More than 100,000 crashes occur on Arizona roads every year. Some are minor accidents, while others result in fatalities. If you have been in a crash that did not involve serious injuries, you may be asking, what is the average settlement for a minor car accident?
What Is the Average Settlement for a Minor Car Accident?
The average settlement can vary greatly, but the average settlement may range from $5,000 to $12,000.
There are many factors involved with a crash settlement. Some accidents are so minor that filing a claim or taking legal action is not even necessary. However, other crashes can result in injuries and property damage that add up quickly.
What Are the Main Factors Involved With an Accident Settlement?
When determining a settlement amount, there are key factors considered. These include injury treatment, property damage, lost wages, and emotional suffering.
Types and Severity of Injuries
Medical bills are a major part of most settlement amounts, and they can vary significantly depending on the injuries sustained from the accident. Many people think that a minor crash does not result in injuries that require treatment, but even accidents that occur at lower speeds can lead to injuries, and some are more serious than others.
Soft tissue injuries are more common in minor accidents, and these may include:
- Bruises
- Sprains
- Strains
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
Some soft tissue injuries, such as contusions, often go away on their own and may not require medical treatment. Others, however, can lead to long-term issues if left untreated. One example is whiplash.
Whiplash is a common accident injury, especially in rear-ended crashes. The force of the collision causes the head to go back and forth rapidly, resulting in damage to the ligaments and other tissues of the neck. Common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Neck and shoulder stiffness and pain
- Dizziness
- Numbness and tingling of the arms and hands
- Limited range of motion
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
The accident may also cause injury to the spine, such as disc herniation, which may result in pain or numbness. Depending on the speed and direction from which the impact came, fractures may also occur in a minor accident.
For many minor accident injuries, treatment may not take longer than a few weeks, and the sooner the individual seeks treatment, the faster the results. However, treatment may include a series of visits to various healthcare providers, such as doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, and physical therapists.
The number of treatments needed, and the length of treatment, play a large role in the settlement amount. If surgery and lengthy hospital stays are necessary, this increases the total settlement amount.
Amount of Vehicular Damage
The amount of damage the vehicle sustained also comes into play. Little to no damage lowers the settlement amount, while some damages result in thousands of dollars for repair.
Lost Earnings
The average settlement for a minor car accident also depends on how much, if any, work the individual missed due to the accident. Someone with a more serious injury, such as a fracture, may miss weeks of work. Others may only miss a day or two due to associated symptoms and treatment. Lost earnings also take into account work missed due to doctor and rehabilitation appointments.
In the event that an injury leads to partial or complete disability, and the victim is no longer to work, the settlement takes into account missed future earnings, which can significantly increase the settlement.
Ongoing Treatment Needs
Many injuries received from a minor car accident do not require treatment or rehab for longer than a few weeks or a couple of months. However, some do.
For example, if the head hit the steering wheel or windshield in a particular way, this may result in a traumatic brain injury. Depending on the severity of the TBI, the patient may need to undergo months, or even years, of rehab, which may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and vocational counseling. The settlement takes these services into account.
Pain and Suffering
Although it is more rare and harder to calculate, a settlement for a minor car accident may include pain and suffering. This includes damages for pain and emotional issues related to the physical injury. Some things considered may include depression, reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment, or loss of intimacy with a partner.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement?
In general, most settlements for a minor car accident occur relatively quickly, and one may be able to receive a settlement after six to eight months. However, there are various factors involved.
Determining a settlement includes investigating evidence and gathering information about the accident itself and associated damages, and this can take time. An insurance company may be in more of a rush to hand out a lower settlement, but a skilled attorney understands that taking more time often results in a higher settlement. There is also often a negotiating process between parties, which can take time.
Another reason that a settlement may take longer is that your attorney wants to make sure you reach maximum medical improvement. If you end necessary treatment before the injury fully heals, you will be personally responsible for any treatments after you receive the settlement. By taking more time and ensuring you do not need future treatment or rehab therapy, the settlement more accurately mirrors your actual medical needs.
The total time also depends on if you accept a settlement or end up going to court. A trial will increase the amount of time it takes to receive money for damages.
Who Can Help Me Get a Settlement for a Minor Car Accident?
Now that you understand what an average settlement for a minor car accident involves, you may be wondering who you can turn to with follow-up questions. The Phoenix car accident lawyers at Sargon Law Group have years of experience working with victims of car accidents. We can determine whether your case is eligible for a settlement, based on all of the facts. If so, we will fight for what you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with an injury lawyer in Phoenix.