How Much Can I Get for My Car Accident Claim?

If you know Tacoma, you probably know it’s right by Commencement Bay, and has several major roads that stretch from the port up into the hills. A lot of people drive through Tacoma every single day because it connects to Seattle, Olympia, and lots of smaller towns.

In 2023 alone, Washington had more than 800 deadly crashes, and almost 3,000 people suffered terrible injuries. Around Pierce County, where Tacoma is, you see accidents on Highway 16, on South 19th Street, and even on smaller roads when people speed or look at their phones instead of driving.

That’s why if you ever get into a crash, it matters to know what your claim could be worth and what you’re supposed to do about it. And the one person who can help you figure this out is a Tacoma car accident attorney.

What’s the Average Amount People Get?

For small injuries, like whiplash that heals in a few weeks, people might get around $6,800. For moderate injuries, it’s around $25,000. Minor injuries are closer to $7,000. Severe injuries go way higher, sometimes near $490,000.

In fact, the ranges are big. Minor cases can be as low as a thousand dollars, while severe ones can reach millions. That’s why you can’t just look at someone else’s settlement and think yours will be the same.

What Decides the Amount of Your Settlement?

Here are some of the factors that make your settlement bigger or smaller:

Severity of Your Injuries

This is the biggest part. If your injury is minor, like some soreness or a sprain, your case is worth less. But if your injury is severe (broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or something that makes you need long-term care), the potential settlement amount increases. More pain and more lasting damage usually equal more money.

Your Medical Expenses

Consider your medical expenses, including hospital visits, surgeries, and physical therapy. If you went to the ER, had surgery, or needed physical therapy for months, all of that adds up. The bills are proof of how serious your injury is. And if you’ll need future care, like more surgeries later on, that must be included too.

Property Damage and Lost Wages

If your car was severely damaged and cannot be repaired, then you get compensation to pay for the damages or buy a new one.

And if you had to miss work because you were hurt, that lost income can be included in your settlement. If your injuries make it hard to do your job like before, or you can’t work as much later, compensation may also include future lost earning capacity if your injuries limit your ability to work.

Comparative Negligence

Washington has this concept called comparative negligence. It means if you were partly at fault, like if you were speeding, the money you get gets reduced by the percentage of fault. So, if you were 20% at fault and your case was worth $100,000, you’d only get $80,000.

Key Takeaways

• Settlement amounts in Washington depend on your injuries, bills, job, and fault.
• Minor injuries average around $7,000, moderate ones around $25,000, and severe ones can reach $490,000 or more.
• Settlements cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and more.