Average Car Accident Settlement in California

Need help with California auto accident settlements?

If you're seeking professional guidance on navigating the complexities of auto accident settlements in California, Arzoomanian Law is here to help. With offices strategically located in Glendale and Burbank, we're well-positioned to offer our expertise across the entirety of the Golden State.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with an experienced Burbank car accident lawyer. We specialize in personal injury law and have a track record of securing favorable settlements for our clients.

We also recommend checking out our guide on what to do after a car accident in California to ensure you're well informed and prepared for any potential legal proceedings. We understand that dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but with our help, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects.

What is the average settlement for a minor car accident?

The average settlement for a minor car accident in California is approximately $16,000. To clarify, minor means there are no major injuries, and the damages to the vehicles involved are relatively minor. Much of the compensation revolves around the pain and suffering of the parties involved and any missed wages or medical bills.

Keep in mind that the specific amount will vary on a case-by-case basis and depend on the specific details of the accident. This includes factors such as the extent of property damage, medical expenses, and any lost income due to injuries sustained.

Typical car accident settlement amounts with injury

Payouts for incidents vary significantly based on the severity of injuries sustained. The more severe the injuries, the higher the payout is likely to be at the end of the day.

Here are some examples of common car accident injuries sustained and their corresponding averages:

Back and neck injury

Neck and back injuries are among the most common consequences, ranging from mild whiplash to more severe spinal cord injuries. The amounts for these types of injuries can vary widely based on the extent of the damage and the long-term impact on the victim's life.

The average settlement for a car accident back and neck injury in California is around $10,000 to $100,000. However, in severe cases involving permanent disabilities, the amount could go up to millions of dollars.

Broken bones

The average settlement for a broken bone in a car accident in California is typically at least $20,000. However, this number can be much higher depending on the specifics of the case and the long-term impact on the victim's life.

The severity can range from simple fractures that heal within weeks to complex breaks requiring surgical intervention.

Car accident death

The average payout for a car accident death in California is a complex figure to pinpoint due to the multitude of variables involved in wrongful death claims. These settlements often consider not only the deceased's future earning potential and medical bills prior to death but also the emotional distress of the surviving family members.

While each case is unique, wrongful death settlements can range significantly, usually starting from hundreds of thousands to potentially millions of dollars.

Hit-and-run

Hit-and run-accidents add a layer of complexity to the settlement process, with victims often concerned about the hit-and-run compensation amount in California.

These cases can be particularly challenging due to the difficulty in identifying the at-fault driver, but California law provides for the possibility of compensation through uninsured motorist coverage ($25,000 to $50,000), which can play a crucial role in these situations.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

In California, car accident cases involving mild to moderate TBIs can range from $100,000 to over $1,000,000, while severe cases that result in permanent cognitive impairment or disability could lead to settlements in the multi-million dollar range.

Whiplash

The average whiplash settlement in California varies widely depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on the victim's lifestyle, employment, and personal activities. In some cases, the settlement amount can reach millions of dollars, particularly if the whiplash results in permanent disability.

However, payments for mild and temporary whiplash could only cover economic damages and limited non-economic damages for post-crash pain and suffering.

Typical car accident settlement amounts with NO injury

For crashes that result in no physical injuries, the settlement values generally cover property damage and potentially emotional distress or inconvenience. The absence of injuries doesn't mean there's no compensation; it simply shifts the focus of the claim.

Below are specific types of car accidents and the usual range of values associated with them.

Head-on collision

Compensation for head-on collisions is usually sourced via liability insurance, covering the property damage of both parties involved in the crash. The minimum head-on collision settlement in California is $5,000, but it can be much higher depending on the extent of damage and details of the case.

Rear-end

Rear-ends are one of the most common types of car crashes on the road, frequently resulting from distracted driving or sudden stops.

In California, the average settlement for a rear-end collision in California follows the same liability insurance pattern with a minimum of $5,000 up to potentially much higher amounts.

Quite often, rear-ends at low speeds are considered minor accidents. While it's not always necessary to involve a lawyer in minor car accidents, consulting with one can help you navigate the complexities of the settlement process and ensure that you receive fair compensation.

Additional reading: should I get a lawyer for a minor car accident

T-bone

T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact collisions, occur when the side of a vehicle is hit by the front or rear of another vehicle. These types of accidents often happen at intersections and can result in significant vehicle damage.

The average payout for a T-bone accident in California is usually higher than the minimum $5,000, depending on the damage inflicted and the specifics of the case. 

Side-swipes

Side-swipes occur when two vehicles driving parallel to each other make contact. They can happen on highways or multi-lane roads due to a driver's failure to check blind spots properly. 

Again, the typical settlement for a side-swipe accident in California is around $5,000 and can increase based on the value of the vehicles involved and the extent of damage.

Average settlement for a car accident for pain and suffering

The average settlement for a car accident for pain and suffering is around $23,000. The exact amount depends on factors such as:

• Severity of injuries

• Duration of recovery

• Emotional distress experienced

This amount is in addition to any compensation for property damage, lost wages, and medical expenses.

In California, determining how much pain and suffering in a car accident is done through a multiplier method or by using a daily rate for the duration of pain and suffering (per diem method). Both methods aim to estimate the non-economic damages associated by taking into account the victim's pain, suffering, and emotional distress.

Note that causes of car accidents vary, and settlements can differ significantly depending on the case's specifics. It's always recommended to consult with a car accident attorney to understand the details of your claim and seek the compensation you deserve.

If you're local to Glendale, California, consider getting in touch with our Glendale car accident lawyers to learn how we can help you with your personal injury claim.