If you have suffered a T-bone car accident, you might be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party. However, the settlement amount for your claim is determined by various factors, such as the evidence available, the severity of your injuries, and the strength of your legal representation, among other things.
You should consider consulting a Fort Lauderdale car crash lawyer to get a clear estimate, but generally, the average settlement for a T-bone car accident varies between $110,000 and $500,000. Each car accident case is unique and everything depends on the circumstances of your case, so let’s analyze some of the factors that determine the settlement value.
Factors That Determine the Average Settlement Amount
When you pursue a personal injury claim for your T-bone accident, you are not just looking for compensation for your medical expenses. You also want compensation for property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Severity of Injuries
One of the most important factors that affect the settlement amount is the severity of your injuries. When an injury is severe, and requires extensive medical treatment, surgeries, or long-term rehabilitation, it will result in a higher settlement value.
Medical Expenses
When you get medical attention after a car accident, you will be subjected to various medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, therapy, and future medical expenses. All of these expenses will affect your settlement value.
Property Damage
In a car accident, you can pursue a property damage claim against the at-fault party. Your damaged vehicle and any property within it will also be considered during settlement negotiations to cover the expenses needed for vehicle repairs, diminished value, and other losses.
Lost Wages
The extent of your injuries will affect your ability to work and earn an income. If your injuries result in a loss of earning capacity, your settlement should also include compensation for lost wages and future income.
Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, will significantly impact your settlement value even though these types of damages are difficult to quantify. However, they are worth pursuing if eligible.
There is one more critical factor that will affect your settlement value, namely, Florida’s modified comparative negligence system.
Comparative Negligence
Florida has used a modified comparative negligence system since 2023. In this system, car accident victims can be assigned a percentage of fault based on the available evidence.
The percentage of fault will play a crucial role in your final settlement amount. For example, if you are assigned 20% fault for the car accident, and your settlement value is $100,000, then you will receive $80,000.
However, if you are assigned 50% or more fault, you will lose your right to pursue compensation even if your injuries are severe. To ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their injuries, consulting a skilled personal injury lawyer specializing in car accident claims is highly recommended. A lawyer can help you build a strong case, negotiate, gather evidence, and protect your rights throughout the process.
