We hope you haven’t had the misfortune of becoming a state traffic accident statistic. According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, from 2020 to 2022, more than 670,000 people (about half the population of Hawaii) were involved in vehicle accidents in Connecticut.
If you did become the victim of a traffic mishap, you’re rightfully seeking fair compensation. Most people would probably say they would be pleased to receive the average payout. But what is the average car accident settlement in North Stonington, CT?
Good question. But the answer is more complex than people imagine. This article will explain why your settlement agreement will be unique and why your car accident attorney shouldn’t aim for the average.
How Much of the Accident Was Your Fault?
Following an accident, investigators try to establish which driver is at fault. Sometimes one driver is totally at fault. For example, the victim may have been rear-ended while waiting at a stop sign or red light.
But two or more drivers can also be found responsible for more complicated accidents. In such cases, each party will receive a percentage of guilt. You must be less than 51% at fault if you want compensation for your damages.
If you share blame for the accident, your compensation will reflect your percentage of responsibility. For example, let’s assume you’re 40% at fault. You can seek compensation. But you’ll receive only 40% of the possible payout.
However, even if you were entitled to 100%, you might still need more than you receive. Why?
In Connecticut, a claim is limited to the amount of insurance coverage held by the at-fault driver. That’s typically the legal minimum of $65,000.
In other words, if your damages are $100,000, you can expect to receive no more than $65,000. If you want to recover the remaining $35,000, you’ll have to ask your car accident lawyer to file a lawsuit against the driver.
How Serious Was the Accident?
The amount and severity of your damages will influence how much money you receive for a car accident settlement in Connecticut. Let’s go back to the example of being rear-ended.
If the other driver was moving at low speed, your physical injuries might be minimal, and your car’s damage may be minor. If so, your settlement will reflect it.
On the other hand, if the driver struck your car at a high rate of speed, your injuries could be life-changing. You could have whiplash, a back injury, and a bruised sternum, to name a few possible medical issues.
And your car could be beyond repair. In that case, your settlement will align with the accident’s seriousness.
Receive a Fair Car Accident Settlement With Legal Help
We recommend not worrying too much about North Stonington, CT’s average car accident settlement. After all, there’s nothing average about your accident.
Instead, focus on your situation and what the accident took away from you. You want to receive a fair replacement value even if it means requesting far more than what’s “average.”
That’s where we come in.
We have the experience and skill to navigate your claim through the often-complicated negotiation process with the insurance company. We know how to establish your case to ensure you receive a settlement that will put you physically and financially back on your feet.
Call us today if you’re interested in more than average because there’s nothing average about your situation. And there’s nothing average about how our law firm will fight for you.