While every car accident case is unique, a “reasonable” settlement for your case is one that fully compensates you for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any future costs related to the accident.

In Texas, this figure can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more), depending on the severity of the injury and other variables. Below are some factors that influence car accident settlement amounts in Texas and what you can expect if you file a claim.

What Makes a Settlement “Reasonable”?

The range for “reasonable” is vast, but in terms of financial compensation, it should be commensurate with the economic and non-economic losses you or your loved one suffered in the car accident. This may include compensation for:

• Medical expenses - Emergency room treatment, surgery and hospitalization, physical therapy, medications and future medical care.

• Lost wages - Time away from work while recovering, as well as loss of future earning capacity if your injuries impacted your ability to work long-term.

• Pain and suffering - Physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD and loss of enjoyment of life.

• Property damage - Repair or replacement of your vehicle and rental car costs.

The value of a car accident or whiplash claim varies based on these and other factors. 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.

Who Pays for Car Accident Settlements in Texas?

In Texas, the “at-fault” driver (and by extension, their insurance company) pays for the car accident injury claim. That said, if more than one party is considered “at fault,” the financial compensation for the car accident claim is divided between the at-fault parties in proportion to their percentage of fault. This also means that even if you are partially responsible for the accident (say, 25% responsible), you may still recover damages so long as the other party is more at fault than you. In situations such as these, your recovery would be reduced by 25% as well.

How to Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement

If you want to make sure your settlement is reasonable - and as high as it should be - here are a few tips:

• Seek medical attention immediately – Delaying treatment can weaken your claim.
• Follow your doctor’s treatment plan – Attend all follow-ups and therapy sessions.
• Keep detailed records – Save medical bills, receipts and proof of lost wages.
• Hire a car accident attorney – Consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement. Insurance companies try to settle claims quickly and may offer lowball amounts to close the claim. A skilled lawyer can fight for maximum compensation.

Contact Us at McKinney Vos PLLC for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a car accident or have questions about Texas personal injury law, contact our office at McKinney Vos for a free, no-commitment consultation. We can review your case, calculate your damages and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.