Questions regarding compensation and the amount that may be recoverable in a car accident claim are important, as the answers can determine a crash victim’s financial future in the face of mounting medical bills and property damage expenses. Case value is a complicated question that requires attention from a car accident attorney to answer for each specific case.
What Is the Average Car Accident Claim Settlement in Texas?
There is no such thing as an “average” car accident claim settlement in Texas. Every case is unique, with values that can vary significantly. Some car accident settlements provide tens of thousands of dollars to victims while other people receive jury verdicts that are six and seven figures. While some estimates state that the average car accident settlement in Texas is around $23,000, this is a variable amount that will not apply to every case.
What Factors Might Influence the Value of My Car Accident Claim?
Many things can impact the amount that a car accident victim receives in a successful settlement or judgment award in Texas. An insurance company, judge or jury will carefully evaluate a claim to determine how much it is worth based on its individual factors.
Influences that often play a role in case evaluation include:
- The gravity and extent of the injuries suffered.
- The amount of medical care necessary to treat your injuries.
- The value of your property damage.
- Whether you file a first-party or third-party insurance claim.
- The amount of insurance coverage available.
- An insurance settlement compared to a jury verdict.
- The defendant’s actions and behaviors.
In general, the damages a victim suffers are greater from severe injuries than from mild injuries. For this reason, serious and catastrophic injury victims typically receive greater compensation for their harm in Texas car accident cases.
Types of Financial Compensation Available
The civil justice system in Texas allows the plaintiff in a personal injury case to recover financial compensation for three main types of damages: economic, noneconomic and punitive. The first two are forms of compensatory damages, which are meant to compensate the plaintiff and make him or her whole again.
Common types of economic and noneconomic damages in a car accident claim include:
- Past and future medical bills, including surgeries, medications and ongoing treatments
- The price to repair motor vehicle damage or replace a totaled car
- Reimbursement for lost wages, employment benefits and income-earning opportunities
- Lost future capacity to earn due to a long-term injury or disability
- Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, and mental anguish
- Loss of consortium, or loss of the victim’s care, companionship, love and support
Any successful car accident claim in Texas will result in compensatory damages of some kind. Punitive damages are less common. They are awarded in cases to punish or penalize a defendant for especially wrongful acts, such as gross negligence, fraud or malice. The plaintiff must prove these actions with clear and convincing evidence to qualify for punitive damages.
How Can a Car Accident Attorney in Texas Help?
Obtaining fair and full financial compensation for your car accident case in Texas may require assistance from an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer in San Antonio can take over negotiations with an insurance company to fight for a fair settlement on your behalf using aggressive legal strategies. If necessary, your lawyer can take your case to trial to pursue maximum compensation.
From identifying all liable parties to protecting you from insurance tactics, your lawyer can help you achieve the car accident recovery that you deserve. Request a free case consultation with an attorney at Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers to learn more.