High payout car accident claims usually involve bodily injuries. However, you may still be entitled to compensation for your losses even if there were no injuries involved in your accident. When these situations arise, you may be curious about the average settlement amount for non-injury car accidents.
To put it truthfully, this all depends on the circumstances of the accident. Many factors go into determining the settlement amount. We’ll explore those here, so you have an understanding of what you can expect with your claim.
What Impacts Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts Involving No Injury?
It comes as no surprise that the more severe a crash is, the more extensive the damage is. This yields higher settlement amounts for the victim of the accident. Several factors can impact the settlement amount. These are examples of what will be assessed:
- Value of the Vehicle: This is dependent on factors such as the age of the car, the make and model, whether it is considered luxury or vintage, and more. Newer, luxury vehicles tend to require higher repair costs than older cars which would lead to higher settlement amounts. The Kelley Blue Book or other car valuation source is a good resource to reference here.
- Property Damage: A few scratches or dents aren’t going to justify as large of a settlement as a completely wrecked car. The more that needs repaired or, in some cases completely replaced, the higher the payout.
- Insurance: Different states require drivers to hold different amounts of insurance for their vehicles. The limits and deductibles that each driver has can impact the overall compensation. In cases where drivers are uninsured, other avenues for seeking compensation may need to be explored.
- Comparative Negligence: Some states operate by comparative negligence rules which means that both drivers may be found partially at fault for the accident and, in those cases, are awarded settlement based on the percentage of fault.
- Skilled Attorney: Experienced car accident lawyers can often secure fair settlements for their clients. The years of negotiating skills they’ve built over the years and their in-depth knowledge of the law greatly contribute to better results.
Learn more tips about maximizing your compensation after a car accident in our blog.
What Does No Injury Car Accident Compensation Cover?
Accidents that do not involve personal injury have settlements that are meant to cover the cost of any property damage that the victim may have experienced. This usually covers damage to the vehicle but can also include other belongings that may have been destroyed in the accident.
Examples of what may be included in the settlement are:
- Replacement of any damaged parts of the vehicle like doors, bumpers, windshield, etc.
- Any cosmetic bodywork such as dents, scratches, or ripped-off paint.
- Mechanical repairs involving internal parts of the car such as the engine or radiator.
- Rental car fees if a temporary vehicle is needed during repair.
- The payout for the car if the vehicle is not repairable or “totaled”.
- Any damage to items inside the vehicle such as equipment, electronics, etc.
Each accident scenario is different, but this provides a baseline idea of what the insurance adjuster and your personal injury lawyer may consider when determining fair compensation for your accident.
What Do You Do After a Non-Injury Fender Bender Collision?
Taking specific action after a collision can be important to your car accident claim. Even if no injuries are involved, reporting the accident and following up where needed is recommended. Steps you can take following an accident should include:
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement.
- Reporting the accident to your insurance company.
- Exchanging contact information with the other driver.
- Gathering evidence at the scene of the accident if it is safe to do so.
- Getting in touch with an expert attorney at DM Injury Law.
DM Injury Law Accident Attorneys Fight for Justice
We’re the team that has your back from day one and will help guide you through the entire process. DM Injury Law attorneys act as your advocate throughout the insurance process, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve and that you do not settle for the first offer thrown out by insurance companies.
With over a century of combined experience, our attorneys are skilled in negotiating on behalf of car accident victims and will work tirelessly to get you a successful result. Reach out today and get started with a free consultation. We operate on a contingency basis which means we only get paid if you get paid.