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What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident Case in AZ?

Posted on December 30, 2020 in

After an Arizona car accident, it is common to wonder how much money you can expect to receive at the conclusion of your insurance claim or lawsuit. Since car accident settlements vary depending on the circumstances of your crash, your attorney cannot provide an exact estimate until he or she examines the evidence. However, there are certain factors that can influence your settlement amount.

If you’re looking for more information about what damages you might be able to recover after a car accident, you’re in the right place. Our team at Jensen Phelan Law Firm is dedicated to supporting clients and winning them the compensation they deserve, and we may be able to assist you as well. Please continue reading for our complete breakdown of what types of damages you may be able to recover following a car accident.

Resources For Average Car Accident Settlements in Arizona

Potential Damages in a Car Accident Claim

Car accidents can result in serious hardships, such as thousands of dollars in medical bills, weeks of lost wages, extensive vehicle repairs, and serious physical and psychological pain. Under Arizona’s fault insurance laws, you can collect three types of damages in your claim: economic, non-economic, and punitive.

  • Economic damages refer to your tangible financial losses, such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, and property repairs.
  • Non-economic damages encompass your physical and emotional pain and suffering, such as chronic pain, loss of quality of life, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Arizona courts award punitive damages if the at-fault driver acted with an evil mind. This means the driver had ill will toward you and intentionally caused harm, such as acts of road rage, or knew that he or she was committing a dangerous act and continued to do so, such as drunk driving.

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident, certain damages may be subject to certain limits. For more information, please speak to your attorney.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Case

If you are injured because of an individual’s negligent actions, you may be eligible for compensation. This compensation is often determined by the damages and costs you might have incurred. These damages eligible for compensation may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Legal fees
  • Medical fees, including
    • Ambulance charges
    • Emergency room or hospital bills
    • Physician and/or surgeon fees
    • Physical therapy costs
    • Future medical bills related to treatment
  • Loss of wages
  • Loss of wage-earning potential
  • Property damage
  • Loss of consortium or companionship
  • Loss of monetary support
  • Pain and suffering
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional harm  including PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc.

If you would like to maximize your compensation, please speak with a Jensen Phelan qualified specialist personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you find the proof you need, negotiate with insurance adjusters and other legal representatives, ensuring you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Factors That Influence a Car Accident Settlement

Car accident settlements vary based on the severity of the collision and injuries, ranging from a couple thousand dollars for minor collisions to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for long-term, severe injuries. Certain factors determine how much compensation you can expect to receive in your claim, one of which is the insurance coverage limits of the driver at fault..

Lawsuits Versus Insurance Claims

If you are filing an insurance claim, policy limits may decrease your award amount. You often cannot collect compensation that exceeds the coverage the at-fault driver holds. If you file a lawsuit, on the other hand, you may be able to obtain more than coverage limits or you may just force the other driver to file for a bankruptcy discharge. Each case is different. 

Severe Injuries

The more severe your injuries, the higher your settlement is likely to be. Severe injuries require long-term medical care, lead to longer recovery periods and time away from work, and can cause significant emotional and physical trauma.

Complex Liability

If you cannot clearly prove the other driver’s fault, your settlement value is at risk. Insurance companies will definitely deny your claim if they believe you are at fault, and Arizona’s comparative negligence laws will reduce your award by the percentage of liability you share.

Your Ability to Work

Lost wages factor into your final settlement, and the amount of time you spend away from work may impact your pain and suffering award as well. The longer you spend away from work due to your injuries, the higher your settlement will likely be. If you cannot return to work at all, you may receive compensation for permanent disability and the loss of future earnings, which should greatly increase your settlement or recovery.

If you need assistance determining which factors might affect your car accident settlement, please speak with a lawyer without delay. Top-quality legal representation often results in larger awards, so please try to retain the best specialist injury lawyer possible.

How an Arizona Car Accident Lawyer Might Be Able to Help

If you intend to take legal action for your damages after an Arizona car accident, you may want to find legal counsel and find a qualified personal injury lawyer. Specialists in personal injury law may be able to help you in several ways, including the following:

  • Legal knowledge
  • Negotiation skills
  • Maximize compensation
  • Lower your degree of fault
  • Strategize the next best steps tailored to your circumstances
  • Refer you to medical and other professionals
  • Provide helpful resources during your recovery
  • Collect and analyze evidence
  • Join or lead investigations
  • Reduce your stress levels

We strongly recommend you avoid representing yourself if you choose to take legal action. Your lawyer is far more likely to accurately, effectively, and favorably represent your case to insurance adjusters and the court, as they have the skills, intimate knowledge of your case, and knowledge to act accordingly.

Get the Injury Compensation You Deserve With Jensen Phelan Law Firm Car Accident Lawyers in Arizona

When filing a car accident claim, it is important to find your optimal path toward maximum compensation. Our team at Jensen Phelan Law Firm may be able to represent your claim and help you achieve the settlement you need to recover. Your lawyer will have the ability to evaluate your claim and produce an estimated settlement based on several factors, such as the input of expert witnesses, your long-term care needs, and the pain and suffering you experienced. 

Your attorney can also negotiate for a higher settlement on your behalf if you do not receive an adequate offer. As soon as possible after your accident, seek medical attention for your injuries. Once you receive treatment, contact an Arizona car accident lawyer as soon as possible. For a free assessment of your case value and an explanation of your rights, don’t hesitate to call. To contact us, you can call (928) 778-2660 or complete our contact form at your earliest convenience.