In the aftermath of a car accident, victims often are presented with a variety of unfortunate tasks, including recovering from physical and emotional injuries while dealing with medical expenses, vehicle repairs, insurance settlements, and potential court cases.
For many victims, a car accident settlement can be an important factor in helping them recuperate fully and navigate the complicated times ahead. Car accident settlements can result from an insurance decision or a lawsuit after the accident. These settlements can reimburse the victim for a variety of damages, including:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses of physical injuries
- Property damage should also be included in your insurance claim to maximize your auto accident settlement.
- Lost wages
- Physical and psychological trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Legal fees associated with a personal injury lawsuit can significantly impact the final auto accident settlement.
Every car accident case and associated portion of the settlement is different. If you have been involved in an accident without your fault, finding a local car accident injury lawyer can help streamline the settlement process, settle your car accident claim, and give you a better idea of your potential lawsuit settlement.
What Is a Car Accident Claim or Settlement Agreement?
A car accident claim or settlement agreement can help you receive compensation for damages and injuries sustained due to the accident. If you believe the other driver was at fault for the accident, a car accident lawyer can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver or come to an agreement with their insurance company. The severity of the injuries can affect the settlement amount, so having a lawyer can help you understand the value of your car accident and make sure you get a fair settlement for medical expenses and damages. Be cautious of settling for a low settlement – always have a lawyer review and agree to a settlement.
Factors Affecting Accident Settlements for Car Accidents Lawsuit
Many factors affect how liability is proven, and compensation is determined, making finding a reputable car accident law firm an important first step to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. The following factors of settlement may affect the amount the accident victim can sue for in a car accident lawsuit.
Extent of Personal Injuries
One of the most important factors that can impact the amount of your car accident settlement claims process is the severity of your injuries. When it comes to car accidents, victims can suffer a range of short-term and long-term injuries.
Short-term injuries, such as broken bones and whiplash, may not impact the value of a settlement as much as long-term or permanent injuries, such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, full or partial paralysis, burns, and serious mental or emotional conditions resulting from the accident. This is because severe and long-term injuries result in higher emergency room costs and ongoing medical bills. They also have a greater negative impact on the victim’s quality of life.
Affect on Quality of Life and Future Earnings
In addition to the types of injuries you experienced, the extent to which those injuries impact your life following the accident also contributes to the settlement value you can potentially receive. If your injuries negatively impact your overall quality of life in the long term, you are more likely to get a higher settlement amount. Consulting auto accident attorneys can help you understand typical car accident settlement amounts.
How the accident affects your ability to earn a living is also an important factor in determining a settlement amount. If your injuries, whether emotional and/or physical, will have a lasting effect on your ability to earn money in your field, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. An experienced auto accident injury lawyer will be well-versed in proving pain and suffering, loss of income, and quality of life damages, all of which are crucial elements in a personal injury lawsuit.
Proving Liability and Shared Liability for the Settlement Process
Another important factor in determining settlement amounts is liability. Liability refers to the at-fault party responsible for causing the accident and their obligation to pay damages related to the case. In states like Texas, payouts regarding car accidents are based on liability percentage. This means that if a party is found to be 100% responsible for the accident, they are responsible for covering 100% of the damages. In accidents involving more than one party, the percent of damages the at-fault parties must pay is based on their percentage of responsibility in the accident.
Liability can complicate settlement amounts, particularly in shared liability cases, because every insurance policy’s payout structure differs. By partnering with a car accident injury attorney, you can trust that the complicated issue of liability will be handled with professionalism and expertise.
Determining Car Accident Settlements Amounts
Insurance companies often try to lowball victims with subpar settlement offers early on when it comes to settlements. Partnering with a car accident injury lawyer can protect yourself and your family by ensuring you don’t have to settle for less than you deserve.
If the parties involved in the accident cannot reach an acceptable settlement, you may have to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party. In the event of a lawsuit, a judge will use all of the above information and other unique details of your case to decide on a settlement amount that is more sufficient for your circumstances.
How Much to Expect from Car Accident Settlement Process in Texas?
Car accident settlements in Texas can vary widely depending on several factors, including the extent of the injuries sustained and the amount of insurance coverage available. In general, a typical car accident settlement can range from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. It is important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side to help you navigate the car accident settlement process and ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance adjuster, and file a lawsuit if necessary. Ultimately, the goal is to reach a settlement agreement that adequately compensates you for your injuries and losses.
When determining a car accident claim, the date of the accident and the types of injuries sustained will play a significant role in the settlement amount, as detailed in the demand letter. Accident attorneys specializing in personal injury law can provide examples of previous car accident settlements to give you an idea of what to expect. They can also help you negotiate a settlement with the other party or their car insurance company. Acting quickly after an auto accident is important to ensure your injury claim is properly documented and filed with the appropriate authorities.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
Car accident settlements can vary greatly in how long they take to resolve. Factors such as the extent of your injuries, types of car accidents, the insurance policy limits, and who is at fault for a car accident can all impact the timeline of a personal injury case. Typically, an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to provide you with a rough estimate of how long the process may take based on the details involved in a car accident. In some instances, car accident settlements can be resolved relatively quickly, while others may take months or even years to reach a final settlement.
When filing a car accident or personal injury claim, being patient and trusting in the process is important. Working with a skilled car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer can help streamline the process and ensure you receive the personal injury settlement you deserve. By providing evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and settlement examples from similar cases, your attorney can help strengthen your car crash case and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Get Your Free Case Consultation from Car Accident Lawyer
The Lopez Law Group’s Texas car accident injury lawyers are committed to helping car accident victims and their families get the compensation they deserve. With decades of combined experience, our attorneys are adept at handling car accident cases of all kinds. We aim to make our car accident settlements work easier so that our clients understand the various factors that affect both compensation and the process of holding the at-fault party responsible for their actions. With our free, no-obligation consultation, we advise victims on what is in their best interest regarding their specific case.
Our Texas-based car accident law firm is proud to serve Weslaco, Mission, McAllen, Laredo, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, Harlingen, Houston, Tyler, Spring, and other locations throughout the state. Contact an experienced car accident online or call (956) 968-7800 to schedule your free case consultation.
