Car accidents are a leading cause of insurance claims and personal injury cases in the United States. Every day, drivers experience car accidents, some of which lead to devastating damages. If you or a loved one experiences a car accident, it’s natural to wonder about your legal rights and how much the average settlement is for a car accident in California. Unfortunately, the reality is that there is no firm method of calculating damages for every car accident, and every accident will involve unique details that influence the victim’s ability to recover.
The attorneys at Chris and Frank provide comprehensive legal guidance to car accident victims. We can help you or a loved one recover losses sustained by the damaging actions of negligent drivers. However, before you start your case proceedings, it’s a good idea to have some understanding of the damages you could potentially claim so you can enter the legal process with a rough estimate of what to expect in terms of your recovery.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Car Accident?
Car accidents can easily cause several types of damages. Car accident claims fall under the purview of personal injury law. California’s personal injury statutes allow injured victims to claim compensation for all damages they sustain due to the negligence of others. Your successful car accident claim could potentially yield:
Compensation for your short-term and long-term medical expenses resulting from the accident. You can claim hospital bills and ambulance fees as well as long-term care costs you incur, such as the cost of physical therapy or other rehabilitative treatments your car accident injuries
Repayment of lost wages. If your accident leaves you unable to work for an extended time, you have the right to add your lost income to your personal injury claim. Likewise, if you suffered a permanent disability from your accident, you would have the right to add your lost future earning potential to your claim if you cannot return to work.
Vehicle damages. You can hold the at-fault driver responsible for the cost of repairing your vehicle or the actual cash value of your vehicle if it is damaged beyond repair.
Pain and suffering compensation. California law allows a personal injury plaintiff to recover compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by a defendant. The amount a plaintiff can claim depends on how severe their injuries are and whether they face long-term complications.
The first step toward recovery from a car accident is typically an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance policy. However, this coverage may only compensate for medical expenses and vehicle repair costs. You would need to file a civil claim against them to recover whatever their insurance did not cover.
How Can an Attorney Help?
The right Orange County car accident attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of any car accident claim. Your attorney can manage your legal affairs on your behalf and guide you through your proceedings and assist you in maximizing your compensation as fully as California state law allows.
Dealing with insurance companies is rarely easy, and a good Orange County car accident lawyer can handle your insurance claim on your behalf. Having an attorney draft your demand letter will significantly reduce the chance of the insurance company unfairly pushing back against your legitimate claim or offering a lowball settlement. In addition, once you secure an insurance claim payout, your attorney can help you determine the best next steps to take to recover your remaining damages.
The attorneys at Chris and Frank strive to help every client we represent secure as much compensation as possible for their car accident damages. We’ll carefully review your case and help you explore every open channel of compensation.
FAQs About Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Orange County
Our firm fields many questions from clients and prospective clients in Orange County. Unfortunately, when it comes to the average settlement for a car accident in Orange County, there are so many types of car accidents that it is challenging to provide an average figure for any given car accident victim. Instead, review the following frequently asked questions about car accident settlements to estimate your accident’s value more accurately.
How Much Compensation Should I Get for My Car Accident?
Ideally, you should receive full compensation for all your economic damages and a reasonable amount of compensation for your non-economic damages, namely pain and suffering. An experienced attorney can often uncover avenues of compensation that the average person would be likely to overlook on their own. Our team will help you thoroughly investigate all your recovery options after a car accident in Orange County.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in California?
Reports from various agencies estimate that California’s average car accident settlement is roughly $20,000. Some accidents are worth much less than this, while others can be worth significantly more. Car accidents that result in catastrophic injuries and permanent disabilities settle for much more than accidents that only cause minor injuries and vehicle damage.
How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?
A car accident that results in minor injuries and vehicle damage will probably align with the state average of around $20,000. Accidents that cause long-lasting injuries could be worth upward of $100,000. Suppose a victim suffers a permanent disability from a car accident. In that case, they could potentially secure hundreds of thousands of dollars to compensate for the long-term pain and suffering they expect to face in the future. It’s also possible for defendants to face punitive damages or restitution if they cause a car accident because they were impaired or performing other illegal activities.
Hopefully, these questions will help you estimate the potential value of your car accident claim more accurately. First, however, you need to keep your expectations grounded and refer to reliable legal counsel if you want to have the best chance of securing maximum compensation for your losses. The attorneys at Chris and Frank can provide the detail-oriented and compassionate legal counsel you need after a car accident in Orange County. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn what your accident claim could be worth.