Nobody ever expects to get into a car accident. Accidents can range anywhere from minor inconveniences to unavoidable, life-changing disasters. It is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself and your future legal claim by adhering to certain precautions in the aftermath of an accident. Depending on your accident, you could be facing life-altering injuries. Understanding the average car accident settlement in California can be useful.
Car Accident Settlements in California?
There is no definitive way to determine the average car accident settlement in California. Every car accident case is different and carries its own specific circumstances unique to the individual case. There can be a significant difference in settlement amounts among cases. Just because one case that appears to be similar to yours resulted in a favorable settlement, it does not automatically mean that yours will, too.
Many different factors have to be taken into consideration when it comes to determining a car accident settlement amount. It is important to understand these various factors and how they will factor into determining the final settlement amount you may be offered. Some important factors include:
- Medical Bills: Some important factors include: A car accident can often result in substantial injuries, so you may be dealing with not just immediate medical expenses but possibly ongoing medical expenses as well. Medical bills can be an expensive cost you may not be prepared to deal with without receiving your settlement. Medical expenses are often the largest expense in these types of cases. In your settlement, you could receive financial compensation for:
- Hospital stays
- Ambulance rides
- Surgery costs
- Medication costs
- Physical therapy
- Emergency room visits
- Long-term care
- At-home medical equipment
- Lost Wages: Some important factors include: If you are severely injured as a result of a car accident, your injuries may prevent you from returning to work. Due to missing work, you could be forfeiting much-needed paychecks. You can seek compensation for lost wages as part of your accident settlement package. On top of getting compensated for lost wages, you can also request additional compensation for any future earnings that you will now lose as a result of your injury and potential ongoing medical care. You could also be compensated for career advancement opportunities that are now lost.
- Property Damage: Some important factors include: If your accident was severe enough to cause you significant injury, it probably also caused severe damage to your car as well. It could also have damaged property inside the car. You can seek compensation for these damages in your settlement package.
- Pain and Suffering: Some important factors include: Experiencing a traumatic event like a car accident can often leave a psychological and emotional mark. You may be dealing with trauma on top of physical injury. You can seek additional compensation for the pain and suffering you are dealing with because of the accident. Compensation for pain and suffering may include damages for:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
Pain and suffering may be calculated independently, as it is often difficult to put an official number on how much someone is suffering. Your lawyer can help you decide on an appropriate number to pursue for pain and suffering.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in California?
A: The statute of limitations for a car accident claim in California is two years. You will have two years to build up a case, gather the necessary evidence, consult with a lawyer, and file a claim for compensatory damages. If you do not file your claim before two years have passed, your case may be dismissed by the court, and your opportunity to file for damages will be lost. Building a case can take time; therefore, you should file soon.
Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements in California?
A: It can be hard to tell how much most car accident settlements are in California. Every car accident case is different, with its own specific details and circumstances unique to it. The amount you may be offered as a settlement will be dependent on the severity of your injuries, the amount of evidence that proves negligence, and your lawyer’s legal experience, among other factors. Remember, you never have to accept an offer that you feel is too low.
Q: How Do Car Accident Settlements Work in California?
A: In California, car accident settlements are decided on by both parties, with the intention of providing the victim with a reasonable amount of compensatory damages that accurately reflect the physical and emotional trauma they have experienced. The settlement amount is determined by adding up the cost of property damages, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other important factors.
Q: Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Claim in California?
A: No, you are not legally required to have a lawyer for your car accident claim in California. You are within your legal right to pursue legal action without the help of a lawyer. However, it is highly recommended that you consult with a lawyer about your case. Having someone in your corner who understands the complexities of the law and can help you negotiate an agreement can be very beneficial.
Reach Out to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a car accident can be a horrifying experience that can be difficult to truly move on from. Dealing with an injury that is a constant reminder of that trauma does not help. Pursuing legal action against the party responsible for your injury can be an important step along your journey to healing. Hiring a car accident lawyer to help you with your claim is one of the most important decisions to make.
The legal team at McLachlan Law, APC, understands the kind of legal help you need to pursue your case. We can help you develop your case, gather the right evidence, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of by insurance companies. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can. With our legal support, you have a better chance of successfully winning your case.