What is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in California?

Car accidents have the potential to change people’s lives drastically, both for the victims and their families. Depending on the injuries sustained, if any, the medical expenses alone can put a strain on anyone’s financial situation. If the victim cannot work due to the injuries sustained from the accident, making it even more difficult for them and their families to recover financially. 

So, how much can you expect from a car accident settlement in California? Research and data show that most car accident settlements in the United States range from $14,321 to $28,215, with the average falling around $21,000. 

While the average settlement lies within the aforementioned range, it is also hugely dependent on the injuries sustained from the accident, the damages and losses of the victim, as well as the degree of negligence on the liable party’s behalf. Every car accident is unique, so no claims are going to be the same; to evaluate your losses and determine your injury claim settlement amount, contact the attorneys at Point Law Group, LLP. Based in Los Angeles, this team of experienced litigators can help review your case and create a complete, accurate, and fair claim.

Things to know regarding car accident settlements?

What to do: Car accidents can be stressful, and for most victims, it could be confusing on what steps to take after an accident occurs. First things first, it is to your benefit to contact experienced car accident lawyers, especially if you have suffered injuries. In working with a Los Angeles car accident lawyer, they will ask for details of the accident, and the person you identified as the liable party, and compile evidence on your behalf. Car accident lawyers will do the brunt work and deal with insurance companies. Most importantly, you will need to call your car insurance company as soon as possible and report the accident.

What not to do: Do not accept the first settlement offered by your insurance company. As stated before, car accidents can be stressful, and to cut the time negotiating with insurance companies and from the lack of knowledge of how to handle the situation, accepting the initial settlement offer is the first and most common mistake made by car accident victims. More often than not, the initial settlement is far too little and will not cover all of your losses. Unfortunately, it is difficult to foresee the issues you might face in the future due to the accident, some issues might require surgery or ongoing treatment. If you settle early on, you might not receive enough funds to support these injury-related costs and it would become an out-of-pocket expense.

What factors can affect my settlement value?

There are a number of factors that can affect the value of your car accident settlement. They are as follows:

• Injuries:
  Depending on the severity of the injuries you have suffered from a car accident,  can impact the amount of compensation you receive. For example, if you suffered brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, internal injuries, or had to get a limb amputation, you would require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. All in all, you would need to explore extensive avenues in order to reinstate your previous quality of life. 
• Medical bills:
  As mentioned above, the severity of your injuries determines the amount of medical treatment you will need, which then affects the number of medical bills you will acquire; surgeries, ongoing treatment, pain management, disabilities, and your age can affect your car accident settlement. 
• Negligence and circumstances of the accident:
  Circumstances of the accident can dictate how much you are awarded in your settlement. If the liable party is determined to be negligent, the settlement amount awarded will be higher. Examples of negligent drivers include, but are not limited to, someone driving under the influence or someone who is texting and driving. In these cases, the court might even award the victim punitive damages, separate from their compensatory damages. These punitive damages are awarded when the liable party was engaged in wrongful conduct that is considered outrageous, or extremely dangerous. 
• Wage losses:
  If the injury impacts your ability to work, whether it prevents you from working temporarily or permanently, loss of wages should be added to your settlement. 
• Damages (not fiscal):
  Pain and suffering, physical therapy, and counseling are considered to be non-economic damages, and are also factors that are taken into account in your settlement amount. 
• Evidence:
  Evidence can consist of detailed personal reports of the accident and police reports, witness interviews, medical records, surveillance videos, bills, and proof of wage loss. Providing all of this material will ensure your lawyers have everything they need in order to form a strong case on your behalf; a strong case means a higher settlement amount, and can push the defendant to settle outside of court as they know your chances of winning are high.

Importance of a great car accident lawyer Los Angeles

Statistics show that victims and families who work with a car accident attorney Los Angeles receive a better settlement than those who chose to represent themselves. Point Law Group, LLP have settled millions and offer tailored representation as not two car accident cases are the same. This team of attorneys specialize in car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and rideshare accidents and are determined to secure their clients with a full and fair settlement. Contact Point Law Group, LLP at (310)560-0606 to get a free consultation today!