How Much Should a Settlement Be for a Car Accident?

Before determining how much compensation you should seek, there are several questions you and your attorney should consider. Answering these questions will help determine how much compensation you should seek and also prepare you for trial in case the claim ends up in court.

• Who caused the accident? This may seem obvious to both parties, but it’s essential to remember a judge or jury will be determining how much each driver is at fault for the accident.
• What is the cost of your property damage? This includes how much it costs to repair your car or how much it would cost to buy a new one. You can also factor in how much a rental car might cost while your vehicle is in the repair shop.
• What are your medical bills? Medical bills will include everything associated with your car accident, including the ambulance ride, doctor and surgeon fees, prescriptions, physical therapy, and in-home rehabilitation equipment, to name a few.
• How much medical treatment do you need? Some car accident victims only require a few doctor’s appointments, while others have monthly medical visits for years. This is why it’s essential to have a doctor examine your injuries, as they can speak with authority on how much medical treatment you need to fully recover.
• What is the severity of your injuries? Finally, your settlement amount will largely depend on how severe your injuries are. Minor injuries will typically receive less than more severe injuries do. However, some exceptions can include chronic pain that requires long-term medical treatment.

Note that these are not all of the factors that go into calculating a car accident claim. A skilled attorney will be able to help you unpack all questions that may affect your compensation.