Hurt in a motor vehicle crash in Summerville or elsewhere in the surrounding region? You have the right to seek compensation for the full value of your damages, including non-economic losses. Most car accident cases are settled. You may be wondering: What is the average car accident settlement in South Carolina? The short answer is that there is not a true โaverageโ settlement amount. Instead, car crash injury settlements always vary based on the specific circumstances of the case. Here, our Summerville car accident attorney explains the key things that you need to know about the value of the average motor vehicle crash injury settlement in South Carolina.
Most Car Accident Injury Claims are Settled
As a starting point, it is important to emphasize that most car accident injury claims in South Carolina are resolved through a settlement instead of a jury verdict. (Bureau of Justice Statistics) Indeed, verdicts are relatively uncommon in these cases. Typically, insurers prefer settlement to control risk and limit litigation costs. For their part, an injured victim may prefer a settlement to avoid delay, uncertainty, and expense. Of course, for car accident victims, a settlement needs to be full and fair. A proactive negotiation strategy is a must.
There is No True Average Car Accident Settlement in South Carolina
You may be wondering what is the average amount for a car accident settlement in South Carolina. The somewhat unsatisfying answer is that there is no true average. It is not best to think about your case in terms of the โaverageโ settlement. There is no statute or formula that sets a standard payout. Instead, each claim is judged on a case-by-case basis. The value of a car accident settlement depends on several different factors, including liability and damages. Insurance coverage also plays a decisive
role. In many cases, policy limits could have an impact on the amount of a settlement.
How Much are Most Car Accident Settlements?
It depends. A car accident injury settlement in Summerville could be five figures, six figures, or even seven figures. Lower value settlements typically involve short-term treatment, soft-tissue injuries, and full recovery without lasting impairment. As injuries become more complex, the expected settlement value increases. Fractures, disc injuries, surgical intervention, and long-term work restrictions materially change case valuation. It should be noted that non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, often account for a substantial portion of an injured victimโs financial recovery through a car accident claim.
Tip: To get a full and fair car accident settlement, it is imperative that you present a strong case. The more evidence that you have, the better positioned you will be to get justice. A top-rated Summerville, SC car accident lawyer can help you navigate settlement negotiations.
Damages that Should Be Included in a Car Accident Settlement in Summerville, SC
Your car accident settlement in South Carolina should include financial compensation for your damages. Recovery may be available for both economic losses and non-economic losses. How much can you expect to get as part of a car accident injury claim? You should not think about the โaverage.โ Remember, four, five, six, and even seven-figure settlements are all within the normal range. Your Summerville, SC car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your actual damages. Along with other types of losses, you may be able to get financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs or replacement;
- Ambulance transportation;
- Emergency medical treatment;
- Hospital bills and other health care costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental anguish;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member
Strategies to Get the Most Favorable Car Accident Settlement
A favorable car accident settlement does not happen by chance. It does not happen by luck. To get a full and fair car accident settlement, you need to take a deliberate, proactive approach that is focused on building the strongest possible case. Here are key strategies that you can use as part of the claims process in South Carolina:
- Establish Liability: South Carolina is a fault-based car accident state. Your leverage for a settlement increases when fault is difficult to dispute. Police reports, scene photographs, vehicle damage patterns, and witness statements should align with the theory of liability.
- Make Sure You Get Prompt, Consistent Medical Treatment: Medical records build the foundation of your damages. Prompt treatment ties injuries to the crash and reduces arguments about alternative causes.
- Avoid Recorded Statements: The big insurance companies are not on your side. Insurance adjusters look for language they can later use to reduce value. You should not give a statement to an insurance company without a lawyer on your side.
- Prepare the Case as if It Will Be Tried: Insurers settle for value when trial risk is real. Organized evidence, expert support, and litigation readiness shift leverage. A well-prepared case settles from strength, not pressure. A top-rated Summerville, SC car accident attorney can help you build the strongest, most compelling case.
Why Trust Our South Carolina Car Crash Lawyer: Remember, Trey Helps!
Following a serious car accident in South Carolina, it is imperative that you are able to secure the maximum compensation. Attorney Trey Harrell helps auto accident victims fight for the maximum settlement. A key thing to remember is that the big insurance companies are not on your side after a crash. They put their own bottom line first. Our team is ready to help you negotiate for the full and fair compensation that you deserve. Remember, Trey helps!
Schedule a Free Consultation With Summerville Auto Accident Attorney Today
Attorney Trey Harrell is a Summerville car accident attorney who is committed to fighting for the maximum compensation for injured victims. If you have any questions about car wreck settlements, please call us now or connect with us online for a free, no strings attached initial consultation. We handle motor vehicle accident injury cases in Summerville, Dorchester County, Berkeley County, and Charleston County, including in the zip codes of 29483, 29484, 29485, and 29486.