How Car Accident Settlements Work in Florida
Our experienced attorneys know how to get results
When you’ve been hurt in a car accident, life can get much more complicated. Medical expenses add up quickly, but you may not be able to work. There is less income coming in, and you can find yourself in a tough financial situation. All you want is the financial compensation you deserve for what happened.
Most claims with insurance companies following a car crash are resolved through a settlement. An insurance company agrees to pay a certain amount to a victim in compensation for the damages they suffered. And the victim agrees not to pursue any further claims against the insured party for that specific accident.
But getting the insurance company to agree to pay a fair settlement amount can be a difficult and frustrating process. That’s why you need an experienced car accident lawyer who is ready to fight for you. At The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic, we are committed to ensuring you get the best possible outcome.
What is the average car accident settlement?
There is no simple answer to that question. Every crash is different, and there are many factors that impact how much can be recovered. The average amount for a car accident involving a neck or back injury can be different than one involving a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Typical car accident settlement amounts can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even more. An attorney can give you a good idea of how much to expect.
In general, you can seek compensation for economic damages – losses that have a specific dollar value, and non-economic damages – losses that are real but more subjective in nature.
Economic damages include but are not limited to:
- All medical expenses related to the treatment and care of injuries sustained in the car accident, including hospitalization, emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor's appointments, medication, medical devices, physical therapy, and any other necessary medical services.
- Lost wages due to your inability to work while you recovered from your injuries.
- Loss of future earning capacity if the accident resulted in long-term or permanent disability.
- Modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate a permanent disability.
- Property damage, such as the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle and any other personal property that was lost or damaged in the accident.
Non-economic damages include but are not limited to:
- Pain and suffering, meaning the physical pain and discomfort you endured due to your injuries and necessary treatment for those injuries (such pain during recovery from surgery or side effects of medication).
- Emotional distress, such as psychological trauma, anxiety, fear, and any other emotional or mental anguish experienced as a result of the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to any significant impairments or disabilities that restricted your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
- Loss of consortium, which is any loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the accident.
Insurance companies often make a settlement offer soon after a car accident. But it’s typically a lowball offer that falls far short of covering all damages. An attorney can help you negotiate a settlement that works for you.