How Much to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in California

There’s no clear average car accident settlement amount in California because every case is unique. There are numerous factors that must be considered to determine what a fair settlement looks like for you. However, an experienced California car accident lawyer with The Barnes Firm can help estimate the value of your potential settlement.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in California and don’t know how much to expect in a settlement, contact us online or call (800) 800-0000 today for a free consultation.

What Affects the Amount of a California Car Accident Settlement?

Many factors can influence the value of a California car accident settlement, with the most important being how your injuries have affected your life. The following are key considerations in valuing your case:

Economic Damages

The financial losses resulting from your injuries are known as economic damages. These include any monetary costs associated with your accident, including:

• Medical bills and future treatment costs
• Lost wages
• Lost future earning potential
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to compensation you’re owed for the ways your injuries negatively impact your life that don’t have an easily determined price tag. These can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Disfigurement

Our team can analyze the details of your car accident and pursue all available economic and non-economic damages in your case.

Insurance Coverage

In most cases, insurance companies won’t agree to settle for an amount higher than the at-fault driver’s policy limits. Our attorneys will fight to help you get the best result possible under these constraints.

Comparative Negligence

Under California’s pure comparative negligence system, if you are partially to blame for the crash, your share of the liability will shrink your potential settlement. Our lawyers will push back on any attempts to shift blame to you, allowing you to maximize your compensation.

Can I See Real Examples of California Car Accident Settlements?

Results will always vary from case to case. However, the following results show what the knowledgeable personal injury team at The Barnes Firm is capable of obtaining:

• $1.675 Million – Car Accident, Oakland – Our Client was struck by a driver illegally changing lanes, sustaining neck and back injuries.
• $1.5 Million – Car Accident, Los Angeles – Our client was in a parked vehicle when it was struck by another car, resulting in neck and back injuries.
• $1.25 Million – Car Accident, Oakland – Our client’s vehicle was hit by another one, causing brain, chest, and wrist injuries.
• $1,125 Million – Car Accident, Oakland – Our Client sustained elbow and neck injuries in a car accident.
• $850,000 – Car Accident, Oakland – Our client sustained chest, rib, and spinal cord injuries after a serious crash.
• $750,000 – Car Accident, Los Angeles – Our client’s vehicle was struck by a car that ran a red light, causing ankle, rib, hand, and elbow injuries.

These examples illustrate our track record of success in auto accidents. We’re committed to helping you get the best result possible for your California car accident case.

Will Hiring a Lawyer Increase My Car Accident Settlement?

High-quality representation from an experienced California car accident attorney will almost certainly result in a larger settlement than attempting to navigate the system yourself. To help raise the value of your potential car accident settlement, your lawyer can provide:

Experienced Negotiation With Insurance Companies

Your attorney can counter insurance company tactics and push back on any lowball offers to pursue a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries. Our knowledgeable legal team has ample experience in settlement negotiations with big insurers.

Access to Expert Witnesses and Resources

Your lawyer can use their connections and consult subject matter experts, who can testify and explain how the evidence supports your claims. As one of America’s largest personal injury firms, The Barnes Firm has the resources to take on any case, no matter how complex.

Trial-Ready Representation

With over 500 years of combined experience, our legal team isn’t afraid to go to court to help you get the best result possible.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement in California?

The severity of your injuries is the most important factor in the time it takes to secure a car accident settlement. The more severe your injuries are, the longer it may take for you to recover from them. Serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, or even surgery, and it is recommended that you wait until you have reached “maximum medical improvement” before finalizing a settlement. This ensures that the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs are accurately calculated.

The Barnes Firm is committed to helping our clients get the best result possible. We’ll work hard to move your case along quickly while doing whatever it takes to maximize the value of your settlement.

Speak With a California Car Accident Attorney Today

The experienced legal team at The Barnes Firm is available 24/7 to take your call. Our offices give us a local presence in communities across California, but we can meet you at your home, office, or the hospital for your convenience. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything unless you win your case.

Contact us online or call (800) 800-0000 today for a free consultation.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes