One of the most asked questions we get from anyone who is involved in a car accident is, “What is the average car accident settlement in North Carolina?” While we would love to provide an exact number that represents an accurate average of all the settlements in the state, even if we could, it wouldn’t be representative of most accident claims.
Every claim is different, and a settlement amount is affected by multiple variables, all of which are subject to the insurance company’s willingness to pay what the plaintiff deserves.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
The closest estimate anyone can get for a potential settlement comes from discussing their case details with a trusted car accident attorney. Even then, it may not be indicative of what you will get in the end. What we can tell you, though, is that when you hire a car accident lawyer to represent you in your case, you greatly increase the chances of optimizing your personal injury car accident settlement.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts in Car Accident Cases
Nearly 250,000 car crashes occur in North Carolina each year. Cities like Raleigh, with almost 17,000 accidents annually; Winston-Salem, with over 9,000; and Greensboro and Durham, each with over 8,000 accidents, pale in comparison to one city, Charlotte. With roughly 33,000 accidents annually, the region where your accident occurs can potentially affect a settlement amount.
Most North Carolina car accident settlement amounts range from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. To better understand where your settlement might end up within that range, understanding what affects the price of a settlement award can help. Below are the variables that affect settlements, along with ways an attorney can potentially increase your settlement amount:
- Medical expenses. Because injuries vary in treatment, healing time, and the impact they can have on one’s livelihood, the cost of medical expenses alone can vary significantly.
- Property damage. If there was property damage that occurred in the accident, such as to vehicles, or even if private property was damaged, it can impact the result of a personal injury claim.
- Lost wages. If a victim suffers an injury that diminishes their potential to earn the income they had prior to their injury, compensation for this can greatly increase a settlement amount.
- Liability. North Carolina car accident laws allow for contributory fault, which means multiple parties can share liability. However, this also means that neither party can claim for their damages if they are both at fault.
- Insurance companies. A personal injury claim is only worth as much as the insurance company is willing to pay, and they usually aren’t willing to pay much. They will give plaintiffs their lowest offer, though, hoping they will accept it without knowing any better. If the insurer can get away with denying the claim altogether, they’d prefer to do so.
A Car Accident Attorney Can Help
When you file a personal injury claim for a car accident, you may not know how to calculate all the different types of compensation you’re entitled to. You may also not understand how to meet specific legal requirements for filing a North Carolina car accident claim. However, a car accident attorney knows all this and more. Below are the ways an attorney can influence the above influential factors to improve a settlement amount.
- Medical expenses. A seasoned attorney knows how to estimate medical expenses for your injuries, including those that you will have to pay in the future. When they aren’t sure of the cost of an injury, they know medical professionals they can call to determine projected medical fees.
- Property damage. Like medical expenses, a car accident attorney can estimate the total cost of foreseeable property damage from your case.
- Lost wages. An attorney knows the proper formula for determining a precise amount for lost wages (past, present, and future) as well as reduced income-earning potential.
- Liability. If liability is an issue, an attorney knows what to do to dissolve liability disputes quickly and matter-of-factly.
- Insurance companies. Negotiating with insurance companies is a skill that only the most practiced car accident lawyers possess. They know how to talk the settlement amount up, which is another reason why it’s next to impossible to answer the original question, “What is the average car accident settlement in North Carolina?”
Why Choose Us?
If you have legal questions regarding a car accident injury, whether you were a driver or a passenger, Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, can answer your questions and assist you with your case. If there is a question of liability, our legal team has the resources necessary to determine liability. We have represented countless car accident victims like you, getting them the compensation they deserved.
FAQs
What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in NC?
The average settlement for a car accident in North Carolina is not an actual number. Instead, it’s a series of determining factors that affect a settlement amount. These include the liability of the involved parties, the complexity of the case, and the severity of the injuries. The willingness of the insurance company to cooperate with negotiations can also influence the final settlement awarded in a car accident claim. Speak to a car accident attorney for a more precise answer.
What Is a Good Settlement Figure?
A good settlement figure is one of fair and just compensation. A great settlement covers the costs of medical expenses, lost wages, potential earning impact, and pain and suffering. A good settlement may be lacking in one of these areas and could be better, as insurance companies sometimes win, usually when the plaintiff has weak representation or none at all. Most settlements are as good as the plaintiff’s attorney.
How Much Money Should You Get If You Get Hit by a Car?
If hit by a car, you should get enough compensation to cover your damages, both economic and non-economic. This isn’t always the case, though. Furthermore, there are more details needed to answer this question, including the extent of the damages you incurred from being hit by a car. For a more accurate answer, consult a car accident attorney about your specific accident.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in NC?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim in North Carolina depends on the case. Small claims with minor injuries and no doubt of liability can be closed in as little as a few months. More complex cases that have significant injuries, major disagreements over liability, or multiple parties involved can take multiple years. Most cases fall somewhere in the middle. Your personal injury attorney can provide an accurate estimate for the timeline of your specific case.
Speak With a Compassionate Car Accident Attorney
At Grimes Yeoman, PLLC, we know how hard it is to suffer a car accident injury and try to file an accident claim at the same time. Let us handle the legal aspects because that’s what we are good at. You can relax and take the time you need to heal. Contact us to discuss your car accident case.
