The average car accident settlement hovers around $37,248.62. However, this figure is just a starting point. Every car accident claim is unique, and the final settlement amount can vary significantly. The primary factor influencing this variation is the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident.
In Missouri, if you’ve been injured in a car accident, you generally have the right to seek compensation for both your financial losses and the less tangible impacts on your life. These compensations are categorized into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are designed to restore your financial stability after an accident. They cover the direct, quantifiable costs you incur as a result of the incident. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address the more subjective, but equally real, traumas and difficulties you experience.
A skilled St. Louis car accident attorney can be invaluable in helping you navigate this process and recover the compensation you deserve. These compensatory damages can cover a range of losses, including:
- Immediate and ongoing medical expenses
- Anticipated future medical care and related costs
- Rehabilitation services such as physical therapy
- Vehicle and other property damage repairs or replacement
- In-home nursing care if required
- Lost income due to missed work
- Short-term or long-term disability resulting from injuries
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lasting disfigurement and scarring
- General inconvenience and disruption to your life
- Loss of companionship and support (loss of consortium)
- Emotional distress, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
In certain cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. However, these are less common and are typically reserved for situations where the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly egregious, demonstrating intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Punitive damages are usually only considered if your case proceeds to trial and a jury finds sufficient evidence to support them.
While the categories of damages are fairly consistent across car accident claims, it’s crucial to understand that there’s no such thing as a “standard” car accident settlement value. The worth of your claim is intrinsically linked to the specifics of your situation. The details and consequences unique to your accident will ultimately determine its financial value.
Several key factors come into play when evaluating your car accident settlement, including:
- The precise type and extent of injuries you sustained in the accident.
- Your age at the time of the accident, which can influence long-term impact and lost earning potential.
- Any changes to your ability to earn income and perform your job duties.
- The degree to which you might share fault for the accident.
- The available insurance coverage and the limits of those policies.
- The actions you took following the accident to mitigate your injuries and losses.
- The psychological and emotional impact the accident has had on your well-being.
Choosing the personal injury attorney to represent you is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make after a car accident. The Best Lawyer For Accidents can significantly influence the outcome of your claim and the amount of compensation you receive. In fact, the right legal representation can be the difference between a settlement that barely covers your immediate expenses and one that provides for your long-term care and financial security. If you’ve been in a car accident, make it a priority to contact Brown & Crouppen. Discover firsthand how working with top-rated car accident attorneys can benefit your case and your future.
