Car accident victims can recover compensation for their damages from the party responsible for causing the accident. A car accident settlement usually includes compensation for the victim’s economic and non-economic damages. Our Bismarck personal injury attorneys review what is included in a car accident settlement in Bismarck.
What Is a Car Accident Settlement?
Most car accident claims are settled through negotiations with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance company. The insurance company agrees to pay an amount to the victim in exchange for the victim’s release of claims. In other words, you give up the right to file a lawsuit or pursue other claims in exchange for a specific amount of money.
A settlement agreement is a legally binding contract. Once you sign an agreement, you are bound by the terms. You cannot demand more money even if you realize you have additional claims or damages.
Therefore, it is always in your best interest to ask an attorney to review your case before accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company. Your case could be worth more than the insurance company offers for your damages.
Economic Damages Included in a Car Accident Settlement in Bismarck, ND
Damages compensate accident victims for their losses. Economic damages are the financial losses and expenses you incur because of the accident. Economic damages in a car accident settlement include:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, including emergency medical services, hospitalizations, surgeries, physicians, physical therapy, etc.
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including household services, personal care, travel expenses, medical devices, medications, etc.
- The loss of income, including employment benefits, diminished earning capacity, lost wages, etc.
If your injuries cause a permanent impairment, your settlement agreement may include compensation for future damages. For example, long-term care, ongoing medical expenses, and loss of future income.
Non-Economic Damages Included in a Car Accident Settlement in Bismarck, ND
Non-economic damages represent the pain, suffering, and trauma you experience because of the car crash, your injuries, and your recovery. Pain and suffering damages include physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish. You can also recover compensation for scarring, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Lifelong disabilities and permanent impairments may also result in non-economic damages. You may receive an additional amount for diminished quality of life and future suffering.
Factors That Impact the Amount of a Car Accident Settlement in North Dakota
Numerous factors may impact the amount of a car accident settlement in Bismarck, ND. Factors that could affect your settlement include, but are not limited to:
- The type of injuries you sustain in a car crash
- The length of your recovery period
- The treatments you receive for your injuries
- Loss of wages, medical bills, and other losses and expenses
- The severity of disfigurement, scarring, and disability
- The availability of insurance coverage
- The parties involved in the case
- Allegations of modified comparative fault (i.e., you are partly to blame for causing the car accident)
- The strength of the evidence proving causation and fault for the car accident
Our attorneys analyze each factor in your case to determine how the factors impact the value of your damages. We use these factors to argue for a settlement agreement that compensates you fully for all damages.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Bismarck Personal Injury Attorneys
Discuss how much your car accident settlement may be worth during a consultation with our Bismarck car accident attorneys. Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C., today to learn how we can help you maximize your recovery for a car accident claim.
