If you’ve been reading this blog regularly, you’ll notice that we have talked quite a bit about car accident settlements, which may have you wondering, what is the average settlement for a car accident? When it comes to an auto settlement, there are several factors involved.
Car Accident Settlement Formula
Injuries fall into different categories such as temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, permanent total disability and permanent partial disability. Obviously, any permanent injury is most likely to result in a high settlement for you. The worse the injury = the higher the settlement.
If you are paid a settlement, then it will fall under one or more of these types of “damages”: medical special damages, non-medical special damages, and property damages.
Average Car Accident Settlement?
While there is no specific number for a auto accident settlement, it is generally known that car accident victims between the ages of 3 or 5 and into their pre-teens get high auto accident settlements. People between the ages of 20 and 55 usually get a fair auto settlement because they’re considered to be physically strong. Those in their late 60’s (and over) often do very well in settlements because of the sympathy that they may get from a judge and/or jury.
The settlement value for a major accident includes rates for pain and suffering, medical bills, repair bills and much more. This average car accident settlement value can range from $15,000-$35,000.
Car Accident Settlements in Los Angeles Depend on “Damages”
Medical special damages include the cost of the ambulance, emergency room care, hospital or clinic charges, doctor, chiropractor, specialist and/or dentist, over-the-counter drugs, and/or prescription medications, lab fees and services, diagnostic tests (x-rays and CT scan), prosthetic appliances, crutches, physical therapy and more.
Non-medical special damages include: lost wages and earnings (regular hours, overtime hours, freelance hours, change in employment), lost vacation time and sick leave, travel expenses (car rentals, public transportation, any expenses that involve getting to and from the doctor), household help during disability and child care.
Property damage expenses include auto repair, damaged clothing, broken glasses, cost of substitute car rentals, plus towing, etc. You should always have a paper trail or proof, in other words, keep the originals of all bills. Be sure to have all documents in your possession.
