The average car accident settlement in Texas is $23,000. But amounts vary. Car accident settlement amounts in Texas can range from $2,500 to over $23 million.
Factors that affect settlement amounts are the severity of the injuries, type of accident and insurance coverage, both economic and non-economic damages.
You need legal representation to navigate the settlement process, get fair compensation and defend against the tactics insurance companies use to lowball you.
Types of Auto Accident Settlements
In Abilene, Texas for example side impact collisions can settle for:
- As low as $2,500 for minor damage
- Up to $23 million for permanent disability or death
- Moderate cases around $23,500
Rear-end collisions, which are common, also show a wide range of settlement amounts. Here are some examples:
- Minor accidents can settle for as low as $2,226
- Severe cases with catastrophic injuries can go over $10 million
- Rear-end collisions settle for around $10,222
- Head-on collisions can be brutal and tend to settle for $7,000 for minor injuries to over $3 million for life-altering injuries or wrongful death. The average settlement is around $136,422.
These numbers show how car accident settlements vary greatly based on the accident and the injuries.
For example, a commercial vehicle accident in East Texas settled for $500,000 and a rideshare vehicle accident settled for $184,000.
Since every car accident is unique, the best thing to do is to contact an Abilene car accident lawyer to discuss your car accident claim in more detail.
Factors that Affect Settlement Amounts
Many factors affect the car accident settlement amount, but the severity of the injuries is the main factor in most car accident claims. Generally, more serious injuries mean larger settlement amounts. This includes:
- Emergency transport
- Hospital stays
- Medical tests
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
The type of accident also affects the settlement amount. Commercial vehicle accidents or cases where the at-fault driver was intoxicated will result in higher compensation because of the severity of the injuries and legal implications.
The available insurance coverage will cap the maximum settlement amount if it matches the policy limits.
No matter the type of accident you can recover, an experienced lawyer can calculate these damages so you get a fair settlement. Remember, each car accident settlement tries to get the victim back to their pre-accident condition as much as possible.
Additional Reading : average settlement hit by a drunk driver in Texas
Types of Damages in Car Accident Settlements
Car accident settlements cover two main types of damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are easier to quantify and include medical bills, lost income and property damage. For example, medical expenses can include hospital bills and surgeries to prescription medications and rehabilitation.
Non-economic damages may be harder to quantify but are just as important. They include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of quality of life
These damages try to compensate car accident victims for the intangible but significant impact on their lives.
In some cases where there is gross negligence or intentional harm, punitive damages may be awarded. These are to punish the at-fault party and to deter similar behavior in the future.
Car Accident Settlements Examples
Here are some real-life examples from Texas:
- In one case a client was awarded $1,900,000 for severe injuries including disc herniations and rib fractures from a company vehicle accident.
- In another case, a $4,500,000 settlement for multiple surgeries was required due to head, neck, back and shoulder injuries from a rear-end collision with a commercial vehicle.
- 2A more extreme case was a client who had multiple bone fractures and needed hip surgery after a crash caused by an intoxicated driver running a stop sign. This was a $2,300,001 settlement.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage plays a big role in car accident settlements. Texas law requires drivers to have at least $30,000 per person, capped at $60,000 per accident. But these policy limits can be insufficient to cover the full damages, especially in multi-vehicle accidents or severe injuries.
If the damages exceed these limits, the injured party may need to pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver. Review both the at-fault driver’s policy and your own to know the available coverage and gaps.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Policy limits are important to know so you have enough coverage
- Higher policy limits give better protection but cost more
- Review your own policy to see if you have additional coverage options
By knowing policy limits and reviewing your policies, you can make informed decisions about your coverage and be protected in case of an accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is a must-have for protection against drivers with no insurance.
In Texas, UM/UIM coverage is optional but highly recommended. This coverage will fill the gap when the at-fault driver’s policy doesn’t cover your losses so you can seek compensation from your own insurance.
UM/UIM coverage limits are the same as bodily injury liability limits, up to $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident. This extra layer of protection is important in serious car accident injuries where medical expenses and other damages can exceed the at-fault driver’s insurance limits.
