by the decision.
Get Your Car Accident Settlement
The points above explain what you should understand when you’re seeking a car accident settlement. Though the term is “settle,” use this information to your advantage so that you can get the biggest payout possible for your injuries and troubles.
In the meantime, rely on our articles if you have other pressing legal questions.
