Do you know that only 32 percent of Americans have never had a car accident? Statistics indicate that more than two out of three drivers will experience some form of car accident at some point in their lives. Car insurance website AutoInsurance says that speeding and driving while intoxicated account for nearly 60 percent of all traffic deaths in America.
Having a car accident turns your life around. You have every right to ask what kind of settlements might be offered in consideration of your damages, including but not limited to medical bills, repairing your vehicle, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The average car accident settlement in California depends on how badly you were hurt, who was at fault, and how the accident has affected your life. Understanding these issues is important while dealing with these accidents.
Let’s take a look at the steps you should take to maximize your settlement claim.
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Factors Influencing Car Accident Settlements in California
When you’re in a car accident in California, the amount of your potential settlement depends on a few important things. You will get more money in damages if your injuries are serious.
Things like taking pictures, getting statements from witnesses, and reading police records will help you build your case. Another factor is how the insurance company sees who is liable for the incident. If the insurance company thinks the person who was hurt is more at fault, the compensation is likely to be less.
Insurance companies will take into account medical expenses and lost earnings. The timing of your claim will also influence the car accident settlement. The sooner you file a claim, the better it will serve you.
Having an idea of these factors will help you handle the settlement process yourself and receive the best possible outcome for your circumstance.
Average Settlement Amounts Based on Injury Severity
The amount of settlements resulting from injuries heavily depends on the specific types of injuries sustained. Most people would get around $3,000 to $15,000 for something minor like a scrape or bruise.
A person who has moderate symptoms and is getting settlements would probably anticipate getting between $15,000 and $50,000. If you get hurt badly, such as with brain or spinal cord damage, you could get a lot of money, anywhere from $50,000 to millions of dollars.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Settlement Negotiations
Making a settlement is a matter of negotiation, and the insurance companies can control the outcome of the negotiation. During the actual process, the claim is evaluated, damages are assessed, and an amount is offered.
You can improve the results of insurance negotiations if you know how insurance companies think and operate. A professional insurance adjuster will remain faithful to their company by minimizing insurance payouts. They try to force you to settle and accept their low initial offer.
You can always win an insurance negotiation if you have enough proof to show that you understand your case very well. You should know your rights and work with your lawyer to secure fair compensation.
How to Calculate Your Potential Settlement
Start by determining the complete set of injuries that you have. What are the medical bills you incurred? Were there lost wages? What was damaged?
Do not neglect pain and suffering at this point, as that can greatly affect the settlement figure. Next, organize the evidence for your claim, including medical records, repair estimate papers, etc.
Then consult a lawyer to analyze your case and estimate its value.
Consider the other party’s degree of liability. It’s more likely that you will get a bigger settlement if it’s clear that they were wrong. By thinking about all of these things, you can get a better idea of how much your possible deal will be.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident in California
Once you have an idea of how much a California car accident payment will be, you need to check if other people involved have injuries. Call 911 and inform them about the accident. You need to share details with the other driver involved in the accident. These should include name, phone number, and insurance data.
The scene and damage to the vehicles should be photographed. Don’t forget to include road conditions. Don’t confess fault when talking to others and simply just state the facts. Immediately inform your insurer of the accident. Go get medical help for injuries regardless of how you feel since some symptoms may take time to emerge.
Consult a personal injury attorney concerning your prospects of compensation. Always keep in mind that you are not alone and there are various ways to get help.
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