How to Calculate Car Accident Settlement
Calculating a car accident settlement often uses a multiplier on medical expenses to determine non-economic damages like pain and suffering. This multiplier is usually 1.5 to 5 depending on the severity of the injuries and their long-term effect on the victim’s life.
More severe injuries require a higher multiplier to get fair compensation.
Since calculating settlements is complicated, it’s highly recommended to consult with a personal injury attorney.
An experienced lawyer can give you a full financial and legal review of your case to make sure all your losses including future costs and emotional distress are accounted for.
We have a Midland car accident lawyer on hand to guide you further. Get in touch today for a free consultation!
Why Legal Representation Matters
A lawyer can investigate the accident, gather evidence and determine the full value of your claim. This expertise is important in negotiating higher compensation because lawyers know the tricks insurance companies use to lowball the payouts.
Legal representation will make sure you don’t settle too soon or accept the insurance company’s lowball offer. Never accept the first offer without consulting a car accident attorney to make sure you get what you deserve.
Lawyers can also represent you in court if needed and give you a strong defense of your rights and interests.
Additional Reading : Is it worth getting an attorney for a car accident in Texas?
Lorfing Law’s Approach to Car Accident Cases
Lorfing Law is committed to:
- Leveling the playing field for hard-working West Texans against big insurance companies
- Fighting for those who have the odds against them
- Giving their families a better tomorrow
With state and federal prosecution experience, the attorneys at Lorfing Law have experience in personal injury cases.
Russell Lorfing, a former state and federal prosecutor, has experience in both civil and criminal law and has a unique advantage in litigation and trial. His client-focused approach allows him and his colleagues the ability to serve a wider community with multiple offices in West Texas:
- Abilene
- Midland
- San Angelo
- Lubbock
In addition, Lorfing Law operates on a no-win, no-fee basis which means clients owe nothing if we don’t win your case. This policy shows our commitment to getting the best possible results for our clients, whether through a favorable plea or winning at trial.
What to Expect in the Settlement Process
Most claims settle without a lawsuit but there are times when negotiations fail to reach a fair settlement. In such cases, a lawsuit may be filed and the process can continue even after a jury verdict.
- The settlement process for car accident claims starts with the filing of a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
- Make sure to notify your insurance company of the crash as soon as possible and do not give recorded statements to the other driver’s insurance company as these can complicate your claim later.
- Gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements and photos is important to support your claim.
An insurance claims adjuster will then investigate the accident, review the evidence and consult with experts if needed.
Additional reading: How long does a personal injury case take to settle
What to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make a big difference in getting a car accident settlement. Here are some don’ts:
- Leaving the scene before the police arrive or not notifying law enforcement can hurt your chance of getting compensated.
- Getting the other party’s insurance information.
- Taking pictures at the scene.
Here are things to avoid after an accident to protect your settlement claim:
- Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene
- Not seeking medical treatment immediately for your injuries
- Accepting the first offer from the insurance company
- Posting about the accident on social media
Final Thoughts
Knowing how car accident settlements work in Texas will help you get fair compensation and navigate the legal and insurance process.
In addition, knowing the average settlement amounts, the factors that influence them and the importance of legal representation will help you get a better outcome.
Don’t make common mistakes! Instead, use firms like Lorfing Law to protect your interests and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free initial case evaluation, and let us guide you on your next steps.
FAQs
What is the fee policy of Lorfing Law?
Lorfing Law’s fee policy is no win, no fee.
What is Lorfing Law’s approach?
Lorfing Law’s approach is to get results for the case and increase the chances of a favorable plea or winning at trial.
Who is Russell Lorfing?
Russell Lorfing has a background as a former state and federal prosecutor with experience in civil and criminal law.
What awards has Russell Lorfing received?
Russell Lorfing has received national awards for white collar investigations and has been recognized by the FBI, IRS and Customs & Border Protection.
Why is legal representation important in car accident settlements?
Legal representation is important in car accident settlements because it gets you fair compensation, navigates the legal process and protects you from lowball offers from insurance companies.
