Need to know what your car accident with injury case could realistically be worth?

Bobby Jones Law is a Greenville, SC, car accident law firm that explains injury settlement amounts.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount with Injury in South Carolina?

It’s hard to understand what average car accident settlements mean. Comparing car settlements is often comparing apples to oranges.

Reasons why the average car accident settlement amount may not fairly indicate individual case value include the following:

Varying injuries. Some car accident settlements are for minor injuries that heal quickly, while others are for life-changing disabilities. Each victim deserves the compensation that reflects what happened in their case.

Varying intangible harm. Injuries alone don’t fully tell the story of car accident harm. A victim may endure physical pain, emotional anguish, mental health trauma, and lifestyle limitations. Even if injuries seem minor, suffering can be severe. This can impact settlement amounts even when physical injuries seem similar.

Public and nonpublic settlements. Many car accident settlements are private. These settlements may not factor into published averages. Even when an insurance company publishes an average amount, it may be limited to its own client base and service area.

Different litigation goals. Some car accident victims want their case settled quickly and quietly. Other victims want their day in court. Litigation goals can impact case outcomes.

Insurance and ability to pay. Injuries are not the only factor in compensation. Available insurance and other sources of payment can influence the final award.

Applicable law. Car accident laws vary from state to state. Different laws mean different settlement amounts.

Can I estimate the value of my car accident injury case based on averages?

Yes and no. Average car accident settlements illustrate how the law applies in practice. You can see how the various factors apply to arrive at settlement amounts.

At the same time, be careful deciding what your case is worth based on averages. Your case may be worth more or less than average. An experienced attorney can explain the factors that may be important in your case.

Typical Car Accident Settlement Ranges by Injury Type in Greenville, SC

Minor injuries. When injuries are soft-tissue only, such as whiplash, cuts, and bruises, compensation may include a small amount for pain and suffering. For example, if medical bills total $10,000, the person may receive an additional $5,000 for pain and suffering, for a total of $15,000. Even soft tissue injuries vary considerably in pain and healing time.

Moderate injuries. Sometimes a person sustains serious injuries but recovers. A person may have broken bones that heal. They may have cuts and bruises that require care over several weeks. Say that someone has $40,000 in medical bills and $20,000 in lost income. They’re awarded an additional $40,000 for pain and suffering. The total value of their case is $100,000.

Severe injuries. When injuries are life-changing, compensation should reflect it. For example, a person may need lifetime assistance or medical devices. For example, a person has $500,000 in projected lifetime medical costs. They also have lost income, currently valued at $200,000. Severe suffering can mean that pain and suffering are worth $1 million. The total is $1.7 million, subject to the ability to collect compensation.

These are extremes. Most car accident cases with significant injuries are worth more than $10,000 and less than $1.7 million. These examples are illustrations, and not actual cases.

How Does Injury Severity Affect Car Accident Settlement Amounts in SC?

Injury severity affects car accident settlement amounts in several ways:

Medical care. Medical care forms the foundation of a case. Medical records document injuries. Medical bills show the cost of care.

Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering compensation is proportional to injuries and the suffering they cause.

Lost income. Income loss can result from severe injury.

Lifestyle impact. The worse the injuries, the greater the impact on lifestyle. The inability to participate in activities may influence a car accident claim.

What Economic Damages Are Included in a Car Accident Settlement in Greenville?

More From Bobby Jones Law: Types of Damages You Can Recover in South Carolina

How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a SC Car Accident Settlement?

There’s no exact formula for calculating pain and suffering in a car accident. Still, there are a few standard ways to value pain and suffering for a settlement.

With the multiplier method, pain and suffering is rated 0.5-5. Minor injuries are rated lower, while ratings of 4 or 5 are for more severe injuries. The rating is multiplied by economic losses. Injury severity affects the calculation in two ways: first, because the rating is higher, and second, because severe injuries produce greater economic losses.

If the multiplier method doesn’t fairly account for pain and suffering, a per diem method may be used instead. The per diem method assigns a dollar amount for each day of suffering. This method may be most appropriate when the duration of suffering and recovery is limited and known.

Why Initial Car Accident Settlement Offers Are Almost Always Below Typical Amounts

Insurance companies start with low settlement offers. They know that many car accident victims don’t know what they deserve. Most people don’t call a lawyer right away. The insurance company may try to confuse you or even accuse you of fault.

Too many car accident victims fall for these tactics and don’t realize that a lawyer can help.

How Does Comparative Fault Affect Your Car Accident Settlement in SC?

More From Bobby Jones Law: South Carolina Comparative Negligence

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

Car accident injury claims take longer because it takes time to fully assess losses. The insurance companies are more likely to contest larger claims.

Even though the process can seem daunting, you can have experienced legal representation. Bobby Jones Law is taking new cases now.

The right legal representation directly affects your car accident settlement amount. An experienced attorney knows how to build a claim for car accident injuries. We fight for your compensation.