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770-626-7895Car crashes are among the leading causes of accidental injuries in Georgia. According to data from the Georgia Governor’s Highway Safety Office, nearly 10,000 people suffer serious injuries in motor vehicle collisions statewide each year. Many other people suffer minor and moderate injuries.
Following a crash, you need compensation to pay bills and support your family.
As most car accident cases are resolved through a settlement rather than a verdict, you may be wondering: What is the average settlement for a car accident case? The reality is that there is no true “average”—financial compensation is always case-by-case. Here, our Athens car accident attorney explains the key things to know about the average settlement for a crash.
There is No True “Average” Car Accident Settlement Amount in Georgia
Car accidents can cause severe economic and non-economic damages. A car accident settlement can help cover some of the expenses associated with those damages. Following a serious collision, you probably want to know how much you can expect to recover in a car accident claim. The somewhat unsatisfying answer is that there is no true average settlement. The amount you can recover will depend on a wide range of case-specific factors, including the severity of your injuries.
With that being said, a typical average settlement for a car accident in Georgia ranges from $15,000 to $20,000. Still, it is important to note that any settlement amount is based on several factors, including the type of accident, the extent/severity and permanence of injuries, economic damages, fault, and more. It is not uncommon for car accident settlements to be substantially higher. After a very bad crash, a six-figure or seven-figure settlement may even be warranted.
The Bottom Line: Do not worry about the “average” car accident settlement. A Georgia car accident lawyer can help you determine how much your specific case is actually worth.
You Have the Right to Seek Compensation for Economic and Non-Economic Damages
In Georgia, car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including any non-economic losses. Indeed, the central purpose of car accident compensation is to allow injured victims to be made “whole.” In other words, compensation should cover a person’s actual losses related to a crash. However, that does not mean getting a full and fair settlement is easy. Insurance companies are aggressive. They want to pay out less in settlement. Our Georgia car accident lawyers can help. We help victims seek settlement for all damages, including:
- Property loss, including vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs and other emergency room care;
- Hospital bills and other types of medical expenses;
- Physical therapy and mental health support;
- Loss of wages and loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering & mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
An Overview of the Key Factors that Impact the Value of Your Car Accident Settlement
If you were hurt in a crash in Loganville, Athens, or elsewhere in Georgia, you may be wondering how much your case is worth.
The simple reality is that there is no fixed formula for determining the value of a car accident settlement in Georgia. Every claim is unique. How much you will be offered depends on a number of different factors. Here are three of the most important:
- Liability: Georgia is a tort state for car accidents. You must prove that another party was at fault for your crash in order to hold them liable. Notably, Georgia also follows a modified comparative negligence standard (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). Simply stated, the law holds that your compensation can be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. 20 percent at fault for an accident? Your settlement can be reduced by 20 percent. Further, if you are found to be 50 percent or more responsible, you cannot recover damages at all.
- Damages: Damages are another key factor in determining the value of a car accident settlement in Georgia. The value of your settlement is directly tied to the severity and scope of your damages. Remember, your settlement should include both economic losses, like medical bills, lost income, and property damage, and non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. It is imperative that your damages are well-documented.
- Insurance Coverage: Finally, the other defendant’s insurance coverage—and potentially your insurance coverage—are likely to be relevant factors in the case as well. A top-tier Georgia car accident lawyer can help you identify all insurance policies that can cover your damages and develop a strategy to seek the maximum settlement.
Tips for Getting the Maximum Car Accident Settlement in Georgia
- Be Proactive: Gather Strong Evidence as Soon as Possible
Evidence is the key to bringing a successful car accident injury claim in Georgia. The better your evidence, both related to liability and damages, the better your chances of getting a favorable car accident settlement. A proactive approach is best. You should be sure to document the accident scene with photos, collect witness contact information, and get a copy of the police report. Further, you should keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of your injuries and treatment.
2. Do Not Blindly Accept the First Insurance Settlement Offer
Patience matters. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and cheaply. What does that mean for your case? Their first offer is usually far below what your claim is actually worth. With that in mind, you should always take the time to review the offer carefully, understand your full damages, and consult a top Georgia car accident lawyer. You can negotiate for additional compensation.
3. Be Careful When Speaking to an Insurance Company Representative
What you say can be used against you in settlement negotiations. Remember, the big insurance companies are not on your side. They want to pay out less in settlement. You should avoid admitting fault and avoid speculating about your injuries during recorded statements. The best approach is to keep your communication factual and limited. Let your Georgia car accident lawyer handle it.
Why Trust The Larrison Law Firm to Help You Secure the Maximum Settlement
Navigating the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle collision is stressful. It is imperative that you have strong, experienced legal representation. At The Larrison Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims and families obtain the maximum settlement.
Our firm is well-versed in car accident settlement negotiations. With millions recovered on behalf of clients, our case results tell the story of what we can do for car crash victims in Georgia. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.
The Average Car Accident Settlement in Georgia: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Calculate What Your Car Accident Settlement is Worth?
When researching how much your Georgia car accident settlement is worth, you will find a variety of free online calculators. However, you should understand that most of these are inaccurate since they can’t take into account the many variables that could impact your case.
Brady M. Larrison can review the facts in your case to help you determine what you can expect your settlement to be. As your car accident lawyer in Loganville, he will work with you to ensure that you get the most compensation for your injuries.
What is the average settlement for a rear-end collision?
The average settlement amount for a rear-end collision in Georgia can range in value based on factors like the severity of the damage/injuries, the speed and weight of the vehicle that hit the other car, and more.
What is the average settlement for a fatal car accident in Georgia?
The average settlement for a fatal car accident in Georgia can easily exceed $1 million, based on several factors such as the income-earning capacity of the deceased, medical and/or funeral expenses, pain and suffering, and the type of insurance at play.
How Can an Attorney Help Get More Money From a Settlement?
An experienced accident attorney can help you get more compensation for your accident than you would be able to get on your own. A good attorney understands the tactics that insurance companies use in an attempt to devalue your case.
An attorney will protect your rights by working with a team of professionals, including medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and life care planners. These professionals will be able to prove that your injuries were the result of the crash and can estimate future medical expenses and lost wages.
What are My Options if the Insurance Company Refuses to Offer a Fair Car Accident Settlement?
Most car accident injury claims in Georgia are eventually resolved through settlement. However, there are some exceptions. You may be dealing with a complicated case and/or an insurance company that refuses to treat you fairly. If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, you are not out of options. In Georgia, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Do not go it alone: Our trial-tested Georgia car accident lawyer can help. We fight aggressively for justice and the maximum compensation for victims and their families.
Contact Our Georgia Car Accident Attorney for a Free Case Review
At The Larrison Law Firm, our Georgia car accident attorneys are standing by, ready to help you negotiate for the maximum settlement. You need full and fair compensation after a serious crash.
Call us now or contact us online to arrange your no-cost, no-obligation case review. With law offices in Loganville and Athens, we represent car accident victims throughout the wider region.
