Average Car Accident Settlement in California [2024 Updated]

Unfortunately, car accidents happen every day. Whether you believe you were partially at fault or it’s clear that you were not responsible, it’s imperative that you understand the legal implications that come with a car accident in California. No matter how serious your accident may be, get in touch with a car accident lawyer to learn more about your rights and how you may be able to receive a settlement.

At the Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with filing a personal injury claim after an accident. We’re here to protect your rights, represent your interests, and fight for the compensation you are owed.

Different Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents in California

While cars are the most common motor vehicles to get into accidents on the road, other vehicles and their drivers are still liable to pay for damages when they cause accidents. Road collisions may also involve any party operating a vehicle, whether it be a truck, bus, motorcycle, or electric scooter. Additionally, vehicles providing a service through a third party, like Uber or Lyft, are also liable for compensation for damages to their customers.

Average Settlement Amounts for Different Types of Car Accidents

In California, the average settlement amount for a car accident is difficult to determine because every case is so different. Below, you can find rough averages of car accident settlements. However, you should keep in mind that your specific case may be much different than these.

Accidents with serious damages:

• Rollover collision incidents will lead to extensive injuries, prolonged recovery time, as well as severe property damage. Compensation may vary between $50,000 to $250,000.
• Head-on collisions will also result in serious property damage with a higher potential for bodily harm. Settlements range from $25,000 to $150,000.
• T-Bone accidents, where one vehicle makes impact perpendicular to the other (a car crashes into the side of an oncoming car), have settlements ranging from $20,000 to $100,000.
• Car accidents with multiple vehicles involved may be compensated between $15,000 and $100,000.

Average settlements for collisions with moderate to minor injuries, damages, and losses:

• Rear-ending incidents may see settlements ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
• In hit-and-run accidents, where the driver at fault flees the scene without exchanging info or checking on the injured party, the driver may receive financial compensation in the range of $10,000 to $75,000.

Examples of Car Accidents with High Settlement Payouts in California

The compensation you receive following a car accident will vary due to the unique details of your case and injuries. Generally, most car accident settlements are made up of both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are determined by totaling emergency medical expenses and other treatments necessary for a full recovery, including any surgeries or physical therapy. Potential future medical care is also factored into this. Additionally, economic losses can include lost income or the diminished capacity to earn wages.

Non-economic losses are harder to determine since there is less evidence to prove the extent of damage that occurred. These damages can include pain, suffering, trauma, emotional distress, permanent disfigurements, and permanent impairments. The court is responsible for determining the compensation amount for these damages after reviewing the evidence and the case’s circumstances.

Some examples of settlements received by car accident victims with serious wounds:

• A victim of a rear-end car collision who was injured in their neck and lower back was awarded a $915,000 settlement.
• Another personal injury claim with a rear-end crash causing minimal property damage but resulted in the injured party requiring surgeries for wounds to their back and hip had a settlement of $1,250,000.
• A $2,900,000 settlement was awarded to a collision accident case where the victim sustained neck and back injuries as well as suffering a traumatic brain injury.

FAQs

Q: How Much Will I Get from a Car Accident Settlement in California?

A: Car accident settlements will differ depending on the exact circumstances of each case. Some influential factors include how severe the resulting injuries are, how much and for how long medical treatment is required, and any long-term or permanent effects on the victim’s life or ability to self-support. On average, settlement amounts range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Q: What Is the Average Settlement for a Back and Neck Injury Sustained in a Car Accident?

A: The average settlement payout for back and neck injuries from a car accident ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. For minor injuries, compensation may be between $15,0000 to $50,000. Relatively moderate bodily harm may be awarded a settlement ranging from $50,000 to $150,000. Cases with the most severe of sustained injuries, such as those with permanent disfigurement/impairment, can be compensated with a $150,000+ settlement on average.

Q: How Are Personal Injury Settlements Calculated in California?

A: Personal injury settlements are the total of both the economic and non-economic damages awarded to the victim. Economic damages can be easily determined by adding up all the injured person’s medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, assistive devices, physical therapy, and loss of income. Non-economic damages, like the individual’s emotional distress or ability to self-support, are subjective and are decided by the court after assessing the available evidence.

Q: Do I Have to Pay Taxes on a Personal Injury Settlement in California?

A: Your entire personal injury settlement is not subject to taxes in California. However, the economic losses portion of your settlement, not including medical costs, will be taxed. For example, compensation for the wages you lost due to being injured/healing would be taxed since your job would take taxes out of your pay anyway. Any punitive damages are also generally taxable.

Compassionate California Car Accident Lawyers

Any kind of car accident can be traumatic and leave a lasting impact on your life, whether it be physically, emotionally, or financially. If you were a victim of a car accident in California, it’s essential that you talk to one of our compassionate car accident attorneys. Our firm is devoted to helping California residents get through personal injuries and can aid you every step of the way.

Contact the Law Offices of David Davidi, APLC, to find out if you’re entitled to compensation after a California car accident.