What Is the Average Florida Car Accident Settlement?
Many factors impact the value of a car accident settlement in Florida. They are different for each person, even if two people suffer the same injury. For this reason, there is no average Florida car accident settlement.
The best way to understand your possible settlement after a crash is to discuss your case with a car accident lawyer. At Meldon Law, we provide free consultations for collision victims hurt in Florida. We will assess your options and discuss how we can help you seek maximum compensation based on the circumstances and facts of your case.
There Is No Average Florida Car Accident Settlement
When vehicles collide, they do so in unique ways. The varied circumstances, speed, force, and impact angle cause injuries that vary widely in type and severity. These victims then require personalized treatment and care based on their injuries. This makes it impossible to compare one accident—or the outcome of the insurance claim or civil suit based on it—with another.
When victims ask what the average car accident settlement is, they usually want a number that will help them understand where they should expect an offer and whether they are getting the money they deserve. Because of the differences in each case, you cannot learn anything about your potential payout by looking at the outcome of other cases.
Factors That Could Affect Your Collision Payout
Some of the factors that could alter your settlement or judgment for your case include:
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether you qualify to pursue a fault-based lawsuit
- Your necessary medical care
- If you have long-term or lasting disabilities
- How much time you missed at work
- If you cannot return to your previous job
- Whether you can rejoin the workforce or have limited earning capacity
- The property damage you experienced
- The cause of the crash and the actions of the liable party
- Who shares liability
- The available insurance coverage
- Other factors unique to your case
A Florida car accident lawyer can examine these factors, analyze your expenses and losses, and estimate your possible settlement range when you hire them to manage your claim.
How Much Could I Recover Based on a No-Fault Insurance Claim?
Florida’s no-fault insurance laws require most motorists to first turn to their own insurance company following a crash. They should have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage to cover damages that include:
- A part of their medical bills up to the policy maximum
- A part of their lost wages up to the policy maximum
This could cover most of a victim’s expenses if they have relatively minor injuries. Notice, though, that these are the only damages recoverable when filing a no-fault insurance claim.
Can I Pursue Compensation Outside of the No-Fault System?
Some car accident victims can file fault-based car accident claims or sue the at-fault driver who caused their injuries. When this occurs, they can recover additional types of damages. The recoverable damages in these cases include:
- The remainder of their medical bills: This includes all types of necessary medical assessments, treatment, surgery, medication, and follow-up care.
- Their future care costs: This is money for the estimated future care and support needs due to accident injuries.
- The remainder of their lost income: This includes current and future income lost because of injuries and treatment.
- Their reduced earning ability: This is compensation for those with lasting disabilities who cannot return to the same career, earn as much on the job, or return to work.
- Their pain and suffering: These are the non-economic damages suffered by a crash victim, such as reduced quality of life, emotional distress, and physical pain.
Of note, recovering fair compensation in a fault-based claim requires documenting and valuing your current and future recoverable damages. In addition, you must show the other party caused your crash and is, therefore, liable for your damages.
The documentation to show your damages will likely include:
- Medical bills
- Expert opinions about future care needs and costs
- Employment and income documents
- Relevant medical records
- Receipts for related expenses
To show another driver caused your crash, you will need to have strong evidence to show they acted negligently. This usually requires an investigation, preservation of evidence, and a strong presentation of your case to their insurance carrier or a judge and jury at trial.
The evidence to show fault could include:
- The police crash report
- Interviews with eyewitnesses
- Video of the crash
- Photos from the accident site
- Accident reconstruction
- Expert witness testimony
Who Needs a Lawyer When Pursuing Florida Car Accident Compensation?
Our personal injury lawyers in Florida provide no-obligation consultations for victims. You can discuss your crash, injuries, and legal options with our knowledgeable legal team to better understand your case, the applicable laws, and what options you have for seeking compensation.
It is a good idea to meet with a car accident attorney to talk about your rights after any collision with injuries. You might have more options than you realize. Knowing your options could significantly increase the types of damages and value of the recovery available to you.
Even if you are filing a PIP claim and do not believe your injuries will allow you to pursue a fault-based case, the settlement process does not always go smoothly. If your insurance carrier pushes back on paying you what you deserve or denies your claim, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Talk to Our Team About Your Florida Crash Injuries for Free
Meldon Law provides free case reviews from our four Florida offices. You can speak to a car accident lawyer in Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, or Lake City. We will assess your case, determine your options, and explain our services. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call our number to talk to our team today.
