In California, there is no specific limit to how much compensation an injured victim can sue for in a car accident. Car accident victims can sue the responsible parties for the full extent of their damages, which can range from a thousand dollars to well over $1,000,000, depending on the severity of the damages.
The best way to understand the value of your case is to contact Maison Law today for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our firm works directly with accident victims to help them get compensated to the full extent of their damages.
Car Accident Settlement Amounts in California
There is no exact settlement amount for a car accident since each accident varies significantly on various factors such as:
- Extent of damages
- Insurance coverage limit
- Determination of fault
When it comes to your car accident settlement, the details of your case matter. For example, the hit-and-run compensation amount in California is typically higher than other types of accidents because it carries additional penalties for the driver who fled the scene. This includes punitive damages, which are used to punish the driver for their reckless actions.
So, when considering the details of a case, car accident settlements will generally fall into three categories. These include:
- Low Settlements: minor accidents with little to no injuries can result in a low settlement in the low thousands to cover damage done to your vehicle and medical bill to treat minor injuries.
- Moderate Settlements: moderate settlements can range anywhere from $10,000 to $100,000. These car accident cases usually involve medical treatment for significant injuries, some missed work, and longer recovery periods.
- High Settlements: high settlements typically involve car accidents with severe injuries, long-term medical treatment, permanent disabilities, or fatalities. Settlements can be substantial, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars and up to millions of dollars.
How Much Can You Sue for Pain and Suffering in a Car Accident in California?
Compensation for pain and suffering is complicated. In some cases, it may not be awarded at all, depending on the circumstances. Other times, it can be worth ten times more than all of your medical bills combined, especially if your case involves catastrophic injuries or significant harm.
It is important to know that damages awarded for pain and suffering (non-economic damages) in California are capped at $390,000.
While there is no fixed template for calculating the monetary value of pain and suffering, the severity of your accident can help determine its value. Here are some factors to consider:
- The extent of recklessness, or intentionally harmful acts committed by the defense
- How long your injuries have lasted and what permanent damage has been done to your life
- The general physical and emotional distress sustained by others with a similar injury
- The impact your injury has had on your professional career
- The medical treatment received and ongoing treatment required
- Permanent changes to your daily life and if a full recovery can be expected
Do I Need to Report a “Minor” Car Accident in California?
One mistake accident victims commonly make when getting into a minor “fender bender” is failing to report the accident to their insurance. In minor accidents, drivers may be tempted to let the accident slide and not report it. The logic is that an insurance company can’t raise rates for an accident they never knew about.
This decision can work against accident victims, even if they were not at fault for the accident to begin with. The other party involved could make the decision to file a lawsuit against you. And if your insurer finds out you failed to immediately report an accident to them, they do not have to honor your policy with them. The end result would be you having to pay every bill without the help of insurance, costing you more than if your rates went up.
How Insurance Determines Fault in a Car Accident in California
Insurance companies determine fault in a car accident based on the evidence presented in the claim. That’s why it is always important to document as much about the accident as you can once it happens, so you can protect yourself from liability. It is important to note that insurance’s determination of liability is not the final verdict for your car accident. You have the right to agree with their verdict or disagree. Ultimately, only a judge and jury can decide liability.
When an insurance company is determining fault, they rely on the following information:
- Police report: assessments or citations issued by a police officer have significant weight in determining fault in an accident claim.
- Witness statements: bystanders and passengers who witnessed the accident can provide valuable information for your claim.
- Physical evidence: skid marks, dash cams, and photos of the incident will tell a story of how the accident occurred and who was at fault.
- Driver statements: insurers will gather statements from all drivers involved.
- Accident reconstruction experts: reconstruction experts use scientific methods to analyze the evidence and determine fault.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in California
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries due to a car accident in California, contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys at Maison Law. We’ll help you recover compensation for the damages you have suffered, even if you were found partially at fault for the accident. Contact Maison Law today to get the legal help you need. Our consultation is 100% free and you don’t pay a cent until we’ve won your case.
