Minor car accidents, such as fender benders or low-speed collisions, can still have a significant impact on your life. Even a minor collision can lead to injuries, medical expenses, and other complications. If you’re wondering “what is the average settlement for a minor car accident in Georgia, the answer is that it depends.
The typical car accident settlement for minor accidents usually varies from $3,000 to $25,000. Medical expenses, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, and other factors can influence the settlement amount.
At The Weinstein Firm, we are dedicated to helping car accident victims in Atlanta and across Georgia secure the compensation they deserve. Contact our experienced Atlanta car accident lawyers today for a free case review.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
Many people believe that minor car accidents don’t warrant legal representation. However, even minor collisions can involve complex insurance coverage issues and lead to personal injury claims. Insurance companies strive to minimize settlements, leaving victims struggling to cover medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Dealing with the insurance company is frustrating and overwhelming, whether you’re pursuing a minor car accident settlement or a claim for serious injuries.
Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. An auto accident attorney will gather evidence to build a strong case against the at-fault driver and handle negotiations with insurance providers to maximize your compensation.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Georgia?
The average settlement for car accidents varies widely depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors. Here’s a breakdown of typical car accident settlement ranges in Georgia:
Average Settlement for a Minor Car Accident
The average settlement amount for car accidents with minor injuries often ranges from $3,000 to $25,000. These cases may involve:
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, or whiplash
- Limited medical treatment
- Minor property damage to the vehicles involved.
The average settlement for a car crash with only property damage varies from $3,000 to $16,500.
Average Car Accident Settlement for Moderate Injuries
For accidents causing moderate injuries like broken bones, concussion, or injuries requiring longer recovery periods, settlements typically range from $25,000 to $75,000. These settlements cover:
- Medical expenses.
- Lost wages due to time off work.
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Severe Injuries or Wrongful Death
Accidents involving catastrophic injuries like spinal cord injuries, permanent disability, or wrongful death often result in settlements exceeding $100,000. In these cases, victims or their families may pursue a car accident lawsuit for:
- Long-term medical treatment or rehabilitation.
- Significant pain and suffering.
- Wrongful death damages, including loss of companionship and future income.
What Influences Minor Car Accident Settlement Amounts?
The settlement amount for a car accident case depends on several factors. Here are the most common elements that affect the outcome of personal injury claims.
Medical Bills
The cost of medical treatment for injuries suffered is one of the most significant components of a settlement. Victims can recover compensation for:
- Emergency room visits.
- Follow-up care and specialist visits.
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
Medical expenses tend to lower for minor injuries.
Lost Income
If the accident caused you to miss work, you can include lost wages in your personal injury settlement. A car accident settlement should cover future lost income if you are left disabled or can’t earn as much income as before the accident.
Property Damage
The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle is another critical factor in calculating your final settlement amount. Even if you don’t suffer serious injury in an auto accident, your vehicle might need expensive repairs or be deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
The responsible driver’s insurance should cover repair costs or a totaled car’s fair market value up to the insurance policy limits.
Pain and Suffering
Car accident victims can pursue pain and suffering compensation for physical pain and emotional distress. More severe injuries typically result in higher pain and suffering damages. However, back injuries and whiplash, which are common in minor accidents, can cause ongoing pain.
Comparative Negligence
Georgia follows a comparative negligence rule. This means you can only recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for a collision. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.
Insurance Coverage Limits
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy caps the amount the company will pay to settle a car accident claim.
The minimum liability insurance required in Georgia covers:
- $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $25,000 per accident for property damage liability
If the driver’s insurance policy limits don’t fully cover the accident, you could file a car accident lawsuit against the negligent driver. However, they may not have enough assets even if you win your case.
Another option is to file a claim with your insurance company if you have uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage helps pay for medical costs and car damage if the other driver is uninsured or uninsured.
How a Lawyer Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
Navigating a car accident claim on your own can be overwhelming. Here’s how an experienced personal injury attorney at The Weinstein Firm can assist you:
- Building a Strong Car Accident Case: An attorney will gather evidence such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements to strengthen your claim.
- Settlement Negotiations: Insurance providers aim to minimize payouts. A lawyer will negotiate aggressively to obtain the maximum car accident settlement amount.
- Calculating Damages: An attorney will assess both economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and emotional distress.
- Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court.
Why Choose The Weinstein Firm?
At The Weinstein Firm in Atlanta, our team of dedicated car accident attorneys has extensive experience helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. Whether you’ve been involved in a minor car wreck or suffered significant injuries, we are here to guide you through the legal process.
Our firm has a proven record of securing millions for accident victims in Georgia. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Our attorneys only get paid if we win your car accident case.
Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Case Review
The average settlement for a minor car accident can vary significantly, usually between $3,000 and $25,000. Whether you’re dealing with a minor car wreck or a more severe crash, understanding the factors influencing car accident settlement amounts is essential. From covering medical bills to addressing pain and suffering, a fair settlement can make a significant difference in your recovery.
By hiring an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney at The Weinstein Firm, you’ll have the support you need to navigate the claims process. Our team will fight tirelessly for the maximum compensation in your car accident case.
Call 770-HELP-NOW or contact us online today for a free consultation.
