What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?

A woman who has been in a car accident, steps out of her car, holding her back in pain.
The attorneys at Osborne & Francis can help you achieve the maximum car accident settlement.
By Osborne & Francis
July 18, 2024
The average car accident settlement will vary and depend heavily upon the individual facts and circumstances surrounding your case. 

Any unexpected car accident can be a stressful and upsetting event. You may not know what to do next or who to contact. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car wreck and require medical treatment, you may also be facing sudden financial hardship. In the aftermath of such unfortunate events, it is important to be aware of your rights so that you know what next steps to take.  

The associates at Osborne and Francis are experienced in handling car accident litigation and have had many successes for their clients. Pursuing damages in a car accident lawsuit can give you the opportunity to heal, pay for any property damages, and hold responsible parties accountable. 

Contact the car accident attorneys at Osborne & Francis online or by calling (561) 293-2600. To learn more about settlements and damage awards after car accidents, continue reading. 

What Kind of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit?

In a car accident lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. If you have been involved in a car accident and are considering filing a lawsuit, the types of damages you can potentially recover will depend on various factors. These may include the specific circumstances of the accident, the applicable laws in your jurisdiction, and the evidence you can provide.

Damages that are generally available in car accident lawsuits are:

  • Medical expenses: You can typically recover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
  • Property damage: You can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
  • Lost wages and loss of future wages: If you missed work due to the accident and your injuries, you may be entitled to recover the income you would have earned during that time.
  • Pain and suffering and emotional distress: You can seek compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall suffering caused by the accident and your injuries.
  • Punitive damages: In some cases, if the at-fault party's behavior was exceptionally reckless or malicious, a court may award punitive damages to punish the responsible party and deter others from similar behavior. These damages are less common and may not be available in all cases.

There is really no exact dollar amount that can be assigned to a car accident lawsuit. The average settlement for a car accident will vary and depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. The availability and amount of damages you can recover may vary depending on your jurisdiction and the specifics of your case. 

Additionally, you'll need to prove the extent of your damages and that the other party was at fault for the accident. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is advisable to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your case and to help you navigate the legal process to maximize your recovery.

Hiring an experienced car accident attorney from Osborne & Francis saves you time, and increases your likelihood of a maximum settlement amount. Contact the attorneys and Osborne & Francis online or call our offices at (561) 293-2600

Average Settlement for Neck and Back Injuries in Car Accidents 

Unfortunately, car accidents often result in neck and back injuries. Rear-end accidents, in particular, may cause neck and back injuries such as spinal cord injuries, whiplash, and other muscle and soft tissue injuries. Usually, when severe injuries are a result of a car accident, damages will be much higher than if there were no injuries. 

If you have sustained any kind of injury in a car accident, it's important to seek prompt medical attention. Back and neck injuries can worsen if they are not treated properly. Consult with a healthcare professional and a personal injury attorney to assess the extent of your injuries and explore potential legal remedies.

Your car accident settlement amount will depend on multiple factors including: 

  • Documentation and evidence: The quality and quantity of evidence you can provide, such as accident reports, medical records, photographs, witness statements, and expert testimony, can influence the strength of your case and the potential settlement amount.
  • Pre-existing injuries: If you had pre-existing injuries or medical conditions that were aggravated or worsened by the accident, it can complicate the settlement process. The responsible party may only be liable for the exacerbation of those pre-existing conditions.
  • Injuries and medical treatment: The severity of injuries and the cost of medical treatment are major factors. More serious injuries that require extensive medical care, surgery, rehabilitation, or result in long-term disabilities generally lead to higher settlements.

The specific type and severity of neck and back injuries in a car accident depend on factors such as the force of impact, the position of the occupants, and their use of seatbelts and other safety features. 

It is essential to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney who can properly calculate the damages that you are entitled to. Your car accident attorney can negotiate with insurance companies or the at-fault party's legal representation to secure a fair settlement based on the specific circumstances of your case.

Watch our video to learn what to do after a car accident.

Continue reading to learn how an attorney can help you with your car accident case.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement if There Are No Injuries? 

If you do not sustain injuries in a car accident, you may still be able to bring a lawsuit for damages. The average car accident settlement when there are no injuries is typically much lower than settlements involving injuries. 

In many cases, if there are no injuries and the only damage is to the vehicles involved, the settlement may primarily cover property damage. A person’s vehicle is often their lifeline to employment and vital chores like grocery shopping and doctor appointments. As such, it’s important that repairs are done quickly and competently.

Even if there are no physical injuries associated with your car accident, you may still be able to obtain a settlement for property costs including: 

  • Repairing the crash damage done to your vehicle
  • Replacing your vehicle if the damage done made the car inoperable
  • Compensating for the loss of other property in your vehicle (computers, musical instruments, etc.)
  • Refunding the replacement cost for important items (like a smashed phone or broken glasses)
  • Calculating the damages for any auto insurance increase after an accident payout

Recovering from physical injuries after a car accident is a much more challenging process than replacing one's possessions. However, dealing with the financial and time-consuming aspects of repairing or replacing these belongings can also be quite disruptive to your life for an extended period following the accident. These costs, both in terms of money and time, are issues that a court can address. 

Average Car Accident Settlements 

It is important to remember that there is really no predetermined amount of damages that you can collect for your car accident lawsuit. Every case is different and must be handled as such. This is why it is so important to make sure that the lawyer you hire is experienced in car accident litigation. An experienced car accident attorney can help calculate damages and can help you understand the car accident litigation process. 

Settlements will vary widely depending on various factors, including the severity of injuries, the specific circumstances of the accident, the insurance policies involved, and the jurisdiction where the case is being litigated. The amount of damages will also be different if you choose to take your car accident lawsuit to a jury trial. 

Contact a Car Accident Attorney 

The attorneys at Osborne & Francis are committed to handling your car accident lawsuit with care and diligence. An experienced personal injury lawyer at our firm can make sure that you are eligible for the maximum damages award. 

Our attorneys have handled many successful car accident cases that have resulted in substantial victories including a $2.5 million dollar settlement for an individual who was rear-ended by a truck and sustained neck and back injuries. 

Hiring an attorney to handle your car accident lawsuit is the first and most important step in ensuring that the parties responsible for your injury are held accountable. Our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help. Contact us online or by calling the office at (561) 293-2600. We are standing by to evaluate your case and help you achieve the damages you are entitled to.

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