What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident?
Monetary payments awarded to injured car accident victims may help compensate them for medical expenses, and other damages they incurred as a result of their collision. These costs could include lost wages resulting from an inability to return to work, emotional trauma resulting from the accident, and possibly more.
Since every case is unique and settlements are determined by a number of factors, there is no average settlement for a car accident.
Proving the Negligence of the Other Driver
In the Province of Ontario, if you were injured in a collision with another driver, regardless of who was at fault, you may be able to collect accident benefits. However, if you are found to be partially responsible for your collision, the amount of compensation you may receive through a lawsuit or tort claim may be reduced.
If you can prove that the collision occurred because of the other driver’s negligence, you may be able to seek damages for compensation that aren’t covered by your accident benefits. In order to prove that the other driver behaved negligently on the road, a car accident lawyer may be able to help you compile and present various forms of evidence.
Examples of driver negligence include:
- Driving under the influence: In Canada, an average of 175 people per day are seriously injured by a drunk driver
- Distracted driving: Texting while driving and other distractions behind the wheel are responsible for more than a quarter of Canada’s collisions causing serious injuries
- Violating another traffic law: Speeding, making illegal turns, disobeying traffic signals, and many other traffic law violations could result in injury-causing accidents.
Determining the Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of a car accident victim’s injuries can play a significant role in determining the settlement amount they are awarded. Common injuries resulting from car accident that may entitle victims to compensation include:
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Chronic Pain
- Mental Health Disorders like Depression and Anxiety
- Whiplash
- Back and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Disfigurement or dismemberment
- And more
Settlement amounts may be able to cover the costs of medical expenses incurred by injured victims, as well as an estimation of medical costs they may be required to pay in the future.
Other Damages You May Be Able to Recover
Car accident settlements may include compensation for pain and suffering and for lost wages, due to a victim’s inability to return to work. If a victim’s injuries permanently reduce their earning capabilities, settlement amounts may include an amount for past and future loss of income.
Settlements may also include the costs of in-home medical care, as well as housekeeping costs if a victim’s injuries prevent them from performing routine activities.
After a serious car accident, in addition to physical injuries, victims could sustain psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If the car accident victim sustained catastrophic injuries, they may be able to receive significant benefits from their accident benefit insurer.
Contact Preszler Injury Lawyers Today
The amount of compensation you may receive for the injuries you sustained in a car accident depends on many factors that are unique to your case. Based on the details of your situation, a personal injury lawyer may be able to provide you with an estimated settlement amount together with the rationale as to how the amount was arrived at. For a free, initial consultation, call Preszler Injury Lawyers today at 1-800-JUSTICE.
