ESPANOL
It is difficult to determine the average settlement for a soft tissue injury from a car accident.
The average settlement for a soft tissue injury from a car accident is hard to say. These settlements vary as each case is unique. The settlement one may receive for this type of injury will depend on many factors.
Soft tissue injuries may be worth thousands in compensation. If you have a soft tissue injury from a car accident, a lawyer can help you pursue damages so you can move forward without financial burdens.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries that commonly occur in a car accident are:
- Whiplash
- Strains
- Sprains
- Contusions (bruises)
- Concussions
- Stress injuries
Soft tissue injuries tend to have minimal symptoms, so they can be difficult to notice. Many people do not realize they have them until long after the accident. It is important to see a doctor after an accident to determine whether you have injuries. Even if you feel fine, you should seek medical attention.
A soft tissue injury can seem minor, but they can cause long-term problems. So, you will want to address your injury as soon as possible to prevent it from becoming a bigger issue for you. It is also imperative to see a doctor after an accident so that it can be established that any injuries you suffered were a result of the accident. This keeps an insurer from arguing that your injuries came from elsewhere.
Determining the Value of Your Soft Tissue Injury Settlement
The value of an injury settlement is often determined in a court of law or by the liable party’s insurance company. An insurance company will try to compensate you or your loved one quickly after a car accident, and the first settlement offer will likely be a low one.
Your injury may be worth a few thousand dollars, but the insurance company will try to offer you less than you deserve. You should never accept a settlement without first consulting a lawyer.
A lawyer will help you receive compensation that covers all your incurred damages from the accident. They can file your claim and negotiate a fair settlement with a claims adjuster if necessary. Car accident lawyers have experience negotiating. They know the tactics insurers employ to devalue your claim and will fight back.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages in Soft Tissue Injury Cases
Soft tissue injuries will likely result in economic damages to you or your loved one. Economic damages are easy to calculate. A few examples of economic damages are:
- Loss of income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
The medical expenses will vary based on the duration of care and the severity of your injuries.
Non-economic damages compensate you for your intangible losses, and they are difficult to quantify. However, a lawyer can use a method to determine the value of these damages. Non-economic damages compensate one for emotional distress, pain and suffering, disability, and more.
Can You Still Receive a Settlement If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
You may be able to receive a settlement if the at-fault party has no insurance. You can receive a settlement from your own insurance company if you have uninsured motorist coverage. Many motorists have this type of coverage without even realizing it. If you are unsure if you have it, a lawyer can review your policy document and inform you of whether you do or not.
Uninsured motorist coverage is available when you buy your initial coverage. If you refused the uninsured motorist coverage in writing, you may have trouble receiving compensation from your insurer.
However, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to recover damages. A lawyer can inform you of whether this is an option when the at-fault party is uninsured. If so, we can file your suit and represent you in court.
Factors That May Reduce a Soft Tissue Injury Settlement
The settlement you may receive is unique as each car accident is unique. Know that a settlement value may be negatively affected by:
- Late reception or lack of medical treatment
- The amount of insurance available
- The severity of the accident
- Late reporting of the accident
The National Library of Medicine found that nearly 90% of vehicle occupants receive medical attention within seven days of suffering a minor car accident. As mentioned early, this allows the at-fault party to argue that you were not injured. If the accident was minor, you might receive a lower settlement.
It is crucial to report your case because the at-fault party might argue that the accident never took place if it went unreported. This could invalidate your personal injury case before it even begins. Reporting your accident and connecting with a lawyer puts you on the path to getting sufficient compensation.
George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Can Help You Get the Settlement You Deserve
A soft tissue injury can lead to chronic pain or develop into a permanent injury. It is imperative that you seek medical treatment. This will make it easier to have a successful injury claim against the at-fault party.
For help securing a fair settlement for a soft tissue injury, seek legal help soon after the accident. You can contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers today at (843) 779-1777 and receive a free consultation. Our client testimonials can give you an idea of what it’s like to partner with our firm.1