What is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount?

Generally speaking, there is no “average” settlement, as each case features unique elements. However, data from a 2022 study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute notes that the average compensation for bodily injuries in car accidents was $18,417.00, with property damages at $4,252.00. But in the aftermath of a devastating car accident, a settlement is probably the last thing on your mind.

In the days following an accident, you’ve got questions that need answers. How long will you be in the hospital? Once you’re out, how long until you can return to work? How bad is the damage to your car? What will insurance cover? Will you be able to afford your medical bills? That’s the big one.

Your related bills should be entirely covered by the car crash settlement presented to you by the at-fault party. However, not every settlement fairly compensates the victim for their injuries, needed repairs, and trauma. Despite what the opposition wants you to think, you don’t need to accept an offer immediately. You can take the time to review it and consult with an experienced attorney to ensure what you’re being offered is just.

The consequences of an auto accident are often complicated. Make things easier for yourself by securing trustworthy legal representation. Montlick Injury Attorneys will review your case and help you understand what you’re owed. Though we can’t fix what happened, we can work to bring you a better tomorrow by securing you a fair automobile accident settlement.

Understanding Car Accident Settlements

First things first, how do car accident settlements work? In a perfect world, the at-fault party’s insurance company pays the injured party compensation for the car accident. What factors play into the total?

Insurance companies are supposed to examine many things when calculating a car accident settlement, including the liability (who is at-fault), pain and suffering, property damage, state laws, emotional distress (though they often downplay this), and any monetary losses that occurred. However, we are not sure that always happens given our dealings with many insurance companies. Many factors make up your claim, such as your injuries, your treatment, the permanency of your conditions, how long it took you to get better, if you need additional treatment, the pain and suffering you endured and so much more. We believe insurance companies lose that human component while evaluating your claim and we are here to bring that human component back to your case and fight for you so that you get what you deserve.

The worse your injuries are, the higher the settlement amount will likely be, and vice versa. No matter what, though, you should be prepared for the fact that they will look for ways to minimize the offer and take the human component out of your case, making you seem and feel like just a number. The more evidence you have supporting your claim, the better. Potentially valuable evidence to your auto accident settlement may include:

• Pictures of the scene of your accident, including damage done to your car and the other party’s vehicle
• Witness statements
• A medical diagnosis
• Notes on everything you remember happening before, during, and after
• Bills and medical documents
• Injury and recovery records
• An insurance report
• Statements from your treating doctors, family members and witnesses about how the injured parties life has changed for the worse
• Impairment rating

Breaking Down an Offer

Now that you’ve got an idea of how settlements are calculated by an insurance company let’s take a closer look at the car accident settlement process.

Medical Bills

Understandably, medical bills are the primary factor considered in a settlement, including costs you’ve already paid and bills you’ve been sent. In some instances, you may be able to pay bills after the settlement has been completed, but overall, you’ll be expected to pay them out of pocket to be reimbursed later. The total amount received will depend on how long you were in the hospital, the care you received, and if you needed surgery. The medical portion of the car accident insurance claim settlement will likely cover:

• Ambulance transport
• Hospital bills
• Post-care services
• Rehabilitation
• Wheelchairs, crutches, ramps, and accessibility tools

Liability

Liability, or fault, plays an important part in determining the size of the settlement. If it’s clear, you can expect to receive more as the opposition will accept responsibility rather than attempt to place blame on you. If liability is shared, you may not be able to receive any compensation, or it will be significantly reduced. To verify, check your state laws on car crash liability.

Lost Wages

Lost wages are applied to the income you missed out on while in the hospital due to the accident. To receive coverage for lost income, you’ll need to provide your attorney with previous pay stubs to demonstrate what you previously made per month. They will then pass it on to the at-fault party’s representation.

Pain and Suffering

Car accidents are traumatizing events. It makes sense that you might have a lasting emotional impact because of it. Pain and suffering refer to this impact and may include loss of enjoyment of life, anxiety or depression, inability to participate in activities you previously loved, lowered quality of life, and loss of companionship.

Additional Factors

The above-listed factors are the most important factors in determining auto accident settlements. However, other factors may include whether or not:

• Medical attention was immediately sought after the accident
• The accident was 100% responsible for your injuries or did something else contribute to your injuries
• More treatment than was necessary was given

What’s the Average Car Accident Settlement?

The average payment for a car accident varies depending on the type of auto accident, such as car, motorcycle, commercial truck, or pedestrian. Specifically in Georgia, the average settlement for the different types of auto accident claims are:

• Car Accident: $20,000-$25,000
• Motorcycle Accident: $50,000-$150,000
• Commercial Truck Accident: $50,000-$150,000
• Pedestrian Accident: $40,000-$100,000

For tips on filing an auto accident claim, contact Montlick.

How Do I Know If I Have a Case?

So, how do you know if you have a case? It’s simple. Anytime you’ve been injured in an auto accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call Montlick to find out whether or not you have a viable case. . Montlick’s dedicated personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case and review every detail of what happened with you to determine how we can best help. Remember that in Georgia and many other states, the statute of limitations states that you only have two years following the date of the accident to bring your injury claim.

Like we said before, the insurance company has one goal: minimize your traffic accident settlement. They expect you to be so frazzled by recent events that you’ll accept whatever they put in front of you without knowing if it’s a fair offer. We won’t let them get away with it. They might not care about what you’ve been through, but we do.

Montlick Injury Attorneys. Refusing to Settle for 40+ Years.
While you’re busy recovering after a horrifying accident, the last thing you should be worried about is if you’ll be able to cover your bills. You deserve to rest assured that your legal representation is fighting that battle for you, and you intend to win.

At Montlick, we promise to fight for your rights every step of the way. One of our personal injury attorneys will do their very best to win you a fair settlement for the car accident, and you can help. See a doctor immediately and secure Montlick’s legal representation to ensure you receive the maximum auto injury settlement. Don’t wait. Your entire case could be at risk.
Call today to schedule your 100% free, no-obligation consultation.