Average Car Accident Settlement in California [2024 Updated]

Car accidents can happen unexpectedly in many ways, and victims of these incidents are often left wondering how they can recover from their losses. If you are curious about the average car accident settlement in California, it is important to know that any reported averages you see should not be interpreted as applicable to your case. Your claim is unique, and it is important to have trustworthy legal counsel on your side to maximize your recovery.

Claiming Compensation for Your Car Accident

Before the victim of any car accident can recover compensation for their damages, they must prove the exact cause of those damages. This means identifying the driver who caused the accident and proving how they caused it. Most accidents reported in the state happen because of driver negligence, but they can also occur when drivers willfully break the law behind the wheel.

Many Pieces of Evidence Are Needed to Prove Fault in a Motor Vehicle Accident

Proving fault for a car accident generally requires multiple forms of evidence, such as traffic camera recordings, cell phone records, and testimony from witnesses who saw the accident happen. It’s vital for the injured driver to contact an attorney they can trust to help them gather this evidence as swiftly as possible after the accident. Securing vital evidence as quickly as possible helps ensure it is reliable for the purposes of proving liability.

If you see any reports of average car accident settlements in the state, remember that an average is just a calculation based on claim value and that every car accident claim is entirely unique. While these reports may help determine what type of damages you can potentially recover, you will need an experienced attorney to help assess the actual value of your claim and the various details that could influence your final award.

Recovering Your Damages

Once fault is established and the plaintiff has identified the defendant or defendants responsible for causing their damages, they can proceed with claiming compensation for their losses. Every driver is required to have auto insurance, and an insurance claim may yield compensation for your damages. However, insurance companies generally attempt to fight back against claims whenever possible.

Insurance Carriers Might Not Pay Full Compensation for all Your Losses

Your car accident lawyer in California can represent you before insurance carriers and verify that they handle your claim appropriately. If the insurer does not provide full compensation for your claimable damages, a personal injury suit could help you recover the remainder. Do not look at any claimed average car accident settlements in the state as applicable benchmarks for your case; instead, consult an attorney who can help you fully recover.

You may be able to recover damages from the defendant who caused your accident, and their insurance carrier can include medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, and lost income if you are unable to work due to your injury. You also have the right to claim pain and suffering compensation, and this could form a sizeable portion of your total case award if you sustained any serious injuries with long-term effects.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

A: The average car accident settlement in the state is slightly more than the total of the plaintiff’s economic damages to account for the pain and suffering compensation they receive. While you may wonder what the average car accident settlement in California is, ultimately, your case is entirely unique, and many factors will determine how much compensation you obtain. A car accident attorney in Los Angeles, CA, can help calculate the total damages you can recover.

Q: What Damages Can I Claim After a Car Accident?

A: After a car accident, you can claim economic damages, including property losses, such as your vehicle repair costs, medical expenses, long-term medical treatment costs, and your lost income. The defendant who caused your recent car accident is fully responsible for the entire extent of these damages. You also have the right to seek whatever amount of pain and suffering compensation you deem reasonable to reflect the severity of your experience.

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries From Car Accidents?

A: Some of the most commonly reported car accident injuries include broken bones, internal organ damage, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal injuries. Car accidents are a leading cause of personal injuries in the state each year. These incidents often cause a host of minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises, but more serious injuries are also likely. It’s possible for a victim to suffer multiple serious injuries that result in extensive long-term or permanent complications.

Q: What Happens if I Share Fault for My Recent Car Accident?

A: Under the pure comparative fault rule, a plaintiff who is partially liable for their accident loses a percentage of the total compensation won from the defendant. For example, 10% fault means they lose 10% of their case award, 20% fault would mean losing 20%, and so on. If you have any concerns about bearing partial liability for your recent accident, it is vital to consult an experienced attorney right away.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

A: Your attorney can help recover as much as possible through the insurance claim filing process. Auto insurance carriers almost always fight back against claims and do everything they can to reduce claim payouts. Your attorney can ensure your case is handled fairly and explore every available avenue of compensation you can seek for your recent car accident. You are more likely to win your case with their assistance.

Call a Heimanson & Wolf, LLP Lawyer Today

The team at Heimanson & Wolf, LLP, understands that you are likely to have many important legal questions in the aftermath of your recent accident and that you may be wondering about the average car accident settlement. We can review the details of your situation and help you understand the legal mechanisms you will need to employ to recover your losses, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to find out how we can help.