If you are the victim of a car accident in California, you might be wondering what amount of compensation you should expect from your settlement.
According to data reported by Forbes, the average car accident claim between 2015 and 2020 was settled for about $23,000, and most claimants received less than $10,000.
That said, Cohn & Swartzon, a personal injury firm with more than 75 years of combined legal experience, has successfully settled and litigated countless car accident cases in California. Based on that experience, we can say definitively that there is no true “average” for settling these cases.
Why The Average Settlements for Car Accidents in California Vary
It’s impossible to promise an exact settlement amount at the outset of a car accident case because every car accident is different. Each has unique circumstances, including the level of injury or trauma the victims have suffered.
Further, victims of car accidents in California typically pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, which can add more variables to the mix.
Economic damages that factor into car accident settlements often include:
- Medical costs (ambulance, hospital, rehabilitation, etc.)
- Lost wages due to an inability to work
- Damage to car and property
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Establishing the value of these damages is only the first part of the puzzle. Your car accident claim should also include non-economic damages, which can include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional stress
- Mental pain/anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of consortium
Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios For Your Car Accident Settlement
If you are the victim of a car accident, it’s important to understand that the insurance company isn’t going to look out for your needs. In fact, California has specific regulations for automobile insurance settlements because insurance companies will try to reduce and delay your payout through the settlement process if they can.
This reason, among others, is why so many individuals seek legal counsel and representation after a car accident. The right personal injury firm will protect your rights throughout the process and can help you assess the costs of your injuries and damages to determine the right course of action to claim compensation.
Retaining a personal injury attorney could be the difference between a best-case and worst-case scenario for your car accident settlement.
If you are represented by an attorney who understands the games insurance companies play, you’re more likely to receive the settlement amount you deserve. Without an attorney, insurance companies will confuse claimants with “insurance speak,” provide bad advice, and even use strong-arm tactics to make you go away or agree to a settlement for a fraction of what the claim is worth.
Cohn & Swartzon’s Average Settlements for Car Accidents
The personal injury attorneys at Cohn & Swartzon have been holding insurance companies accountable and maximizing Californians’ car accident compensation for decades. Partner Jason Cohn worked as a defense attorney for insurance companies before co-founding the firm, so our team is well aware of the strategies and tactics they will use to short-change your settlement.
“When I was practicing for the defense, the insurance carriers’ first concern was always their bottom line, not the victim’s well-being – even if their own insured was injured. The key in these situations is to fully investigate all the facts, interview all witnesses, and make sure no stone is left unturned as we prepare for battle.”
Jason D. Cohn, Founding Partner
The Cohn & Swartzon team has secured more than $100,000,000 in compensation for injured Californians since 2008. We are dedicated to maximizing car accident settlements for victims who would otherwise be taken advantage of by selfish insurance companies.
Click here to schedule a free consultation with Cohn & Swartzon now!
