When you are involved in a serious car accident, one of the first questions you may ask is: how much is my car accident claim worth? At The Burkett Law Firm, we understand that you are facing mounting medical bills, missed paychecks, and a lot of uncertainty.
As experienced Corpus Christi car accident lawyers, we are here to help you understand the potential value of your claim and how we can pursue the maximum compensation available under Texas law.
Below, we walk you through the major factors that impact car accident claim values, common types of damages, and how we calculate what your case may be worth.
Understanding the Basics of Car Accident Compensation
The value of a car accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the available insurance coverage, and whether liability is clear or disputed. In Texas, if another party is found at fault for your crash, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.
As an automobile accident attorney in Corpus Christi, Texas, we evaluate every aspect of your situation to determine how much you are owed. Our goal is to ensure that you are not left paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s negligence.
Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Claim
There are two main types of damages in personal injury claims: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
These are financial losses that can be documented, such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Emergency room treatment
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery
Non-Economic Damages
These refer to the physical and emotional suffering caused by the accident:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium
We often consult medical experts, financial analysts, and vocational specialists to place an appropriate value on both the tangible and intangible losses in your case.
Factors That Influence the Value of Your Car Accident Claim
Every car accident case is different, and the amount you may receive depends on several variables. Here are the key factors we consider when evaluating your claim:
- Severity of Injuries
The more serious your injuries, the higher your potential compensation. A broken bone will generally not yield the same value as a traumatic brain injury or permanent spinal damage.
- Length of Recovery
If your injuries require long-term care or lifelong treatment, your settlement may need to cover decades of medical costs and therapy. We calculate future expenses carefully so you are not left financially vulnerable later.
- Medical Documentation
Thorough medical records play a crucial role in proving the extent of your injuries. We advise our clients to seek prompt and consistent treatment, follow all medical advice, and maintain copies of all bills and reports.
- Lost Income and Earning Ability
If you missed work or cannot return to your job, your claim may include compensation for those losses. We work with economic professionals to calculate lost earning capacity over time.
- Property Damage
While car repairs or replacement are often resolved quickly through insurance, the total loss of a vehicle or diminished value can still factor into your overall claim.
- Liability and Fault
Texas follows a modified comparative fault system. If you are found to be partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. If you are more than 50 percent responsible, you may be barred from recovery.
Our job as your car wreck lawyer in Texas is to gather the evidence necessary to prove the other party’s liability and minimize any allegations of comparative fault.
The Role of Insurance in Your Car Accident Settlement
In most cases, your recovery will be limited by the available insurance coverage. Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, we may explore other options, such as:
- Filing a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy
- Investigating whether multiple parties may share liability
- Suing the at-fault driver personally if they have substantial assets
We carefully review all insurance policies that may apply, negotiate with adjusters, and push for a settlement that reflects the full scope of your losses.
How We Calculate the Value of Your Case
We take a comprehensive approach to determine what your case is worth. Our process includes:
- Reviewing All Medical Records and Expenses
We collect and analyze all treatment-related documents to understand the cost and prognosis of your injuries.
- Documenting Lost Wages and Benefits
We request employment records and may consult financial experts to project future income losses or diminished earning potential.
- Assessing Non-Economic Losses
We take time to understand how the accident has affected your daily life, mental health, and future goals. These elements are critical when demanding compensation for pain and suffering.
- Evaluating the Strength of Evidence
We review crash reports, surveillance footage, eyewitness testimony, and expert reconstructions to build the strongest liability case possible.
- Comparing Similar Case Outcomes
We draw on decades of experience as auto accident attorneys in Corpus Christi to benchmark your case against similar claims we have successfully resolved.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure that no dollar is left behind in the fight for your recovery.
Examples of Potential Settlements
While every case is different, here are some rough ranges for what a car accident claim might be worth:
- Minor Injuries: $10,000 to $50,000
- Moderate Injuries (e.g., surgery, extended recovery): $50,000 to $200,000
- Severe or Permanent Injuries: $200,000 to $1,000,000+
These are only general estimates. Your individual recovery depends on your specific situation, insurance coverage, and the strength of your case.
Why You Should Never Accept the First Offer
Insurance companies are in the business of paying as little as possible. Adjusters often make early settlement offers before you know the full extent of your injuries or how long your recovery will take.
Accepting a low settlement can leave you financially exposed if your condition worsens or you require more treatment. That is why we strongly recommend speaking with a qualified Corpus Christi car accident lawyer before signing anything.
Once you accept a settlement, you typically forfeit your right to any future compensation related to the accident. We protect you from being taken advantage of during this vulnerable time.
How Our Team Can Help Maximize Your Compensation
At The Burkett Law Firm, we have been fighting for injured Texans for more than 50 years. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take. When you hire us, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate every category of loss
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary
As your automobile accident attorney in Corpus Christi, Texas, we will not let insurance companies undervalue your injuries or pressure you into settling for less than you deserve. We pursue every legal avenue to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Take the First Step Toward Full Compensation
If you have been hurt in a crash, you do not need to face the legal system alone. Our experienced team of car wreck lawyers in Texas is here to help you navigate the process, fight for your rights, and recover the compensation you need to move forward.
We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case. Let us evaluate your claim and help you understand what it may be worth.
Call The Burkett Law Firm today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with an auto accident attorney in Corpus Christi.
