Car accidents are very traumatic events. One minute you are simply in your car trying to get to your destination. The next, you are left with serious injuries, may not be able to return to work right away, and you may have also suffered other losses. While no one can determine exactly how much compensation you may receive in a car accident settlement without first reviewing the facts of your case, there are some guidelines you can follow to determine how much you may be entitled to.

Settlement Amounts for Different Types of Accidents

According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average settlement for a car accident resulting in personal injury was $22,734 in Texas in 2022. In the same year, the average claim for property damage was $5,314. These statistics encompass all car accidents and do not take into account different types of crashes, from minor to severe. Some important data on average car accident settlements depending on severity is as follows:

Minor injuries: Car accident settlements are, on average, approximately $20,000 in Texas. Minor injuries can include sprains and strains, cuts and bruises, soft tissue injuries, and mild concussions. Minor injuries usually heal within three to four weeks.
Moderate injuries: When a car accident results in moderate injuries such as knee injuries, herniated discs, broken bones, and injuries that require surgery the average settlement is approximately $45,596. These injuries can take several months to fully heal.
Severe injuries: Severe injuries are catastrophic and can impact a person for the rest of their life. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations are a few types of severe injuries. The average car accident settlement in Texas for these serious injuries is approximately $1,167,808. Cases that involve severe brain damage or paralysis typically have the highest settlement amounts.

Average Settlement Amounts by Types of Accidents

Along with average settlement amounts for the types of injuries sustained, the type of accident you were involved in can also provide a guideline for the compensation you can expect. Some average settlements are as follows:

Rear-end accidents: Rear-end accidents are thought to be some of the most minor crashes on the road. When they occur at high speeds, however, they can cause serious injuries that result in high settlement amounts. While a rear-end accident settlement can range between $2,226 to more than $10 million, the average settlement for a rear-end collision is $10,222.
T-bone accidents: A T-bone accident occurs when one driver slams into the side of another vehicle. These types of crashes cause severe injuries and settlements can range from $2,500 to more than $23 million if the accident resulted in catastrophic injury or death. Moderate settlements for T-bone accidents are approximately $23,500.
Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are the most dangerous type of car accidents. As the name suggests, these crashes occur when the front of one vehicle slams into the front of another vehicle. Head-on collisions usually involve a great deal of force and high speeds, resulting in catastrophic injuries. Typical settlements for head-on collisions are approximately $136,422 but they can range anywhere from $7,000 to more than $3 million, particularly if catastrophic injuries or wrongful death occurred.

Factors that Contribute to Settlement Amounts

Insurance companies take many different factors into account when determining a settlement amount in any specific case. These include:

Severity of injuries: Car accident claims are meant to compensate you for your medical expenses and other losses associated with your injuries. As shown above, the more severe your injuries are, the more you can obtain in a car accident settlement.
How the accident occurred: Sometimes the details involved in a car accident can increase car accident settlement amounts. For example, if the driver who hit you was impaired, you may be entitled to punitive damages, which are not meant to compensate you but instead, punish the defendant and deter them from acting in a similar manner in the future.
Insurance coverage available: Insurance companies are only obligated to pay up to a policy’s limit. The law in Texas requires drivers to carry at least $30,000 in liability coverage for each injured party, and a minimum of $60,000 for all injuries relating to the accident. This is not enough to fully cover the cost of serious injuries and so, it is essential to identify all liable parties, as you may be able to file a claim against each of them.
Lost income: If you cannot return to work right away, you can also pursue damages for your lost income, vacation pay, sick pay, benefits, and more. If your injuries are so severe you will be unable to return to the same line of work in the future, you can also include damages for your loss of earning capacity.
Pain and suffering you endured: Your injuries will not only cost you financially, but they will also cause you significant physical pain and mental distress. An attorney can calculate these losses so you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Property damage incurred: Even a minor fender bender can result in thousands of dollars of property damage. If your vehicle sustained significant damage, it will increase your settlement amount.
Legal representation: Studies have shown that car accident victims who have legal representation receive more than three times in compensation than people who represent themselves when filing a claim.

Our Car Accident Lawyer in Texas Can Accurately Value Your Claim

After a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more. It is critical to work with a Texas car accident lawyer who can accurately value your claim and ensure you receive the maximum settlement you deserve. At The Stano Law Firm, our experienced attorney can review the facts of your case and account for all of your losses so you receive full and fair damages. Call us now at 832-777-0390 or fill out our online form to schedule a free review of your case with our attorney and to learn more about how we can help.

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How Much Can You Receive in a Car Accident Settlement in Texas?

A car accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience. One moment, you’re driving to your destination; the next, you’re dealing with serious injuries, potentially being unable to work, and facing various unexpected losses. While the exact amount of compensation in a car accident settlement depends on the unique facts of each case, there are guidelines that can help estimate what you might be entitled to.

Average Settlement Amounts Based on Injury Severity

The Insurance Information Institute reports that, in 2022, the average car accident settlement in Texas was $22,734 for personal injuries and $5,314 for property damage. These figures, however, vary significantly depending on the severity of the accident and injuries sustained:

Minor Injuries: Settlements for minor injuries, such as sprains, soft tissue injuries, cuts, bruises, and mild concussions, average around $20,000. Minor injuries typically heal within a few weeks.
Moderate Injuries: For injuries requiring surgery or more intensive treatment—such as knee injuries, herniated discs, and fractures—the average settlement is approximately $45,596. These injuries can take months to heal fully.
Severe Injuries: Catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations, carry an average settlement of $1,167,808. Cases involving brain damage or paralysis often result in the highest compensation.

Settlement Amounts Based on Accident Type

The nature of the accident also affects settlement amounts. Here are some examples:

Rear-End Collisions: Typically considered less severe, rear-end collisions can still cause significant injuries at high speeds. Settlements range from $2,226 to over $10 million, with an average of $10,222.
T-Bone Accidents: When one vehicle hits the side of another, serious injuries often result. T-bone settlements range between $2,500 and $23 million. Moderate settlements average around $23,500.
Head-On Collisions: The most dangerous type of accident, head-on collisions typically involve severe injuries. Settlement amounts average $136,422, but they can vary from $7,000 to over $3 million, especially when catastrophic injuries or fatalities are involved.

Key Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts

Insurance companies consider multiple factors when determining a settlement:

Severity of Injuries: Settlements primarily compensate for medical costs and losses associated with injuries. The more serious the injury, the higher the potential settlement.
Details of the Accident: Specific circumstances, like the involvement of impaired driving, may lead to punitive damages aimed at penalizing the at-fault driver.
Insurance Coverage: Texas law mandates that drivers carry at least $30,000 in liability coverage per injured party and $60,000 for all injuries in a single accident. However, severe injuries often exceed these amounts, making it essential to identify all liable parties for additional claims.
Lost Income: If injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may seek compensation for lost income, vacation and sick pay, benefits, and future earning capacity if you cannot resume your previous job.
Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress often accompany serious injuries. An attorney can calculate these losses to ensure comprehensive compensation.
Property Damage: Even minor accidents can result in costly repairs. Significant vehicle damage typically increases the settlement amount.
Legal Representation: Research shows that car accident victims with legal representation typically receive over three times more compensation than those who pursue claims independently.

Why Work with Our Texas Car Accident Lawyer

After a car accident, you could be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Working with a skilled Texas car accident lawyer is essential for accurately valuing your claim and securing the maximum settlement possible. At The Stano Law Firm, our dedicated attorney will review your case, account for all your losses, and ensure you receive full and fair damages. Contact us today at 832-777-0390 or fill out our online form to schedule a free case evaluation. Let us help you move forward confidently.