If you’re in an automobile accident, you will likely feel traumatized by the experience. Suppose you experienced great pain and suffering due to another driver’s negligence. In that case, it is understandable that you’ll want to make a claim against them to receive fair compensation for the damage they have caused you, be it mental, physical or financial.
Yet, making a claim against another person is stressful too. That is why it is advisable to seek the guidance of a qualified attorney who can lead you through the entire process. Your attorney will work with you to get the proper amount of compensation warranted by the circumstances of your accident. For example, the average settlement for a car accident back and neck injury will differ from the average payout for a car accident death.
Here, we look into how much you can expect from a car accident settlement and go over basic concepts so you can decide if it is the right course of action for you. Remember, each personal injury case is different, so it is crucial to discuss your situation with an attorney for sound legal advice.
What Is A Car Accident Settlement?
A car accident settlement is the payment a person receives from another party who has caused them pain, damage or suffering due to negligent driving. Car accidents can cause life-changing injuries, so getting the compensation that is a fair reflection of these injuries and their impacts is one way the justice system in Virginia seeks to right wrongs.
A settlement is also an agreement between the victim of an accident and the other party’s insurance firm. It is best to ask an attorney to submit a claim in the first stages of the settlement process, as they will know what details are best to include so that you are awarded the most favorable decision possible.
The insurance company will likely make their investigation to corroborate or deny your claims. The findings will then lead to negotiations between your attorney and the insurance company to reach a figure. If you cannot agree on an amount, you can file a lawsuit in a civil court to have your case heard and tried there.
How Much Is The Average Car Accident Settlement?
It is impossible to determine what the average car accident settlement is in Virginia. There are simply too many variables involved that make asserting an average amount challenging, to say the least.
Suppose you are considering the decision of making a claim against a person who caused you harm due to negligent driving. In that case, you should speak to an attorney who is able to give you more of an idea of what you can expect after examining your accident’s exact details. As settlements depend on the specific injuries and the ramifications on a person’s life, the amounts awarded to plaintiffs vary significantly.
However, the settlement amount you can claim may not be what your attorney believes you would receive. There may be extenuating circumstances on the part of the other party or evidence that could affect your claim.
Some of the variables that your car accident settlement will depend on are:
- How seriously you were injured
- How much your subsequent medical treatment cost
- Other expenses you incurred as a result of your injuries
- Loss of earnings due to your injuries
- Any other pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Damage to property
When you consider these variables, you can see why there is such a wide range in the money awarded to successful claimants in car accident settlements. The idea of pain and suffering is exceptionally subjective, and it is another reason you need to seek guidance from a qualified attorney. They will be able to fight for you so that you get the very best possible outcome.
Car Accident Settlement Amounts
It is understandable that you would want to know how much you’re eligible for after being in a car accident that was not your fault. That is often the case when the victim has had a negative impact on their life due to injuries or stress caused from a vehicle accident.
However, while the justice system supports you, it is hard to say what you should expect due to the many variables that make every car accident unique. Therefore, the best course of action you can take is to work closely with your attorney to gather the relevant evidence and supporting documentation as part of your case to make your claim the strongest it possibly can be.