What Is the Average Payout for an Auto Accident?

Ever wondered what the average payout is for an auto accident? Have you been in one and are wondering how much of a settlement your insurance company would be able to pay out after that accident? Below we’ll cover the ins and outs of auto accident settlements and help you understand what exactly is included in auto injury or damage settlement packages.

Factors That Affect How Much You Get in a Car Accident

While there is no set amount of liability, you can look at some factors that affect how much you get in a car accident. When a car accident occurs, the law will try to determine how much each party deserves based on:

The type of injuries

The amount of money you will receive in a car accident settlement is based on the type of injuries sustained by you, your passenger, and any other people involved in the accident. If you have minor injuries, you may receive compensation for your medical bills and lost wages. You may be entitled to a larger settlement if you have moderate or severe injuries.

How much the at-fault driver was at fault

The amount of money you will receive in a car accident settlement is based on how much fault the other driver had for causing the crash. If it was determined that they were at fault for causing the crash, then they would be liable for all damages resulting from their negligence. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering damages.

State laws

State laws determine the limits of liability that you have at common law and in your insurance policy. For example, some states require comparative negligence in determining fault in an accident, which means that you’re responsible for a percentage of the damages that your co-driver is responsible for.

Other states use pure comparative negligence as the standard for fault determination. So, if you are found 50 percent at fault for an accident, but your co-driver is only 45 percent at fault, then they will be responsible for only 45 percent of the damages.

Your insurance coverage and policy limits

Your insurance company may have different limits for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and property damage coverage. PIP pays medical expenses or lost income if you are injured in an accident and cannot work due to injuries or sickness caused by an accident.

Property damage pays for any losses resulting from damage to another person’s property caused by your accident. If your car has more than one driver involved in an accident, each driver’s policy will likely provide different amounts of coverage for injuries caused by their own vehicle.

Pain and suffering

Pain and suffering is a common area of focus in a personal injury claim. The pain and suffering you experience will depend on your injuries and the amount of time needed to recover from them. Pain and suffering can also be multiplied by the level of care you need to get back to normal life. If you have lost income because of your injuries, this can be another factor that increases your recovery.

Lost wages

You may have lost your job or been unable to work for some time because of the accident. You also may be unable to work in your field because you cannot perform the same tasks with your injuries that you did before the accident. If you are unable to work, it can affect your ability to pay rent, buy food and other necessities, and pay off medical bills and other expenses related to your injuries.

Punitive damages

If your injuries were caused by another driver driving negligently or recklessly, you might also receive punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter them from committing similar acts in the future. They can also provide financial support for people who have suffered severe injuries in car accidents and need long-term care.

Who Determines Liability in a Car Accident Case?

If you are involved in an accident, one of the most important things you want to determine is whose fault it was. If someone’s fault caused the accident, you might be able to seek compensation for your injuries and damages from that person or company. But who determines liability?

The court

In a car accident case, the court is the place where the case is decided. The court has to determine who was at fault in a car accident and how much the plaintiff should be compensated. The court will also decide if any other damages need to be settled. If you are involved in an auto accident, it is important that you contact an experienced auto accident attorney to help you with your case.

Police report

The police report can also be used as evidence in your case. The police will collect information about the accident from both parties and use it during their investigation process. This report can be used by either side of the case to show why their side won’t be liable for any damages caused by the other party. It can also be used as evidence that shows who was at fault for causing the car accident and how much they are liable for paying out if they lose their case against you.

Claims adjusters

Claims adjusters are the people that are hired to determine liability in a car accident case. If a driver is found to be at fault for an accident, then the claims adjuster will take into account all of the circumstances of the accident and determine who was at fault. In that case, they will be responsible for paying compensation to compensate for any damages caused by their negligence.

What Average Can You Get Paid When You Are Injured in a Car Accident?

In 2020 the average damages for bodily injury and property damage in a car accident were $20,235 and $4,711, respectively. These figures are based on data from the Insurance Information Institute, which tracked the number of accidents reported to insurance companies.

The state you live in, your driving record, and the type of accident are just a few factors that will affect the size of your personal injury claim. Regulations set by authorities have serious financial implications in terms of medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. If you have been injured in an auto accident and plan on filing a personal injury claim, then you should get an attorney immediately.