What is the Average Settlement for a Fatal Car Accident?

Being injured in a California car accident calls for car accident settlement and learning about this settlement's average amount.

10:27 15 March 2021

That said, involvement in an accident can mean unexpected financial losses. In this situation, there are many factors involved in determining the settlement amount. Depending on the significance of your injuries and devastation, the chances of obtaining a large settlement is doubtful.

 

One can get the compensation by gaining access to the insurance benefits or by filing a civil lawsuit. According to the latest estimates, several car accidents show that the injuries took 48 lives per 100,000 people, while the national average in California is 65 deaths per 100,000 people. That said, there are several cases every year related to the compensation claims associated with car accidents.

 

Average amount of settlement

 

Though there is no amount fixed for the compensation, we can say that the average amount of a settlement in car accidents is approximately $21,000. However, there are other considerations for the determination of the settlement amount.

 

In most cases, the amount falls somewhere between $14,000 and $28,000. The settlement proves to be generally higher in the case of severe or permanent injuries. In case the driver is caught driving under the influence, you will get more in terms of compensation.

 

However, it's essential to go through the factors that can lead to a settlement. Have a look below:

 

Case 1

 

Insurance claims

 

Suppose another driver is responsible for causing a car accident, and he/she is the holder of automobile insurance. In that case, the settlement amount fixes the maximum limits on the other driver’s policy. In such a case, the average amount of settlement is approximately $21,000. However, according to California's norms, considering other factors before the settlement amount gets determined is mandatory.

 

These factors are-

 

• The extent of your injuries
• Medical care bills for treating your injuries
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering you’ve suffered.

 

These settlements generally avoid time-consuming and costly legal battles in court. In case the injury and/or property damage you face isn’t too severe, you can get all of the money quickly when you get in touch with these professionals. 

 

On the contrary, if the driver doesn’t have insurance, you will be able to collect from your policy till the time you have the opportunity to avail uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on it.

 

There's a limit to the amount you can get as a part of the coverage. Insurance companies usually create troubles in these scenarios to avoid paying out. 

 

Case 2

 

Civil lawsuits for personal injury

 

Before agreeing to negotiate on the amount you're getting, consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver's insurance company. On filing a civil lawsuit, you can file for financial losses, which are also referred to as economic damages.

 

Economic damages cover-

 

• Loss of money
• Lost wages
• Medical bills
• Becoming disabled after the car accident

 

Non-economic damages include-

 

• Pain and sufferings

 

At times, there's difficulty in defining an average car settlement amount. That said, it's essential to consider the extent of your injuries and the long-term impact on your life to determine the settlement amount.

 

Case 3

 

Wrongful death settlement 

 

Calculating the amount of damage coverage, in this case, is a complex process that requires the involvement of personal injury attorneys, financial professionals, and economists. Besides, the average settlement amount varies a great deal in this case.

 

A lawsuit can be filed against-

 

• Drunk driver that caused the fatal accident
• Builder, designer, or contractor responsible for creating the road and/or maintaining it.
• Manufacturer or distributor of vehicle parts
• Business owner who served drinks to the driver

 

Personal injury advice

 

Accident lawyers for deceased victims can assist you when you discuss your accident's details. Over the years, these professionals have assisted plenty of individuals who've been accident victims in California. Maximize your financial compensation with these lawyers' assistance because they have the required experience in securing an adequate compensation amount.

 

Irrespective of the accident's nature and the related issues, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney makes it easy to handle your case. You can rest assured that the personal injury attorneys will make sure that you get compensated for the accident-related injuries. Schedule a free evaluation of the accident today and discuss the issues to get reliable assistance.

 

Final Words

 

Regardless of the situation, it's essential to note that no attorney can guarantee compensation for any kind of accident you face. But the chances of recovering sizable damages increase when you have an excellent attorney to assist you throughout the process. There will be a contingency fee of up to 1/3 of the settlement amount involved, yet seeking legal representation will keep the burden off your shoulders.