image for How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident? | Lawyers for Car Accidents

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident? | Lawyers for Car Accidents

Tarun Sridharan Legal Editor & Attorney Contributor Read Time: 5 minutes

How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident? | Lawyers for Car Accidents

Questions this article can help to answer: How much can someone sue for in a car accident? | What is your accident claim worth? | What is the difference between economic damages and non-economic damages? | How much does it cost to sue someone? | Why is my car accident settlement taking so long? | How long does a car accident settlement take? 

Despite safe driving campaigns and the introduction of new safety features, car accidents still occur at an alarming rate. These accidents can vary quite a bit. Some cause little to no injury, while others can lead to life altering injuries. Regardless of the extent of your injuries, you may wonder: “how much money can I sue for in a car accident?” 

We understand. You deserve to be compensated for losses you suffered after an accident. Until you speak to an experienced car accidents attorney, there is no “simple” answer. An accident attorney will listen to the factual narrative, then be able to piece together an estimation of the monetary potential in your case. 

How Much Can Someone Sue for in a Car Accident? 

There really is no limit to how much money you can recover in an auto accident lawsuit. However, that doesn’t mean that you will get as much as you ask. In all accident lawsuits, to secure compensation, you have to be able to prove your damages. If you cannot introduce evidence that supports your argument, you will not get the compensation you seek. 

Proving damages in a car accident case can be difficult, which is why injury victims turn to experienced car accident attorneys for help. Skilled traffic accident lawyers know how to identify all the damages, and also how to assess their true value. Then, to prove those damages, they take steps to gather sufficient evidence. 

Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts

Car accident settlement amounts depend on many other factors: 

  • What area of the country you are located in  
  • The insurance policies involved and their coverage limits 
  • The assets of the person responsible for your accident 

What is Your Claim Worth? 

The value of your auto accident claim derives from your damages. Most car accident injury victims have both economic and non-economic damages that make up the value of their accident claim.  

Assessing Economic Vs. Non-Economic Damages

What Are Examples of Economic Damages?

Economic damages include: 

  • Lost wages and income 
  • Medical bills and expenses 
  • Property damage 

Economic damages are worth their face value. They are also relatively easy to establish with documentation such as estimates, bills, and receipts. 

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

On the other hand, non-economic damages are quite subjective, don’t have a face value, and lack much evidence other than possible witness testimony. Their value is typically based on the value of your economic damages in some way, such as using a multiplier related to the severity of the injuries suffered. 

What Are Examples of Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages include: 

  • Pain and suffering 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • Loss of consortium 
  • Scarring and disfigurement  
  • Humiliation 
  • Mental anguish 

How Much Does it Cost to Sue Someone? 

Nothing. 

Zilch. 

Zero. 

NO OUT OF POCKET COSTS. 

That’s right. Experienced car accident attorneys typically work on contingency. What does that mean? That means that you only pay them if, and when, you win compensation in the case. They’ll take a percentage cut of the total compensation, anywhere from 25 to 40 percent, usually. This makes legal assistance extremely accessible in a car accident dispute. You don’t have to pay anything unless you win. And even when you do win, you only pay out of the money that your car accidents attorney has won for you. Really, it’s a win-win situation. 

Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

Unfortunately, it can be tricky to determine precisely how long a car accident settlement will take to resolve. The person who can best answer this question is your own attorney, as they will know all the details of your case.  

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take? 

Even the simplest of car accident cases can be expected to take several weeks or even months. Complex cases, such as those with multiple at fault parties, victims, or catastrophic injuries, can take a year, or more. That being said, in cases where fault is abundantly clear, a settlement can happen rather quickly. To expedite this process, contact an attorney as soon as you can after realizing you have sustained injuries in a car accident. Being cooperative with your attorney will help speed it along, too.  

Are You Ready to Talk to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer About Your Claim? 

If you have questions about a potential car accident claim or are ready to secure legal help, call 1-800-THE-LAW2 or complete the form below. Consultation is free, and you’ll get connected to a qualified attorney near you in 10 minutes or less. Don’t delay! Get the help you need. 

Our offices are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we can assist you no matter when your accident occurs.

Call 877-322-1161 Schedule A Consultation
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