The average cost of a non-incapacitating injury will run you about $21,000. That cost goes up if you leave the accident with some kind of disability. Your insurance policy may not cover most of these costs, and pursuing a car accident settlement may be necessary.
However, you don't want to walk away from a dispute with less than you're owed. It's essential to know how much you should be getting in your car accident case and when the other side is simply trying to settle the affair.
Here's how to get the best car accident settlement in Florida.
The average car accident settlement will differ from case to case. At the very least, you want the settlement to cover the damages to your vehicle and your medical bills. However, they should also compensate for things like time spent out of work, permanent injuries, and even emotional trauma.
Your lawyer's first step is to determine fault. Someone may have caused the accident due to speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving.
Knowing what caused the accident can help determine the level of fault. For example, someone who purposely drove drunk is more liable than someone who was influenced by bad weather.
Various factors can affect your car accident case. Providing as much information as you can to your car accident lawyer is vital to earning as much compensation as possible.
One crucial factor is the type of insurance both parties have. If the defendant doesn't have great insurance, then their insurer can only provide so much. You may not get what you're owed if they can't afford to pay it.
Other factors to keep in mind are the level of damage your vehicle sustained, your own personal injuries, and how both have impacted your life. Even if you have no broken bones, something like chronic pain could increase your settlement amount.
How long should it take before you can expect to receive a car accident settlement?
First of all, the insurance company has up to 30 days to investigate your claim. If a claim is delayed, they must provide a written explanation. You can expect it to take longer if multiple people are injured or if there is a question of fault.
Each car accident case is unique, and receiving your settlement could take anywhere from 3 months to over a year. In general, simple cases tend to settle more quickly, and complicated cases tend to take longer.
Regardless of the average car accident settlement, you should always expect your situation to be unique. Not everyone suffers the same damages, ends up with the same judge, or takes the same amount of time to recover. Rely on your attorney to help you get the best settlement possible.
At VG Law Group, you can trust us to handle your car accident lawsuit. We cover everything from pedestrian accidents to boating accidents. Contact us to learn more and tell us about your situation.