Even though North Dakota is a no-fault insurance state for car accidents, you may be able to sue an at-fault driver for damages. If so, you could receive a car accident settlement that includes economic and non-economic damages. Our Grand Forks personal injury attorneys explain car accident settlements in this blog.
What Is Included in a Car Accident Settlement in Grand Forks, ND?
A car accident settlement compensates you for your losses and harm caused by the crash. A liability claim can include compensation for economic damages. These damages represent the financial losses and expenses you incur, including, but not limited to:
- The cost of past and future medical treatment, including hospitalizations, doctor’s bills, surgery, rehabilitative therapy, etc.
- Out-of-pocket expenses include personal care, household services, childcare, transportation to medical appointments, etc.
- Past and future lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and loss of employment benefits
A liability claim also includes non-economic damages. The damages compensate you for the pain and suffering you experienced because of the accident. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Scarring and disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Physical suffering
- Impairments and disability
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
Punitive damages are another form of compensation a victim may receive. However, these damages are awarded by the court. Therefore, insurance companies do not include punitive damages in car accident settlements. However, an attorney may use the likelihood of receiving punitive damages if the case went to court as a negotiating tool to increase the settlement amount.
What Factors Determine How Much a Car Accident Settlement Is Worth?
The amount you receive for a car accident settlement depends on the unique circumstances and factors of your case. Factors that can affect the amount of a car accident settlement include:
- The type of insurance sustained
- The medical treatment required for your injuries
- The severity of disabilities and impairments caused by your injuries
- Whether you can return to work or perform any work to earn income
- The strength of the evidence proving your claim
- The availability of insurance coverage for your claim – North Dakota requires drivers to have a minimum amount of car insurance coverage for liability claims
- The parties involved in the case
- Whether you sustained scarring and disfigurement
- Whether you are partially at fault for causing the car accident
Hiring an experienced car accident attorney is another factor that could impact your settlement amount. An attorney understands what damages you are entitled to receive and the value of those damages. Insurance companies pay as little as possible to settle claims. Hiring an attorney ensures you have someone working to protect your best interests.
Learn More During a Free Consultation With Our Grand Forks Personal Injury Attorneys
Before you accept a car accident settlement offer from an insurance company, talk with one of our Grand Forks personal injury attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. Your claim could be worth more than the insurance company has offered for settlement. Accepting a car accident settlement means giving up the right to pursue additional claims or a lawsuit.
