With medical bills piling up, income lost from having to miss work, and other unexpected but significant expenses incurred after a car accident, it’s no surprise that the first question we typically hear when examining a car wreck case is this: “What do you think my case is worth?”
When we say that it’s hard to answer because every case is unique, often the question then becomes, “Well, what is the average settlement for a car accident?” While many lawyers will give you a ballpark number without even investigating your accident, the truth is that this is tough to calculate, and if we did, it could be very misleading. Let’s look at why it’s hard to calculate the average car accident settlement, and how your auto accident attorney will determine the amount of compensation you’re really owed based on your unique case.
Average Values of Injury Cases
The overall average payout in a personal injury case is around $53,000, but this figure is misleading. This is because payments can range from $3,000 to $75,000, or even into the millions for the most severe cases. With such a broad range of awards, the average isn’t a reliable benchmark for your case. It’s important to understand the factors that affect the settlement we negotiate.
How are Car Accident Claims Valued?
There are two major classes of damages that will be used to value your case. The first is what are referred to as special damages. Special damages are those types of damage that are very easy to value. For example, we can see what your medical bills are and easily estimate what they might be in the future. We also know what your earnings are and can estimate what they may be in the future.
The second type of damages is general damages. General damages are those that are related to your pain and suffering. They include physical impairment, disfigurement, mental anguish, reduced quality of life, loss of companionship and consortium, and the like. These aren’t so easy to value, and they are usually expressed as a multiple of special damages. Insurance adjusters might use a multiple of two or three to express general damages, while your attorney might use a much higher formula.
Factors That Affect Payout
A number of factors go into the payout you can receive. These include the level of injuries you’ve sustained, the limits on the insurance policy held by the defendant, and whether you have legal representation. Statistics show that even after legal fees — which you don’t pay if your case isn’t a success — the average award can be up to $60,000 higher if you have an experienced Montgomery automobile injury lawyer in your corner.
Finding the Right Montgomery Auto Accident Attorney
What is the average settlement for a car accident? The truth is, the results of your case rely heavily on finding the right auto accident attorney to help. The Thumbs Up Guys® at Floyd Hunter Injury Law are your Montgomery auto accident lawyers who will work tirelessly to help you seek maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
We’ll work hard to settle your case, but if we go to court, you can count on us to fight every step of the way to stand up for your rights and help you seek justice. Call us at 334-452-4000, or fill out our online form for a free case review today.
