According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, the average payout for bodily injury liability claims in 2022 was $24,211. But your case may be worth more or less depending on the severity of your injuries, liability, and available insurance coverage. While we cannot predict what to expect without thoroughly reviewing your case, working with an Orlando car accident lawyer from DWK Law can enhance your chances of full recovery.
How can I get an idea of what to expect from a settlement?
Countless factors can affect what you recover from a personal injury claim following a car accident. The largest factor affecting a typical car accident settlement is the extent of the damage caused by the accident. You can consider the value of medical expenses, lost wages, property damage repair costs, and travel costs associated with treatment for injuries resulting from an accident.
Medical expenses continue to rise nationwide, and according to the Insurance Information Institute, bodily injury claim costs are increasing across the board. This trend may influence the value of your personal injury claim.
Working with a personal injury attorney can help you account for all eligible costs. Many people overlook costs like gas or parking at the hospital. However, the goal of a car accident claim is to get you as close as we can to where you were before the accident.
What other damages can I consider in my settlement?
Once you have an idea of the actual financial losses you sustained as a result of the accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you identify some of the less tangible, or non-economic damages. These will often include things like:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
Money cannot take away the pain you endure because of your injuries, but this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve acknowledgement. The value of these non-economic damages is often calculated based on the value of your economic damages. For example, the pain and suffering you experience from a broken bone is likely to be very different from that of someone with a spinal cord injury.
The other person’s insurance says I need to file the claim with my insurance. What do I do?
Florida is one of the few states that uses a no-fault insurance model. This model means that your insurance must pay for certain damages regardless of fault. In smaller accidents, this can help you recover your losses quickly and move forward. However, if your damages exceed your policy limits, you may need to pursue a claim with the responsible driver’s insurance company.
What if I contributed to the accident that caused my injuries?
Florida uses modified comparative negligence in car accident cases that involve multiple responsible parties. This allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident.
However, modified comparative negligence means that your car accident settlement amount is reduced by the percentage of liability you hold. For example, if you are awarded damages of $100,000 but are determined to be 10% responsible for the accident, you will receive $90,000. At DWK Law, our legal team is dedicated to helping you avoid unfair liability that can negatively affect your settlement amount.
Call DWK Law today for support in fighting for a car accident settlement
It’s difficult to define a typical car accident settlement because the outcome depends on the details of your case. What’s more clear is that having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can make a meaningful difference. Insurance companies are often more willing to negotiate fairly when they know you have legal support. To learn more about your options, you can contact DWK Law to schedule a free consultation online or by calling (407) 244-3000.