If you’ve been in an accident in Connecticut, you know that the aftermath is hardly a breeze. Aside from the physical injuries and damage to your vehicle, there’s the stress of dealing with insurance companies and lawsuits. If you’re lucky, your case will be settled out of court. But how much should you expect to receive?
The average car accident settlement for soft tissue injuries is around $10,000 to $20,000. This includes whiplash, back pain, and other minor injuries. However, if your injury requires extensive medical treatment or long-term disability, you may be entitled to more money. That’s what our personal injury law firm sets out to do for all of our clients.
So what do you need to know about car accident settlements?
- First, seek legal counsel to get the best advice for your case.
- Secondly, keep track of all medical bills and expenses related to your injury.
- Finally, don’t wait too long to file a claim – most states have statutes of limitations limiting how long you have to take legal action.
Read on for a detailed look at soft tissue car accident settlements and how to get the compensation you deserve.
What is a Soft Tissue Injury?
A soft tissue injury damages the body’s muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Common causes of soft tissue injuries include falls, car accidents, and overuse.
Symptoms of a soft tissue injury can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury but may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected area.
Treatment for a soft tissue injury typically involves rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and over-the-counter pain medications.
More severe injuries may require physical therapy or even surgery. Most people fully recover from a soft tissue injury with proper treatment within a few weeks or months. However, some individuals may experience long-term pain or disability.
Common Types of Soft Tissue Injuries Caused in Car Accidents
There are many different types of soft tissue injuries that can be caused in car accidents. Here are some of the most common:
- Whiplash: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful head movement. It often occurs in rear-end collisions when the driver or passenger is jolted forward and then jerked backward. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and arm pain.
- Back injuries: Common in car accidents, especially rear-end collisions. The force of the impact can cause the spine to compress, resulting in pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving. In some cases, a back injury can also lead to nerve damage or paralysis.
- Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries can be caused by the seat belt restraining the arm during a collision. The force of the impact can result in dislocation, fractures, or rotator cuff tears. Symptoms of a shoulder injury may include pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the arm.
- Knee injuries: Knee injuries are common in car accidents, particularly frontal collisions. The force of the impact can cause the knee to bend unnaturally, resulting in ligament or meniscus tears. Symptoms of a knee injury can include pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
- Lacerations: Lacerations are cuts or scrapes caused by glass, metal, or other sharp objects in a car accident. They may require stitches or other medical treatment to heal correctly.
What is the Average Settlement for Soft Tissue Injuries Caused in a Car Accident?
Regarding soft tissue injuries, the average settlement for ankle sprains is about $15,000, while for shoulder injuries it is approximately $20,000.
The average settlement for herniated discs and whiplash injuries ranges from $100,000 to $350,000 and $2,500 to $10,000, respectively. However, these numbers are merely averages, and settlements will vary depending on the specific circumstances of each case.
For example, if the injured party required surgery or experienced long-term pain and suffering, they may be entitled to a higher settlement. Conversely, if the injury was relatively minor and healed quickly, the compensation may be lower.
Ultimately, the amount of the settlement will be determined by the severity of the injury and the impact it has had on the victim’s life.
If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with an experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.
What Factors Affect the Settlement Amount?
There are many factors that can affect the settlement amount in a car accident case. Some of the most important factors to consider include:
- The severity of the injury: The more severe the injury, the higher the settlement is likely. This is because more severe injuries tend to cause more pain and suffering, require more medical treatment, and result in more lost wages.
- The impact on the victim’s life: The settlement will also consider how the injury has impacted the victim’s life. For example, if the victim can no longer work or participate in activities they enjoy, the settlement is likely higher.
- The liable party’s insurance policy: The settlement amount will also be affected by the party’s insurance policy. If the liable party has a high-limit policy, the victim may be able to recover more in damages.
- The jurisdiction: The state where the accident occurred can also affect the settlement amount. Some states have caps on damages that can be recovered in personal injury cases, while others do not.
- The strength of the case: The settlement will also be affected by the strength of the case. If the victim has substantial evidence to support their claim, they are more likely to recover a higher settlement.
What Damages Can You be Rewarded in a Car Accident Settlement?
Soft tissue damage in car accident settlements can vary depending on the state where the accident occurred. However, some of the most common types of damages that are awarded in these settlements include:
- Medical expenses: The victim can recover damages for all past and future medical expenses related to the accident. This can include hospitalization, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and more.
- Lost wages: If the victim cannot work due to their injuries, they can recover damages for their lost wages. This can include both past and future lost wages.
- Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering is a type of non-economic damages that compensates the victim for the physical and emotional anguish caused by the injury.
- Property damage: If the victim’s property was damaged in the accident, they can recover damages to repair or replace it.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may also award punitive damages. These damages punish the liable party for their negligent or intentional actions.
Why are Soft Tissue Cases do Difficult to Pursue
While soft tissue injuries may seem relatively minor, they can be quite tricky to pursue from a legal standpoint.
One of the biggest challenges is that, unlike with broken bones or other visible injuries, there is often no clear-cut evidence of how the injury occurred. This could be a problem if you failed to seek medical attention immediately after the accident.
The insurance company may argue that the injury could have happened during the intervening period.
Another issue is causation. Even if it is clear that the accident caused the injury, it can be difficult to prove that the defendant is responsible. For example, if you were in a car accident and suffered whiplash, it may be hard to prove that the other driver was at fault.
The final challenge is limited medical evidence. Unlike with more severe injuries, there are often no x-rays or MRI scans to provide concrete evidence of the extent of the damage. As a result, it can be challenging to secure adequate compensation for soft tissue injuries.
What will a Car Accident Attorney Do for You?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Our experienced car accident attorney will evaluate your case and help you determine the best course of action. We’ll handle all the legal paperwork and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If your case goes to trial, we’ll be there to represent you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Get in Touch With a Car Accident Lawyer at Jonathan Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers
If you have been involved in a car accident that resulted in soft tissue injuries, you may be wondering how much your claim is worth. The answer will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the amount of medical bills you have incurred, and whether you have suffered any lost wages as a result of your accident.
Our experienced auto accident attorneys will be able to evaluate your case and give you a better idea of what to expect in terms of a settlement.