You are an individual who was the victim of a car accident in California, and you sustained injuries or your property was damaged during the ordeal. You might be asking yourself how much, on average, the plaintiff’s settlement or compensation in these kinds of cases would be. Getting down to unique sets of circumstances making up the average settlements is not easy, since the potential amount is influenced by a variety of very different factors. Nevertheless, it should be noted that looking at general statistics may supply the information needed. If you're dealing with vehicle accident injuries in California and unable to go to work, understanding how these factors impact your compensation can be essential.
From a legal perspective, according to Nolo’s legal information site, as of 2022, the average car accident settlement varies between $15,000 and $20,000 in California. This mean number is the representation of circumstances where the facts of fault are quite clear, the injuries sustained are moderate (soft tissue or fracture damage), and the insurance coverage is average. The claim value could be anywhere between the range given as longer or more severe injuries or liability is debated or the insurance is not sufficient.
Some key factors that influence car accident settlement amounts in California include:
- Liability and fault - Claims where responsibility and the ability to provide proof of diligence are easy to prove, tend to be paid more. The case of liability litigation puts the parties at a standstill where the settlement amount is smaller.
- Injury type - Significant injuries like brain trauma or permanent disabilities carry high financial settlements, but a minor soft tissue injury may not be too substantial.
- Insurance coverage limits - Statements are commonly capped of the policy limit, which means the more coverage your IV oftentimes the more payout you get.
- Medical costs - Since the calculation of the sum of the victim's medical expenses should not be restricted to the ones that he / she has currently and have been already incurred but rather include the ones that will be incurred in the future as well, the settlements must take into consideration both current and estimated future medical costs. Above all health care costs strictly connect to the amount received at the settlement.
- Wage losses - The settlement amount is also calculated from lost income due to decline in work one works after the accident.
What is the exact amount of an average car accident settlement? It is said that this amount lays within the $15k to $20k range. Nevertheless, this figure is not reliable as every case has different features. With the expertise of a Californian car accident lawyer, he or she will be able to determine the peculiar facts in your accident and provide you with advice concerning the reasonable worth of your private injury claim. They can assist with the strenuous process of dealing with the insurance company to ensure maximum benefit is received. Contacting a certified lawyer is, therefore, a mechanism that is of high value if you have been involved in a car crash.