The average settlement for a car accident in Florida ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 or even higher.
There is no true average car accident settlement in Florida. Different circumstances determine how much you recover. Severe accidents can garner compensation in the six-digit or even higher region while minor collisions may result in lower amounts. In the case of the former, car insurance may not cover the damages, which would require filing a lawsuit.
Typical Settlement Amounts for Various Car Accidents in Florida
Despite no specific settlement for a car accident, there are average ranges you can expect. Major factors determining your amount include minor, moderate or severe and multiple injuries.
Minor Injuries
Minor injuries garner lower settlements ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Many of these cases involve whiplash, sprains or mild soft tissue injuries.
Moderate Injuries
Moderate injuries are more serious and take longer to heal. They can get you a settlement ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Severe Injuries and Multiple Injuries
Severe and multiple injuries from car accidents include a combination of spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, compound fractures or burns. These often require lifetime treatment and leave victims permanently disabled or disfigured. They result in higher settlement amounts, so you can expect anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 if your case is successful.
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Types of Damages Recoverable in Florida Car Accidents
Florida allows car accident victims to recover certain types of damages. They are compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses.
Economic Damages
According to Florida Statute 768.81, economic damages are common compensation for car accidents and other negligence claims. They include medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity and property damage.
Noneconomic Damages
Car accident claims often involve compensation for noneconomic damages. They include things that don’t have specific monetary value such as pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts in Florida
Certain factors influence settlement amounts in Florida. They include insurance coverage, liability determination, severity of injuries and state laws and regulations.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage can impact car accident settlements. According to Florida Statute 627.7407, the state uses the no-fault system for such incidents. It requires drivers to acquire auto insurance with $10,000 coverage of personal injury protection (PIP) and property damage liability (PDL). Unfortunately, this isn’t always enough to cover the costs of damages from a car accident.
Liability Determination
Liability determination can influence your settlement after a car accident in Florida. According to Florida Statute 768.81, this is due to comparative negligence. If the plaintiff is partly responsible for the accident, their asking compensation is reduced if their case is successful.
Severity of Injuries
The severity of a victim’s injuries affects how much they can recover in a car accident claim. The general rule is that the more severe the injury, the higher the settlement.
State Laws and Regulations
State laws and regulations also impact car accident settlements. For example, you must stop after a collision and assist anyone injured. According to Florida Statute 316.063, fleeing the scene is illegal and can result in hit-and-run charges even if you’re not at fault for the accident.
Florida’s No-Fault Insurance System
Florida runs on a no-fault insurance system. It’s important to know how it works and its impact on claim settlements.
How No-Fault Insurance Works
No-fault insurance requires drivers to cover the costs of damages from car accidents with their auto insurance. According to Florida Statute 627.736, this includes PIP to pay for medically necessary expenses and PDL to cover vehicle damage.
Impact on Claim Settlements
PIP is not always sufficient to cover the costs of an injured victim’s medical expenses. This is because its limit is $10,000. Filing a lawsuit would be necessary to recover full compensation.
Steps to Build a Strong Claim
You must build a strong claim in your case. This requires documenting the scene, gathering evidence, consulting medical professionals and keeping detailed records.
Documenting the Accident
Take photos and videos and jot down the events. Speak with witnesses at the scene and get their information and statements.
Gathering Evidence
Ask police about getting a copy of the accident report. Gather your medical records and expenses, lost wages and repair estimates.
Consulting Medical Professionals
Seek medical attention even if you feel fine. With adrenaline running high, injury symptoms can lie dormant for days or weeks.
Keeping Detailed Records
Maintain a journal about the accident. Include all evidence with your notes to present to an attorney.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
Working with a Car Accident Attorney in Florida
After a car accident, working with a Florida car accident attorney is crucial. Legal representation has benefits, and you must know how it helps to enhance settlement negotiations and when to hire a lawyer.
Benefits of Legal Representation
Legal representation ensures your rights are protected. An attorney understands the local laws and can use that knowledge to build the strongest case. They also have experience dealing with insurance companies.
How Attorneys Enhance Settlement Negotiations
Attorneys can enhance settlement negotiations to get you the best compensation. They assess the value of your case based on the circumstances and use their expertise to argue a satisfactory number with an insurance adjuster or the defendant’s lawyer. Your attorney may propose a settlement considerably higher than your case is worth to navigate to one that’s more than fair.
When to Hire an Attorney for Your Car Accident Case
It’s crucial to hire an attorney for your car accident case when you’ve suffered injuries. However, it’s wise to retain legal representation even if you’re physically fine but left with significant financial damages. Additionally, if someone else was injured or killed in the accident, a lawyer is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Do You Get from a Car Accident Settlement in Florida?
In Florida, you can get $5,000 to over $50,000 in a car accident settlement.
How Much Can You Get Out of Pain and Suffering?
There’s no cap on pain and suffering damages in car accident cases.
How Is Pain and Suffering Calculated in a Car Accident in Florida?
Pain and suffering is calculated through the multiplier method. It uses a number from 1.5 to 5 based on injury severity, which is multiplied by your financial damages.
How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Florida?
As long as you have evidence proving damages, there is no limit on how much someone can sue for a car accident in Florida.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Florida?
A car accident claim can take as little as 30 days to settle. However, if an insurance adjuster disputes the asking amount, it can take four to six months.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
