What Is The Average Settlement For a Minor Car Accident?

Maximizing Your Car Accident Settlement: The Role Of Legal Representation

When you’re injured in a car accident and suffering from painful or debilitating injuries, it’s natural to wonder how you will support your family and pay for your medical bills while you’re unable to work. Many car accident victims who contact our Nevada personal injury lawyer wonder how much money they may be able to recover in a financial settlement. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to suggest even a range of potential compensation because there are so many factors that come into play in a personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to know!

How Much Compensation Can I Get From a Car Accident Settlement?

How much financial compensation you may be able to receive will depend on the extent of your losses and damages as well as what percentage of liability, if any, you are deemed to have in the accident. To be eligible for a settlement after a car accident in Nevada, you and your Las Vegas personal injury lawyer will need to prove four specific elements:

Prove that the other driver had a duty to you
Prove that the other driver breached that duty
Demonstrate your injuries
Prove that your injuries are the direct result of the accident

Less severe vehicle accidents with personal injuries may range from a few thousand dollars to $15,000 or more. When there is only property damage, the amount awarded to repair or replace the vehicle will depend on the extent of the damage and the value of the vehicle. More severe accidents that result in serious injuries, wrongful death, disfigurement, loss of the ability to work, and other life-changing consequences can potentially be awarded much higher settlements when negotiated by an experienced injury attorney.

What Factors Affect My Car Accident Claim?

Your Las Vegas car accident lawyer will carefully listen to your story, review the available evidence, and guide you through the process of obtaining financial compensation. Many car accident settlements are negotiated out of court, while others will require litigation to recover full financial compensation.

Some of the factors that will influence the amount of compensation you can receive include:

The Severity of Your Injuries

Generally speaking, the more severe, long-lasting, and impactful your injuries are, the higher your settlement should be. The purpose of a personal injury claim is to fairly compensate you for your losses and damages. To seek a larger sum, you’ll need to have serious injuries and losses. If your injuries force you to take long periods off work, require you to change careers, or prevent you from working at all, you’ll likely be eligible for more compensation than if you only had to take off a few days from work.

More severe situations, such as wrongful death, disfigurement, and ongoing long-term care needs can also result in much higher settlement amounts.

The Extent of Your Losses

In addition to financial losses, such as lost wages or lost future wages, your Las Vegas car accident law firm will need to prove the extent of your other losses and damages and how they are affecting your life. These can include your medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, PTSD, and much more.

Percentage of Liability

Nevada recognizes the law of comparative negligence. This means that the party who is at least 51% responsible for causing the accident is responsible for paying for the damages of the other parties. Frequently, more than one party is deemed partially at fault. If you are found to be partially liable for the accident, you can still seek compensation, but your damages will be scaled based on your percentage of liability.

Strength of Your Evidence

The strength of your case and ability to demonstrate the negligence or recklessness of the other party can make a difference in how much compensation you obtain. Many car accident settlements can be agreed upon in negotiation when you have an experienced Las Vegas auto injury lawyer providing representation. Sometimes it’s unclear who is at fault, or the other party is unwilling to negotiate fairly. In these cases, you may need to go to court to resolve the situation.

At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

Although Nevada requires drivers to carry liability insurance, not all drivers comply. To obtain compensation, you’ll need to make sure that the at-fault driver has the means to pay. If your injuries exceed the liable driver’s policy limit, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may be able to make up the difference. A judge can order the sale of assets or a payment plan from a driver who does not have sufficient insurance to pay a fair settlement.

What Should Be Included In My Settlement?

A fair settlement after a car accident will compensate you for your damages, which can include:

Medical bills for all injuries and care related to the accident
Property damage, including repair or replacement of your vehicle
Pain and suffering
PTSD and emotional damage
Lost wages, anticipated lost wages
Ongoing care needs
Wrongful death

Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement With Trusted Representation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident and want to maximize the amount of financial compensation you may receive, schedule your consultation with the experienced attorneys at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC. We can investigate the circumstances, interview witnesses, gather evidence, and much more to build a strong case on your behalf. Our attorneys are expert negotiators and experienced in litigation if it becomes necessary. Let us use our legal experience to benefit your personal injury case and help you seek the financial compensation you deserve. contact our firm to schedule your free, confidential consultation!