If you were recently injured in a car accident and are contemplating filing a lawsuit, you are probably wondering what the average car accident settlement is in Texas.
However, it is difficult to quantify an average settlement amount because each case is different.
It is best to speak with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss the unique factors of your case.
Based on the information you provide to your attorney, they will be able to give you a better idea of what you may be entitled to.
The value of your case can be as low as a few thousand dollars or as high as six figures. The amount of your settlement will depend upon several factors including, but not limited to:
- Severity of your injuries;
- Medical bills and expenses, and
- Extent of property damage (e.g., damage to your car).
Our attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, can help you determine the potential value of your case.
Proving Damages
To receive the maximum amount of compensation you may be entitled to, you will need evidence to prove your damages.
The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be and the more likely you are to recover a large settlement.
Some examples of evidence typically used in car accident claims are:
- Medical and hospital bills;
- Police report;
- Witness statements;
- Photos and videos of the scene and damages;
- Medical records, and
- Expert testimony.
You may have some or all of these. However, if you only have one or two pieces of evidence, do not fret. You may still have a very strong case.
Types of Damages
Typical car accident settlement amounts will also depend on the type of damages you are entitled to.
There are generally three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
- Economic damages are easy to quantify because they are based on actual loss. These include damages such as medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, etc.
- Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify because they are subjective and unique to each individual. These types of damages include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive damages are meant to be a form of punishment for a defendant’s particularly egregious behavior and are sparsely awarded by the court.
The best way to gain a better understanding of typical car accident settlement amounts is to speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney.
A skilled attorney will be able to hear your story and provide you with a more tailored projection.
What If I Was Partially at Fault for the Accident?
If you were partially at fault for the car wreck, it may diminish the value of your claim. This is typically known as comparative negligence. In other words, the plaintiff at least partially contributed to the accident.
In Texas, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident, you may still recover damages.
Aside from your own contributing negligence, there are some other factors that can lower your potential settlement including:
- Delay in receiving treatment;
- Failure to follow doctor’s instructions;
- Preexisting injuries, and
- Your credibility as a witness.
Even if some of these factors may apply to you, it does not mean you are not entitled to any recovery; it simply means that you may receive slightly less compensation.
A personal injury attorney will be able to help you identify any of these issues and how to adequately address them moving forward.
Texas Car Accident Injury Attorneys
Texas auto accident settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the insurance policy, severity of injuries, and extent of damages.
If you were injured in a car accident and are thinking about filing a claim or lawsuit, you should seek the guidance of an experienced lawyer.
At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we will provide you with compassion and honesty every step of the way. We will tell you exactly what we think your case is worth and how we can get you there.
Our attorneys have recovered multi-million dollar claims for our clients and we will stop at nothing to get you the money you deserve.
Call us today at 832-402-6637 or contact us online to learn more about what we can do for you.
C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. C.J. graduated summa cum laude from Texas Tech University School of Law in 2016. He was an editor of the Texas Tech Law Review and a top national trial and moot-court advocate.