Essentially, while the average settlement figures can give you a rough idea, your specific situation will have a big impact on the final amount. This means that the parties involved in the claim agree on a settlement amount just before the case goes to trial. In addition to physical injuries, personal injury settlements can also cover economic and non-economic damages. In addition, a good settlement offer must take into account pain and suffering, such as emotional distress and damages caused by pain and suffering.
While no lawyer can guarantee that you will get the average bodily injury settlement, your legal team will work to demonstrate the seriousness of the impact the accident had on your life. When it comes to a personal injury case, receiving a low settlement offer from an insurance company can be frustrating. In addition, if the injury affects your ability to work in the future, reducing your earning capacity will also increase the amount of compensation. If you suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, or depression due to the accident, these non-economic damages can significantly increase the amount of compensation.
If your injuries are minor, you may receive a few thousand dollars, but more serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, can lead to liquidations in the six-figure range. However, in larger settlements or in cases where the injured party may have ongoing medical needs, a structured settlement may be offered. According to a recent survey2, the average time it took for the accident victims surveyed to settle their personal injury claim was 11.4 months. It is also important to note that there are agreements for atypical cases that significantly increase the average amount of liquidations for car accidents.
For this reason, obtaining the highest settlement for a serious injury requires the expertise of an experienced and competent attorney. If a court or insurance company finds that you are at least 1% responsible for the incident that caused your accident, if you don't present a convincing defense (for example, the “last clear chance” doctrine), you won't be able to reach a settlement.
