Many people wonder about the average settlement for a car accident. Victims may not understand the process of starting a claim or even know what Indiana car accident settlement amount they might receive.
Though it's important to get compensated for the injuries sustained, there's no average Indiana car accident settlement amount available. The amount received depends on the circumstances of each individual case.
Therefore, it's best to contact a car accident attorney who works on a contingency basis. They can help clients navigate the insurance companies, court processes, and claims adjusters.
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can assist. Please contact the law firm at (833) 692-5038 or use the online form for a free case evaluation today. We go to war for you!
Types of Damages Awarded for Car Accident Settlements
Auto accident damages could be non-economic or economic in Indiana.
Economic damages can be easily measured and include:
Medical bills from the car accident and any future medical expenses for those injuries
Vehicle repairs
Lost wages (future, present, and past) because of the injuries
Rental costs while the vehicle gets repaired from any property damage
Travel expenses to get to medical appointments
Cost for any household assistance during recovery
It's typically easy to determine these damages because they're financial losses that are added up quickly. Victims should save documentation and bills for costs resulting from the incident.
However, non-economic damages aren't easy to quantify. They might include mental and emotional anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and many others. A jury must determine non-economic damages.
A big factor that affects how much one can recover is the other driver's insurance coverage. Those who don't have liability coverage may not be able to pay out, meaning the victim doesn't get compensatory damages.
If the other driver was underinsured, meaning they don't have a high policy limit, this might affect the amount of non-economic damages a victim can receive for their Indiana car accident settlement.
Generally, the attorney at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys works with victims to help them understand their options and limitations. Likewise, they fight for victims that have suffered a traumatic brain injury and less-damaging issues.
Purpose of the Claim After an Indiana Car Accident
Indiana car accident lawsuits are there to compensate victims for their losses, both from the accident and related to future issues.
Usually, these cases get handled outside the courtroom, which is an easier way for both parties to resolve the problem quickly and incur fewer expenses. However, Indiana car accident victims have the right to trial! If negotiation for the Indiana car accident case isn't possible, the attorney at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can take the case to court!
What to Do After a Car Accident in Indiana
Indiana car accident victims must focus on their health. Request medical attention immediately or within 24 hours of the incident. Then, make sure to record the car accident injuries and all treatments received. This will be evidence and is crucial if there are old injuries or pre-existing conditions.
The injuries one gets compensation for must directly be related to the accident itself. Gather as much information as possible, and keep records of the costs and bills incurred.
Take photos of the vehicle and the accident scene. Likewise, make notes of everything that happened while it's fresh in the mind. Get contact information from witnesses if possible.
Remember not to make a statement to the car insurance company. Even if a representative tells the victim it's required, be aware that it isn't. If anyone contacts the victim, get all the contact information and let the attorney know.
The last step is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to discuss the case. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys offers free consultations, which is where victims can ask questions and determine if they have a claim.
Statute of Limitations in Indiana
Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can advise on how long can you sue after a car accident in Indiana. Indiana allows injury victims two years from the accident date to open a personal injury claim. After that time passes, the court will likely not hear the case.
Likewise, waiting to file makes it harder to prove the case. Evidence is often lost or damaged, and the witness might not remember what happened. The best thing to do is contact a lawyer immediately.
Determining Fault for the Car Accident
Overall, Indiana is considered a modified comparative negligence state. Therefore, a victim can recover damages for the accident percentage that wasn't their fault. If one party is 51 percent or more responsible, they can't recover damages.
Many times, car accident settlement amounts are lowered because one or both people violated a motor vehicle law. In most cases, the victim did at least one thing wrong, which lowers their average settlement. It's important to understand this, and the Indianapolis auto accident lawyers here at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can provide clarity.
What a Personal Injury Attorney Can Do for Car Accident Victims
An attorney begins putting the case together to negotiate fair car accident settlement amounts with the other party's insurance company. If they cannot agree on a number that's satisfactory, the auto accident case goes to trial in court.
Most Personal Injury Attorneys Will:
Determine the extent of the damages by adding up present losses and bills and projecting any future costs
Investigate the accident by checking the police report, documentation, and evidence the victim kept and reading witness statements
Send demand letters to the at-fault person's insurer, explaining all the evidence, the injuries, medical expenses, and other things
How Insurance Adjusters Work
In most cases, the insurer will respond with a few lower car accident settlement amounts and the reasons for presenting them. Generally, they believe the victim is at fault.
The attorney and insurer attempt to negotiate a settlement that both parties agree to. If that doesn't happen, the case goes to court, and the victim goes to trial against the at-fault party's insurance company.
Typically, if the personal injury case goes to court, the attorney prepares the victim to answer questions and ensures that the at-fault party pays a fair car accident settlement.
Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to Talk about a Potential Car Accident Claim
It's difficult to determine the average car accident settlement one might win after a personal injury because they vary based on the severity and many other issues.
However, the lawyers here at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys work hard to get a fair Indiana car accident settlement amount for each client. Contact (833) 692-5038 for a free consultation today!