Is There an Average Car Accident Settlement Amount in South Carolina?

Is there an Average Car Accident Settlement in South Carolina

Have you or a loved one sustained injuries in a South Carolina car accident? Contact car accident lawyer John Peace to schedule a free, fully confidential review of your case: (864) 485-6958

If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a South Carolina car accident that wasn’t your fault, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your damages—but how can you determine what a fair settlement might be for your claim?

Depending on the details of your case, you could be eligible to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages you incurred. Without knowing the value of these items, however, you may be struggling to determine what your case is potentially worth.

Would knowing the average car accident settlement in South Carolina help you take the next step in pursuing legal action? Here, John Peace, an experienced SC personal injury attorney from the Peace Law Firm, weighs in on this timely topic.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in South Carolina?

Although you might believe this is the right question to ask, consider asking a different question: How much can *I* get from a car accident claim?

Even if we had a way to identify an average SC car accident claim value, it would have little direct relation to your case. Every accident is different, and every accident victim experiences a unique set of circumstances.

Proceed with caution if you come across any resources that claim they can tell you the average SC car accident claim value. Be even more wary if any accident claim value calculator offers to provide the value of your case online.

Without having all the details, no calculator can provide an accurate estimate—but you may get a lot of phone calls from lawyers who got the personal information you entered to access the calculator.

How Will My Car Accident Settlement Value Be Determined?

Personal injury attorneys determine the value of car accident claims by identifying and documenting all the damages you suffered.

Identifying the value of economic damages—the cost of your medical treatment, the value of your lost income, etc.—is straightforward. Non-economic damages, such as emotional trauma and pain and suffering, are less objective and thus more open to negotiation.

Other damages that can affect the value of your case include any medical treatment or care that you will need in the future as well as any further anticipated loss of income, benefits, or opportunities.

If you sustained any permanent damage, such as scarring, loss of function, etc., you may be entitled to compensation for that loss as well as any associated loss of life’s enjoyment. If you can no longer work or perform your prior occupational duties, you could be eligible to recover damages for diminished earning capacity.

Finally, you should be able to pursue compensation for any personal property damage you suffered. This might include the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident, the cost of towing your vehicle, the expense of a rental car, etc.

The best way to know what your claim might be worth—and how long it might take to get a settlement—is to talk to an experienced car accident lawyer. 

Wondering What Your Case is Worth? We Can Help. Let's Talk Today.

Injured in a car crash? Submit the short form below Johnny Peace will review your case for free.

Factors Influencing Car Accident Settlement Amounts South Carolina

When considering the factors that influence car accident settlement amounts in South Carolina, several key elements come into play, each with its unique impact on the final settlement figure. Firstly, the extent of the injuries suffered plays a crucial role. More severe or long-term injuries typically result in higher settlement amounts due to increased medical costs, rehabilitation, and potential long-term care needs.

Secondly, the determination of fault is pivotal in South Carolina, as it adheres to a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that the settlement amount can be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party, and if they are found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.

Another significant factor is the impact of the accident on the victim's life, including lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and changes in quality of life. Documented evidence of these impacts can substantiate claims for higher compensation.

Additionally, the policy limits of the involved insurance policies can cap the settlement amount. If the damages exceed the policy limits, the victim may not be fully compensated unless there are other avenues of recovery.

Finally, the skill and negotiation abilities of the legal representation involved can greatly influence the settlement outcome. Experienced attorneys may be more adept at navigating the complexities of personal injury claims and securing favorable settlements for their clients.

How Much Money Should I Get from a Car Accident Settlement in SC?

Determining what is a good settlement in your case requires considering several factors, including the actual damages you suffered, the strength of your case, and how urgent it is for you to get a settlement.

Your car accident attorney will calculate the value of your damages as we have already discussed. After submitting a demand to the at-fault party’s insurance company, your attorney will begin the process of negotiating a settlement.

As happens in most cases, the insurance company will likely begin by making a lowball offer. Your attorney will keep you updated about each offer the insurance company makes and provide an opinion about whether it might make sense to accept an offer or keep pushing.

If the insurance company does not make a reasonable settlement offer in a reasonable amount of time (depending on the details and value of your case), your attorney may discuss the possibility of accepting an undervalued offer versus the time, effort, and cost of going to trial.

Although your attorney will always be prepared to take your case to court if necessary, most cases can be resolved through a settlement before that becomes necessary.

In some cases, going to trial makes sense. In other cases, it might make more sense to compromise slightly on the settlement value in exchange for getting a check in your hand more quickly.

Getting Help from a South Carolina Car Accident Lawyer

At the Peace Law Firm, we don’t worry about any average car accident claim—we worry about your claim.

We provide a highly personalized experience for our injury accident clients. We take the time to get to know you and understand everything you are going through. We investigate the details of your accident and document everything.

This ensures we put together the most persuasive possible case for you. We handle everything, so you can focus on what is most important—recovering from your injuries and getting back on your feet. We work tirelessly to get you the best possible results in your case.

For two decades, the Peace Law Firm has pursued our mission of helping others get the justice they deserve. Take a moment to look at a few of our client testimonials, and you will see our dedication and commitment reflected in the words of past clients.

Although you are not legally obligated to have an attorney to assist you with your South Carolina car accident claim, we would like the opportunity to show you how we can help. We offer a free consultation and case analysis to help you determine the right course of action for you and your future.

Contact us today to learn more or to discuss your potential claim value with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney.

Rate this Post

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
Loading...