Ask a Car Accident Lawyer: How Much Can I Get From a Settlement in TX?

Knowing how much you could win in damages can be a comfort after you’ve been in an accident. Although there’s no average settlement after Texas car accidents, speaking to a Houston car accident attorney and reading the information below will help you get an idea of what you could win.

Ask a Houston Car Accident Attorney: Is There a Cap on How Much I Can Win After a Car Accident?

In Texas, there are no caps on how much you can win in most types of damages after a car accident. This goes for economic damages, such as medical fees, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. This means you could potentially win millions if the impact on your life is great enough. Learn more by talking to a personal injury attorney who specializes in car accident cases similar to yours.

However, there is one exception to this no-cap rule. If the other driver was employed by a government entity or was a government official, then there’s a $100,000 limit on the damages that can be paid to you.

The Exemplary Damage Cap

There is a cap on one type of damages you could win, known as exemplary damages. You may also have heard exemplary damages referred to as punitive damages, which is what they’re known as in many other states. You can win exemplary damages if the other driver was being malicious or grossly negligent.

Exemplary damages are calculated based on how much you’ve already won. You can win double your economic damages, plus a sum equal to your non-economic damages, with a cap of $750,000 in exemplary damages. However, if the calculation above comes to less than $200,000, then you’ll win $200,000 in exemplary damages instead.

Is There a Minimum You Can Win After a Texas Car Accident?

Individuals involved in car accidents with only one party in the vehicle must win a minimum of $30,000, and $25,000 must be paid out for property damage per accident. If you weren’t the only person in the car at the time of the accident, $60,000 must be paid out between all injured parties. These are minimums set by the Texas Department of Insurance.

However, these minimums often aren’t enough to cover your losses, especially if you or one of your passengers are left with long-lasting injuries or a disability. That’s why contacting an attorney is vital. Your attorney can help you determine the full value of your claim, and from there, you’ll file a lawsuit.

Should I Contact an Attorney Even if the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement?

You should always contact an attorney, regardless of the settlement the other insurance offers you. While you’re allowed to negotiate your sum without legal representation, that’s never a good idea. Attorneys are more used to dealing with insurance companies and their tactics, so you’ll be more likely to win a sum closer to what you deserve when working with an attorney.

In times of need, trust our experienced car accident Attorney San Diego to navigate the legal complexities, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us for dedicated and expert representation in your personal injury case.

If the insurance company refuses to pay out an adequate sum, then your case will need to go to trial.

What Can I Be Compensated for After a Car Accident?

1. Medical Expenses

Bills, devices, ongoing treatments, and more medical needs are covered in your economic damages after a car accident.

2. Lost Wages

You’ll win a sum to cover wages you would’ve earned in any time you had to take off work after the accident. If you’ve been left unable to return to work, then you’ll win a sum to cover what you should’ve earned between now and the time of your future retirement.

3. Replacement Services

If you can’t look after your child, do yard work, or maintain your home, then you can win a sum intended to cover paying someone else to do these things.

4. Home Modifications

If you’ve had to modify your home to accommodate a lifelong disability or long-term injury, then the cost of these modifications must be covered in the settlement.

5. Property Damage

The other driver’s insurance company must pay to repair or replace your damaged vehicle. They must also pay out for the diminished resale value of your vehicle.

6. Pain and Suffering

You can be paid a hefty sum for your emotional distress. This sum will be higher depending on the extent of your injuries.

7. Loss of Consortium

If the accident resulted in the death of a loved one, then you can win a sum based on your loss of companionship. This usually applies if your spouse lost their life due to the accident.

You can potentially win millions of dollars after a car accident, depending on the extent of your injuries. At a minimum, you must be paid $55,000 if you were the only person in your vehicle at the time. Working with a highly experienced car accident attorney can help you win a larger sum if your damages are worth more than the minimum settlement.