What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Texas?

Determining an average car accident settlement is difficult. Surveys indicate that the average amount was between $20,000 and $25,000, but many respondents said they received less than $10,000. Others estimate that a car accident settlement equals the amount of medical expenses and lost wages plus two to three times that amount to account for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. These estimates may be skewed, with some people receiving millions and others receiving practically nothing.

Each case is unique, so it’s impossible for anyone – even a seasoned lawyer – to accurately assess a car accident claim’s value without conducting a thorough investigation. An experienced San Antonio auto accident lawyer can explain the damages that you may be able to recover for your claim and how your claim is calculated.

Damages You Can Recover in a Texas Car Accident Claim

The value of car accident claims is tied directly to the damages the victim can show they suffered due to the accident. Personal injury victims can recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages provide compensation for monetary losses, while non-economic damages compensate victims for intangible losses they suffer. Through a Texas car accident claim, you may be able to recover financial compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses – These damages can cover medical bills, medical treatment you received because of the accident, rehabilitation expenses, medications, and future medical expenses.
• Lost wages – Victims can recover compensation for money they lost for missing work, as well as having to change jobs to a less-demanding and lower-paying role.
• Property damage – You have the right to receive compensation to pay for your vehicle to be repaired and other personal belongings replaced.
• Pain and suffering – These damages compensate you for physical and emotional pain, suffering, discomfort, and distress. Accident victims can also recover compensation for additional non-economic damages, such as disability and loss of enjoyment of life.

Your car accident lawyer can collect medical bills, employment records, and other evidence to help prove the value of your losses.

Factors that Can Affect Car Accident Settlements

Many factors affect the value of car accident claims, including:

• The severity of your injuries – Car accident cases involving paralysis or other permanent disabilities or serious injuries result in larger settlements on average than those involving more minor injuries.
• Amount of insurance coverage – Many drivers only carry that state-mandated minimum liability insurance, which provides $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily coverage per accident, and $25,000 in property damage. If the driver had no insurance, you might be limited to your uninsured motorist coverage.
• Medical records – While medical records can help connect the accident and your injuries, they can also diminish a claim’s value if they show a gap in your medical treatment, that you didn’t follow medical orders, or that you had a pre-existing injury.
• Comparative fault – Texas comparative fault law reduces your compensation in proportion to your degree of fault. And, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you can’t bring forth your claim.
• How clear liability is – Strong evidence can help your case, while anything that raises ambiguity can harm it.

Contact The Aguirre Law Firm PLLC for a Free Consultation Today

The Aguirre Law Firm, PLLC can review your case for free and explain the damages you may be entitled to. Call us today for a free consultation.