How Much Should a Settlement Be for a Car Accident?

Many factors go into determining what your compensation should be following a car accident, such as the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and property damage. So, it’s hard to say how much an average settlement is. However, you should always partner with an experienced car crash attorney, as they will do everything possible for you to obtain proper compensation.

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What Goes into Calculating a Car Accident Claim?

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.

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Type of Compensation You May Receive from a Car Accident Settlement

Every car crash is different, but after carefully reviewing your case and what lead up to the accident, your attorney may be able to secure compensation for the following losses:

  • Medical bills
  • Physical therapy
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Future loss of income
  • In-home rehabilitation

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim in New York. In California, you have two years. You should not ignore this time limit while your insurance claim is pending, as a delay with your provider does not pause the court’s time limits. Any lawsuit you file after these deadlines will likely be denied.

It’s in your best interest to work with an attorney, as they know the inner workings of personal injury claims, and they can act as the point of contact for all matters while you focus on your recovery.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in New York?

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim in New York. In California, you have two years. You should not ignore this time limit while your insurance claim is pending, as a delay with your provider does not pause the court’s time limits. Any lawsuit you file after these deadlines will likely be denied.

It’s in your best interest to work with an attorney, as they know the inner workings of personal injury claims, and they can act as the point of contact for all matters while you focus on your recovery.

Contact The Barnes Firm for Top-Notch Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, reach out to car crash attorneys at The Barnes Firm. We’re a group of passionate lawyers who have helped clients win their auto accident cases time and time again. We’ll work hard to obtain the compensation you deserve by conducting a thorough investigation into your case.

With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our team can handle your case and are available 24/7 to review your claim and answer any questions you may have. Complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000