If you were recently injured in a car accident in Nashville, you may be wondering how much your case is worth. The truth is that there isn’t a single number that applies to every situation. The value of a car accident settlement depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries and the available insurance coverage, among others.
Learning about these factors can help you get a clearer idea of what’s fair and ensure you don’t settle for less than you deserve.
What Factors Influence the Value of a Nashville Car Accident Settlement?
Every car accident claim is different, and the amount of compensation you can recover will vary based on the details of your case. Some of the most common factors that influence settlement value include:
- The severity of your injuries: Catastrophic or permanent injuries generally result in higher settlements than minor ones.
- Your medical expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical costs.
- Lost income: If you missed work or can’t return to your previous job, your lost wages and reduced earning capacity will be factored in.
- Pain and suffering: These damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and other personal items.
- Liability: If another driver was clearly at fault, your claim value will likely be higher. However, if you share blame, it can reduce your recovery.
In general, cases involving severe or permanent injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or amputations—can result in settlements reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
The Role of Comparative Fault in Tennessee
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault framework. This means that your settlement can be reduced if you’re found partly responsible for the crash.
For example, if you’re awarded $500,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced to $400,000. However, if you’re 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages.
Since insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto victims to try and protect their profits, having a skilled attorney can make a major difference in protecting your right to fair compensation.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
A fair settlement should account for both your economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are your measurable financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills and treatment costs
- Lost wages and future earning potential
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify but just as important. These include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
An experienced Nashville car accident lawyer can work with medical and financial experts to calculate both types of damages accurately and ensure that your settlement reflects the true cost of your injury.
Contact a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, it’s best not to guess what your case is worth. Woodard Injury Law can review the facts of your case and provide you with personalized insight during a free initial consultation. Call (615) 880-6126 today or contact us online to get started.