What is the Average Settlement for a Drunk Driving Accident

What is the average settlement for a drunk driving accident? There is no way to provide a clear average settlement for a drunk driving accident since so many factors play a role in this. However, in general, these cases will range in value depending on the circumstances and the losses the victim incurs.

To learn more about what factors play a role in the average settlement for a drunk driving accident, consider the following from a Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer.

The Severity of Your Injuries

The most important factor that contributes to the value of a drunk driving accident claim is the severity of your injuries. The law allows you to seek compensation for all losses you can demonstrate. The more complex and severe your injuries are, the higher those costs will mount. Some of the most important serious injuries in such accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injuries with cognitive function decline
• Spinal cord injuries with full or partial paralysis
• Crushing accidents with complex fractures
• Amputations from the loss of digits or limbs
• Disfigurement from scars, burns, and exposure to toxins

In situations where you have severe injuries like these, the costs are much higher because the level of care is significantly higher. If you have minor injuries, expect your claim to be closer to $10,000. In cases with severe injuries, your losses can top $100,000 or more. Your Sacramento car accident lawyer will work closely with you to ensure you can seek full compensation for your losses.

The Type of Treatment You Need

Those who are hurt in a drunk driving accident may need no support, ongoing support, or some middle ground. The more complex your treatment needs are, the higher the value of the drunk driving accident settlement. Some of the most common highly expensive procedures needed after a drunk driving accident include:

• Surgeries
• Long-term hospitalizations
• Multiple follow-up procedures, such as for burn patients
• Lack of ability to overcome the emotional trauma you faced
• Need for ongoing care in your home or in a treatment center

For victims who need ongoing care and medical support throughout the years to come, do not underestimate the importance of having enough compensation to meet those needs. If you settle your claim for too little without careful consideration of these factors, you may find it hard to continue to receive that care. Your lawyer will help you avoid this.

How Much Insurance Coverage Exists

In most situations, victims will seek compensation from the drivers involved. If a driver only has the bare minimum of required liability insurance, that is the highest value you can seek with evidence to back up your claim. However, there are several factors to consider here.

• If the property has an umbrella liability insurance policy on top of their car insurance, you may be able to file a claim against that insurance.
• If multiple parties are at fault, you can seek fair compensation from both parties.
• Your own insurance coverage may help, especially if you are carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

The at-fault insurance company will pay for your losses up to the value of the coverage the driver has in place. In situations where you are unsure of what that coverage is, your lawyer will provide you with guidance in pursuing fair compensation to the highest level possible.

In situations where this does not meet your financial needs, you may be able to seek a claim for additional losses through a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s assets.

Extent of Property Damage

Drunk driving accidents often create incredible property damage to both the vehicle and the structures they hit. You have the right to seek a claim for all property damage that this driver caused to you if you are the owner of that property. This may include damages related to:

• Repairing your vehicle
• Replacing your vehicle if that is the better legal decision
• Damage to any assets within your vehicle
• Damage to a building or structure you own

Property damage may not seem like a big factor when it comes to filing a claim for compensation. However, it is one of numerous components that, when added together, can help you recover after an accident and get back to your life sooner. Let your lawyer determine the value of filing a claim for this.

The Value of Pain and Suffering

Another large portion of your drunk driving accident lawsuit will be proving that you suffered pain and suffering from the accident. Pain and suffering are types of non-economic damages, meaning there is no set figure that works for all situations. Rather, we must act wisely to seek all potential damages that may be applicable. This could include:

• Impact on your relationships
• Catastrophic injuries and losses you have, including any permanent disability
• The challenges of overcoming your injuries and healing
• The physical and emotional strife you suffered at the time of the accident
• Impact on your emotional health, including the traumatic impact of the healing process

Pain and suffering should not be taken lightly. These types of losses can be some of the most valuable of all losses to seek. These funds are meant to help you get back to your life and to be made whole again. Read our FAQs to learn more about drunk driving accidents.

Punitive Damages

In some situations, drunk driving accidents, especially those involving negligence and recklessness, may qualify for punitive damages. These are not compensatory damages that are meant to repay you for your losses.

Rather, these are damages awarded by the court in situations where there are specifically heinous or unfair risks taken. This can extend the value of your claim much further.

Determining the Value of Your Drunk Driving Accident Settlement

While it may seem important to know what the average settlement for a drunk driving accident is, like most accidents, the value is often very hard to pinpoint. Your attorney will work aggressively to demonstrate what happened and why it happened.

You can then expect your Sacramento drunk driving accident lawyer to work hard to build a strong case that holds those who hurt you accountable. Do not wait to seek a free consultation from the experienced team at Triumph Law today.