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Being in a car accident can be life changing. Some car accidents result in permanent disability, pain and suffering, and mental and emotional anguish that persist long after the debris has been cleared.
Those involved in a car accident that was not their fault are entitled to compensation for their medical expenses and the pain and suffering they experienced due to someone else's negligent driving.
However, even if the victim was at fault for the accident, insurers often cover some damages. Therefore, one of the most asked questions after a car accident is, "What is a good settlement offer?"
These amounts can vary based on several factors, so talking to an experienced St Louis accident attorney is advisable. Powell Law Firm can help answer any questions victims may have regarding their settlements.
In the meantime, here is what victims can expect to receive from their car accident settlement.
What to Expect After a Car Accident
Those who have been in a car accident are often compensated by their insurance company or that of the other driver responsible for the accident. If the cost of repairing the damage to a vehicle exceeds its value, the insurance provider may declare the car totaled and pay a lump sum according to its value.
When an accident occurs due to another driver's negligence, their insurance company should compensate the victim for any damages or losses, including the pain and suffering they experienced. However, the amount offered by the insurer may be much lower than expected.
The truth is that it is easy to be reimbursed for damages that can be tallied, such as medical bills, but attaining compensation for damages like pain and suffering is challenging without an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Calculating Damages
There are several ways of calculating pain and suffering. The easiest way is to add up all relevant bills, including medical and therapy bills, lost wages, and damage to the vehicle. These damages are classified as Special Damages. However, general damages that involve pain and suffering must also be considered.
To accurately calculate pain and suffering, it is essential first to ascertain whether this pain and suffering are current or current and future pain and suffering. The present pain and suffering include that experienced during medical treatment, and the former also considers foreseeable pain and suffering.
An exact settlement value can be hard to determine, so it is always advisable to enlist the help of a personal injury attorney to help calculate the damages accurately.
What Factors Affect What a Car Settlement Is Worth?
The following factors can influence a car settlement amount:
● Physical damages to people and property
● If the victim experienced pain and suffering after the incident
● The damage to the vehicle
Victims may be awarded settlements that only cover the cost of their vehicle's damage, or they may be awarded a larger settlement due to long-term injuries. They may also receive compensation for the time they were unable to work due to their recovery.
Average Settlement Amounts Victims Can Expect
While each case is different and subject to the aforementioned factors, here are some of the average amounts victims can expect to receive.
● Minor injuries - $10,000 to $25,000
● Long-lasting or more severe injuries - $50,000 to $75,000
● Spinal injuries that do not result in disability - $75,000 to $100,000
● Brain injuries - $100,000 to $250,000
● Serious injuries resulting in severe brain damage or permanent disability – figures over one hundred thousand, or even millions
Limitations
Unfortunately, some insurance companies have limitations regarding the amounts they can payout, so to receive full compensation, a victim would need to pursue legal action against the person at fault to receive the balance that the insurance does not pay.
Need a Car Accident Attorney? Contact Powell Law Firm Today!
At Powell Law Firm, we treat our clients with the utmost respect and care because we know that pursuing legal action while dealing with an injury is never easy. Our legal team is ready to tackle any insurance company or large organization to ensure that our clients get the compensation they deserve for car accidents resulting from someone else's negligence.
Contact us today for a free consultation and case evaluation. We can help in determining the value of the settlement victims are entitled to. It is always advisable to talk to us before accepting any payouts from insurance companies, so be sure to set up a consultation as soon as possible after the incident has occurred.