Broken bones are one of the most common and serious injuries from car accidents. They can bring a lot of pain, long medical treatment, and big financial burdens from medical bills and lost wages. Understanding the average car accident settlement is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Working with an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer will make sure all aspects of your injury and recovery are considered so you can get the most out of your settlement.
This post will walk you through the broken bone injuries and the factors that go into a settlement for anyone involved.
Settlement Ranges for Broken Bones
When looking at car accident settlements for broken bones, you have to understand the wide range. Settlements can vary greatly, usually between $5,000 and $250,000. The exact amount depends on several factors.
Settlement Amounts in General
Settlements for broken bones are based on the severity of the injury and how it affects the victim’s life. Minor fractures will yield lower settlements, multiple fractures will yield higher. Knowing this range will help accident victims set realistic expectations when filing a car accident claim.
Types of Fractures and Settlements
Understanding the different types of bone fractures is key when looking at potential settlements after a car accident. Each type of injury has its range of compensation based on severity and how it affects the victim’s life. Here’s a breakdown of common broken bone injuries and their average settlements:
- Broken Clavicle: Settlements for a broken clavicle usually range from $35,000 to $85,000. This injury can affect mobility and daily activities so it can yield higher settlements.
- Broken Leg: A broken leg gets higher settlements, usually between $55,000 to $150,000. The recovery process is long and involves surgeries and rehabilitation which adds to the overall cost.
- Broken Arm: For a broken arm, the average settlement is between $20,000 and $50,000. Although this injury seems less severe, it can still bring big medical bills and lost wages.
- Broken Ribs: Settlements for broken ribs are lower, usually between $5,000 to $15,000. Though painful, rib fractures usually heal without extensive medical intervention.
- Broken Hip (Pelvis Fracture): This is one of the most serious and can bring settlements over $150,000. A pelvis fracture requires surgery and extensive rehabilitation which affects the victim’s quality of life greatly.
Each of these injuries has different recovery and financial implications. Knowing these amounts will help accident victims know what to expect in their personal injury claims.
Factors that Go into Settlement Amounts
Understanding the factors that go into the average car accident settlement for broken bones is key. Each case is unique and several things come into play when determining how much an accident victim will get.
Severity of the Fracture
Broken bones, including the type and severity of the fracture, matter. More serious injuries, multiple fractures or complex breaks will yield higher settlements. For example, a broken leg will get $55,000 to $150,000, a broken rib will get $5,000 to $15,000. The more serious the injury, the more money.
Medical Expenses and Treatment Costs
Medical treatment is a big factor in determining the value of a car accident claim. Costs for surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care can add up fast. Accident victims should keep track of all medical expenses as these will be used to calculate total damages.
Lost Wages and Impact on Employment
Injuries from car accidents can mean time off work, which is a big factor in car accident settlements. This loss of income can be a big factor in settlement talks. If the injury prevents the victim from going back to their previous job or limits their ability to work, the settlement amount may increase to cover lost wages and future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Emotional Distress and Quality of Life
Pain and suffering damages are a significant part of a car accident claim, representing the physical and emotional impact an injury has on a person’s life. These damages can include mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The more pain and suffering, the higher the settlement. This is often subjective and can vary greatly from case to case.
Liability and Fault in the Accident
Who is at fault in the accident will greatly impact car accident settlements. If the other party is found to be mostly at fault, the victim will get more. If the victim is partially at fault, their settlement will be reduced. Knowing who is at fault is key to evaluating a case.
Insurance Coverage and Policy Limits
Last but not least, the amount of insurance coverage will limit the value of a car accident claim. If the at-fault driver has low policy limits it will cap the amount of money the victim can get. Review insurance policies and know what coverage is in place to know what to expect.
By knowing these factors accident victims can know what goes into their settlement amounts for broken bones in car accidents.
Why Work With an Attorney?
When dealing with the aftermath of a car accident, especially one with broken bones, the role of an experienced personal injury lawyer is key to maximizing car accident settlements. Here’s why working with a skilled attorney can make a big difference in your case.
Get the Most Money
An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate settlements above the average car accident settlement. They know how to calculate your total damages, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They can advocate for more money. Without an attorney, you may get a settlement that doesn’t cover your actual costs.
The Legal Process
The legal system is complicated and overwhelming. An attorney will walk you through each step of the car accident claim process from filing your claim to negotiating with insurance companies. They will handle the paperwork, deadlines, and legal requirements so you can focus on your recovery. This is especially important when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional impact of your injuries.
Know Your Rights and Options
Every car accident is different and knowing your rights is key. A personal injury lawyer will explain your options and help you understand potential car accident settlements. They will review the details of your case, liability, and insurance coverage so you know what to expect. This will give you the power to get what you’re owed.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer ASAP!
Understanding the average car accident settlement for broken bones in a car accident is crucial for accident victims. The range can vary significantly, influenced by multiple factors. Knowing these can help you gauge what to expect when pursuing a car accident settlement. If you’ve suffered a broken bone due to a car accident, it’s crucial to understand your rights and options. At GMV Law Group, our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to assist you.
Call us at 404-975-4878 for a free case review today!
