If you've been in a car accident in Texas, one of the first questions you might have is: “How much is my case worth?” While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the factors that influence settlement amounts can give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

Let’s break down what affects car accident settlements in Texas and what average cases tend to settle for.

Understanding Car Accident Settlement Offers in Austin

Car accident settlement amounts vary based on the severity of the injury and other variables. In general, a fair and reasonable settlement for your case should fully compensate you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to the accident.

Minor accidents in Texas result in settlements that typically range from less than $10,000 for minor whiplash or injuries with a short recovery to upwards of $100,000 (and sometimes much more) for severe accidents. The final settlement amount for your case will depend on the details of your situation.

What Factors Affect Settlement Amounts?

The value of a car accident or whiplash claim varies based on factors including the severity of the injury, associated medical costs, and its impact on daily work and activities. More severe personal injury cases (often those that include chronic pain, nerve damage or long-term disability) lead to greater payouts than mild and moderate injuries.

In terms of settlement amounts, the payout should account for all medical costs related to the injury, including but not limited to:

• Emergency room visits
• X-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests
• Physical therapy and chiropractic care
• Prescription medications
• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment

Moreover, if your injury keeps you from working, you may be eligible to recover lost wages and even loss of future earning capacity if the injury impacts your ability to work long-term. Generally, the more income you’ve lost or are expected to lose, the larger your potential settlement.

Texas law also allows compensation for non-economic damages like physical pain, emotional suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The more serious and lasting your pain, the higher your potential compensation for pain and suffering.

Who is Responsible for Paying Car Accident Settlements in Texas?

In Texas, the driver found at fault for the accident—and their insurance company—is typically responsible for paying the injury claim. If multiple parties share fault, the settlement is divided based on each party’s percentage of responsibility.

Under Texas’s comparative fault rule, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame, as long as you were less than 51% at fault. For example, if you’re found to be 25% responsible, your total compensation would be reduced by that same percentage.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Car Accident Settlement

To ensure you receive a fair settlement after a car accident, it’s important to take the right steps. Here are a few tips to help maximize your compensation:

• Get medical attention right away – Waiting to see a doctor can hurt your claim and make it harder to link your injuries to the accident.
• Stick to your treatment plan – Attend all follow-up appointments, therapy sessions and follow your doctor’s orders closely.
• Document everything – Keep copies of medical bills, receipts, prescriptions and any proof of missed work or lost wages.
• Work with an experienced attorney – Before accepting a settlement offer, talk to a personal injury lawyer. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly and for less than your case is worth. A skilled attorney can negotiate aggressively to ensure you get the compensation you truly deserve - and most do so on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless they win your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas car accident, consulting an attorney can help maximize your compensation all without paying upfront costs. Our experienced attorneys at McKinney Vos are here to fight for you. Call our Austin office at 512-457-8991 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.