Average Car Accident Settlement in Los Angeles

The average car accident settlement in Los Angeles can vary widely depending on a multitude of different factors. There are several different components at play in regard to a car accident. These factors can include the severity of the damages and injuries, insurance coverage, and fault. A Los Angeles car accident attorney can help victims understand their options as it relates to car accident cases and settlements under California state law.

Severity of Damages and Injuries

Possibly, the most significant factor influencing the amount of the possible settlement awarded is the severity of the damages and injuries sustained. For example, back, neck, or head injuries are typically considered more severe than an injury to a limb. Also, if surgery or rehabilitation is required, that can be viewed as severe.

Severity can also be measured based on lost wages. If you were forced to take a significant break from working or if you were forced to stop working altogether as a result of the injuries, then that would have a great effect on the compensation awarded to you.

Damages to your property will also be considered when determining the settlement amount. These damages can include repair costs, replacement costs, and any other damages that resulted from the crash.

The Role of Insurance

Insurance plays a large role in determining the amount of settlement. California law requires all drivers to maintain proper insurance coverage while operating a motor vehicle. There is always the possibility of getting in a car accident with someone who does not have any insurance coverage or with someone who only has a limited amount of insurance coverage.

If you are hit by someone without insurance coverage, it can greatly affect the amount of settlement you could be awarded. It should be noted that there are alternative options available to get the compensation you deserve from the faulty party.

A Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you through these negotiations to secure a better deal for you. In the case that you cannot reach an agreement through negotiations, your attorney can represent you in the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Determining Fault

Fault plays a huge role when determining the amount of settlement awarded in car accidents. California is considered a comparative negligence state. This means that each party can be assigned a percentage of the fault of the accident based on their degree of negligent actions. This percentage of fault can directly affect the awarded settlement amount.

All parties involved in the accident should be prepared to answer questions regarding their possible negligence during the negotiation process. This is why it is vitally important that victims engage the counsel of an experienced accident attorney.

It is also important that victims do not speak with any representatives from the involved insurance companies before speaking with qualified legal counsel. It is not uncommon for the faulty party to try to assign a portion of the negligence to the victim during the negotiation process.

Wrongful Death Cases From Car Accidents in Los Angeles

In the case of a fatal car accident, the family of the victim may be able to seek justice on behalf of the decedent. Only specific people can file a wrongful death claim, including their spouse, domestic partner, parents, children, or anyone with healthcare power of attorney. The executor of the decedent’s estate handles the actual filing to recover damages for the eligible surviving family members.

Much like personal injury claims, you have two years to file a wrongful death case. In these situations, the victim’s spouse or anyone listed as an heir can receive compensation for the loss in the accident. Be sure to collect as much evidence as possible for your claim, including accident reports, expert testimonies, medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

Between 2020 and 2021, traffic fatalities increased by about 7.6 percent in California. Since then, the number of fatal car accidents has stayed fairly consistent across the state. Additionally, 26 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state were pedestrians in 2022. By understanding the landscape and nature of California roadways, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones.

Common Damages Recovered From Car Accident Cases in Los Angeles

Depending on the details of your case, you can seek to recover specific damages for your losses. A car accident victim can recover both economic and non-economic damages from these types of cases, including:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Lost income
• Medical reimbursement
• Pain and suffering
• Physical or occupational therapy bills
• Property damage
• Punitive damages

The specifics of your case can determine what kinds of compensation you can seek in a legal battle, which is why it’s helpful to consult with a Los Angeles car accident attorney. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the full amount of compensation you’re owed.

Benefits of Working With a Los Angeles Car Accident Lawyer

If you’re not a lawyer yourself, it can be challenging to navigate the processes for personal injuries and wrongful death from car accidents. Instead of expending time and energy learning California law, you can rely on the knowledge of a trained professional.

In 2023, 7,777,406 vehicles were registered in Los Angeles County alone. With so many vehicles on the road every day, it’s crucial to have laws in place to protect victims of accidents. While these laws do exist in California, they can be confusing. Plus, it can be a headache to navigate an entire legal battle while also physically recovering from the accident.

A car accident attorney in Los Angeles can help you gather evidence and build a strong case that secures you the maximum settlement amount. The goal is to help you recover from the incident as fully as possible, so you can move forward with your life in peace.

FAQs

How Much Will I Get from a Car Accident Settlement in California?

Each car accident is unique in its own way. The amount of settlement awarded can often depend on a multitude of different factors. Settlement amounts can vary depending on the severity of the damages and injuries suffered in the accident. Victims are eligible to receive compensation for property damage and personal injuries incurred. Car accident settlements in California can range from $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the damages and injuries.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Back and Neck Injury in California?

When it comes to back and neck injury cases from a car accident, each case is viewed on a case-by-case basis. The main factors that can influence the amount of the settlement include the severity of the injuries, the amount of insurance coverage, and whether or not the victim was partially at fault for the accident. Back and neck injury settlements can range very widely, from $2,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the factors outlined above.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in California?

Settling a claim from a car accident in California can vary depending on how complex the case is. Each case contains its own specific details that can add to the complexity. These details can include the number of parties involved, the number of insurance companies involved, the differing amounts of insurance coverage, and the cooperation of the faulty parties. In general, a car accident claim can be settled and finalized in as little as six months or as long as several years.

What Is the Average Payout for Whiplash in California?

As is the case with most injury settlements, whiplash settlement amounts depend largely on the severity of the injury. If the injury is considered minor, then the settlement amount can range from $5,000 to $25,000. For more severe cases, the settlement amount can break into the $100,000 range. Victims who suffer from whiplash injuries can pursue compensation for physical injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.

Once again, the settlement amount largely depends on the severity of the injuries and the complexity of the case.

Attorneys Ready to Serve You

Car accidents can have lifelong impacts on all parties involved. Driving is often one of the most dangerous activities that we do on a day-to-day basis. When you are involved in an accident it can quickly make you feel lost and overwhelmed. Thankfully, there is a team of experienced California attorneys who have helped hundreds of individuals navigate through this unfortunate situation.

The legal team at The Law Offices of Christian J. Amendt has faithfully served the Los Angeles area and surrounding communities for over 24 years. We understand the complexities that California state and local laws can present to individuals. Our firm stands to provide help to every client.

If you have been involved in an auto accident in the Los Angeles area and you need guidance on the next steps, contact our offices today to see how we can provide assistance. Our team has extensive experience successfully settling car accident claims with positive results. We can offer an initial consultation so we can discuss your specific needs.