Average Settlements for Car Accident
After a car accident, your insurer — or the insurer for the negligent driver – or both – may be responsible for paying for any damages and injuries you have sustained. The question of how much to expect from a car accident settlement without filing a lawsuit is not easy to answer, as every case is unique. However, below is information that may give you an idea of what to expect:
Factors affecting the value of a pre-lawsuit settlement
Several factors have an impact on the amount you may receive after an accident.
- The total amount of insurance available to pay for your damages and injuries;
- The extent of your injuries and medical treatment;
- Your medical history;
- The force of impact. Insurers tend to be reluctant to pay substantial sums in cases where there is minimal property damage to your vehicle;
- The conduct of the defendant that led to the accident; and
- Driving history of the defendant.
You will want to speak with an experienced, successful car accident lawyer in Gainesville, GA to explore the many factors that go into evaluating your claim.
Factors determining average pre-lawsuit settlement amount
Medical bills
In accident settlements, medical expenses can make up a significant amount of the money insurers are willing to pay. This amount is the total of all the medical bills already incurred and those bills you are more likely than not going to incur as a result of treatment your doctors say you will need as a result of your accident.
Lost income
Loss of income is normally a factor when evaluating a settlement amount. Typically, this is the money lost as a result of being held out of work because of the accident or injuries sustained. It may also include lost sick time or vacation time. Our Trial Team at Stewart, Melvin & Frost has a team of lawyers in Gainesville, Ga. who will help you gather the necessary documentation to make sure you pursue the total value of your loss of income claim.
Pain and suffering
Finally, you may also have a claim for intangible damages, often referred to as pain and suffering. A few factors you may want to consider when determining the value of your intangible damages can include:
- Anxiety and depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inability to take part in activities previously enjoyed
- Lowered quality of life
- All the other ways your injuries have impacted your life
Simple truth is, it is not easy to calculate the value of pain and suffering you experience. You will have to rely on the expertise of a car accident lawyer in Gainesville Ga. from a reputable, proven personal injury and wrongful death firm such as our Trial Team at Stewart, Melvin & Frost.
