There is no average settlement for broken bones in a car accident. The facts of your case will determine the types and amounts of compensation you could seek. Another person in the same car as you might be able to go after a lot more or far less compensation than you, depending on their situation.
Types of Money Damages After Getting Hurt in a Car Accident
Your broken bones injury claim might include:
- Lost wages. You missed paychecks and benefits while you were out of work recovering from your injuries.
- Future loss of earning potential. If you have an ongoing impairment, you might not be able to make as much money as you did before getting hurt in the collision. You might have to take a lower-paying position or decrease your working hours.
- Past and anticipated medical expenses. Usually, a person hurt in a car accident can recover the reasonable cost of the medical care needed to treat the injuries.
- Pain and suffering. This category is for the physical pain and emotional distress from the accident and your injuries.
After a personal injury lawyer talks to you and investigates the accident and your injuries, there might be additional types of money damages that you can claim.
Factors that Determine Your Damages
As mentioned, how much compensation and which forms of it you can recover depend on your situation. However, common factors that influence broken bones settlements include:
- The type of broken bone injury sustained
- The length and intensity of your treatment
- How your personal life has been affected
- Your working status
- Your physical and mental limitations
Three Things to Know About Settling Car Accident Injury Claims
It is recommended not to settle your car accident injury claim before talking to a personal injury attorney to make sure that the terms are fair. Here are a couple of things you should know about settling a car accident injury claim:
You Only Get One Settlement Check
If you have additional problems from your injuries after you settle, the defendant and his insurance company will not pay you any more money.
If you settle your injury claim before you complete your prescribed treatment plan, your doctor might decide that you need additional medical intervention to heal properly. The settlement papers that you signed include a wager of all future claims from the accident.
The First Settlement Offer May Not Cover the Full Extent of Your Damages
The first offer the insurance company makes is usually low, but you can negotiate a higher amount. The insurance company may have access to a database of jury verdicts for similar accident injury claims. Their first offer is usually much lower than they expect a jury would award.
These things are a small sample of the many factors that should get considered when negotiating an injury claim from a car accident.
Ways to Avoid Pitfalls That Could Harm the Value of Your Auto Accident Claim
Things can happen after the accident that can cause you to get less money than you would otherwise deserve. Here are three ways that you can avoid pitfalls that could take money out of your pocket:
Keep the Statute of Limitations in Mind
Do not miss the filing deadline. In most cases, Texas gives you only two years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and other losses, according to Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. You will need to file a lawsuit before the deadline or forever lose the legal right to hold the negligent party accountable for your injuries.
Consider Working With a Personal Injury Lawyer
You may want to work with a personal injury lawyer from the beginning. That way, you will not have to actively keep track of the deadline and other relevant laws.
Also, you will get to rest and focus on getting better while the attorney negotiates directly with the insurance company to try to reach a settlement.
Refrain from Posting on Social Media
Take a break from social media until your injury claim is over. When you have a pending personal injury claim, the last thing you should do is post any photos, comments, or other information about the accident, your injuries, or the other driver.
In fact, even posting a photograph of yourself enjoying the weekend could get twisted into something you never intended.
Call in the Strong Arm After Suffering Broken Bones in a Car Accident
You can call in the Strong Arm at Loncar Lyon Jenkins to handle your car accident injury claim. We have helped thousands of families who got hurt or lost a loved one due to the carelessness of others. We will offer a free initial consultation with no obligation. Reach out to us today by phone or through our online contact form to get started.
