How Much Can You Expect from a Car Accident Settlement in Missouri?

One of the most challenging aspects of recovering from a car accident is waiting to receive an acceptable settlement offer from the insurance company. Medical expenses start piling up, and you can’t work due to your injuries, all while experiencing significant pain and suffering from the accident.

If you are asking yourself how much you should expect from a car accident settlement in Missouri, here are some factors affecting car accident settlements.

What Determines the Value of a Car Accident Settlement in Missouri?

Every car accident is unique, and so is the value of each case. That makes it impossible to cite an average car accident settlement amount.

Several factors influence the value of a typical car accident settlement, including the severity of a victim’s injuries, the extent of medical bills and lost wages, the cause of the accident, the portion of responsibility each party bears for contributing to the crash, the amount of insurance coverage available, and your ability to negotiate for a better outcome.

If you have strong evidence proving the other party is at fault for causing the accident, that tends to increase the value of your settlement. If you suffered significant injuries that cause immediate and life-long medical issues, or you cannot return to work in the same capacity as before the crash, that can also affect the value of your settlement.

Types of Compensation You Can Recover After a Car Accident

You can typically pursue two basic forms of Missouri car crash compensation after an accident: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages are easily measurable financial losses, such as lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. Non-economic damages are more subjective and cover intangible quality-of-life issues such as pain and suffering.

Compensation in most car accident settlements typically includes:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage 

In rare instances, victims may be awarded punitive damages. The compensation does not cover a victim’s losses. Punitive damages are financial penalties for gross negligence or intentional harm by the at-fault driver.

How Comparative Fault Affects Missouri Car Accident Settlements

Missouri’s comparative fault laws can also affect the car accident settlement process. Missouri law uses the pure comparative negligence standard for civil cases. Under pure comparative negligence, accident victims’ compensation decreases by the same percentage as their fault for causing the crash. In a pure comparative negligence system, even parties primarily responsible for causing a collision can still recover compensation for their injuries.

Although the pure comparative negligence rule binds only court decisions, insurance providers often use it as a guide to help them evaluate a claim and calculate a settlement amount. The insurer can review the available evidence and project how a court would rule, giving them a basis for their settlement offer.

Our Lawyers Are Ready to Fight for Maximum Compensation for You

Many factors might affect your car accident settlement in Missouri. Working with an experienced attorney who understands how these factors can impact the value of your claim is the best way to pursue the compensation you deserve. At Sumner Law Group, LLC, our car accident attorneys are ready to fight for you, seeking maximum compensation for your injuries.

Contact our office now and request a free case evaluation from our car accident lawyers to learn more.