How Car Accident Settlements are Calculated

To start with, it’s important to note that the average settlement amount for a car accident isn’t particularly helpful for those who have been involved in a crash. The reason for this is that the amount of compensation awarded to a victim is determined by the specific circumstances of the accident, and can vary widely depending on the severity of the damages sustained.

For example, someone who experiences only minor property damage in a car accident would typically receive a much smaller settlement from their insurance company than someone who suffers permanent injuries or loses a loved one in the crash.

The factors that typically determine the amount of a car accident settlement include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and property damage. Other factors that can come into play include the type of insurance coverage that’s available and a determination of who is at fault for the accident.

Given the complexity and variability of car accident settlements, it’s important for victims to seek out the advice and guidance of an experienced attorney who can help them navigate the process and ensure that they receive fair compensation for their losses.

How Car Accident Settlements are Calculated

Settlements: The Most Common Outcome in Personal Injury Claims

To understand car accident settlement examples, it’s essential to first understand the settlement process. In most states, when a crash occurs, the person responsible for causing the accident is expected to cover the victim’s damages. This typically involves their liability car insurance paying out for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other losses.

The insurer representing the at-fault driver will usually offer a settlement to the collision victims. This can take the form of a lump sum payment, in exchange for the victim giving up all rights to further claims. If the victim accepts the agreement, the case is resolved. However, if they do not believe the offered compensation is fair, a car accident lawsuit may result.

Although lawsuits do occur after car accidents, most cases are settled outside of court. In fact, a survey by Martindale-Nolo found that 98% of readers who received car accident compensation obtained it through a settlement instead of a court case. Most claims are settled because insurers want to avoid the cost of a trial, and victims often want to avoid the time and uncertainty of a trial.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Car Accident Settlement?

Car accident settlements usually occur fairly quickly, which is one advantage of settling a claim rather than pursuing a lawsuit. According to Martindale-Nolo, collision victims took an average of 10.7 months to receive a car accident settlement. More than half of the victims were able to resolve their claims within six months.

How Much Can You Get for Your Car Accident Claim?

The amount of compensation available for a car accident claim depends on the extent of damage suffered and other factors. Data on average car accident settlement amounts varies by source. The Insurance Information Institute reported that the average claim for physical injury after a collision was $20,235 in 2020, while the average property damage claim was $4,711. However, a survey by Martindale-Nolo of readers who made car accident claims between 2015 and 2020 reported an average settlement of $23,900. Most received less than $10,000.

Determining Car Accident Settlement Amounts

When it comes to determining car accident settlement amounts, several factors come into play.

Severity of Injuries

One major factor that determines the average car accident settlement amount is the severity of injuries sustained by the victim. According to a Martindale-Nolo survey, the average compensation for car accident victims who were not injured was $16,700, while the average award for injured crash victims was $29,700.

State Laws

The laws of the state in which the accident occurred can also impact the settlement amount. In no-fault states, drivers are required to rely on their own insurance coverage to pay for their own injuries or injuries to their passengers, and additional damages such as compensation for pain and suffering are not usually available. On the other hand, in fault states, the driver who caused the accident is always responsible for the losses, even in minor crashes, and the at-fault driver’s insurance may offer more comprehensive compensation.

Financial Loss

The amount of financial loss suffered by the victim also plays a role in determining the car accident settlement amount. A settlement is designed to make the victim whole for the losses caused by the collision, including losses related to injuries, such as lost wages, and losses related to property damage. If the victim suffered extensive losses due to missed work, medical bills, and significant property damage, the settlement should reflect this.