Everything You Need to Know About Car Accident Settlements
If you were hurt in a crash and need financial restitution for your injuries, you might be wondering how car accident settlements work and how much compensation you could receive. Settlements are the most common way personal injury claims are resolved, often avoiding the time and uncertainty of going to trial.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers have recovered millions for clients injured in all types of motor vehicle accidents and other personal injury claims. With over 170 years of combined legal experience, our goal is to help clients understand every stage of the process so they can make informed decisions about their cases.
What Is a Car Accident Settlement?
A car accident settlement is an agreement between an injured person and an insurance company or at-fault driver to resolve a claim for damages. Instead of going to court, the injured party agrees to accept a specific payment amount in exchange for releasing further legal claims related to the accident.
Settlements can occur before a lawsuit is filed or at any stage during the legal process. Most personal injury cases in Pennsylvania are resolved through negotiated settlements rather than jury verdicts.
How Settlements Differ from Lawsuits
A settlement allows both sides to resolve the case privately and efficiently, avoiding the time, cost, and stress of a trial. Lawsuits, on the other hand, require formal discovery, court appearances, and potential months or years of litigation.
Settling a case provides greater certainty and faster access to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. However, it is important not to settle too quickly before you know the full extent of your injuries or future costs.
The Role of Negligence and Insurance in Settlements
Car accident settlements depend on who was legally responsible for the crash. Under Pennsylvania law, negligence occurs when a person fails to use reasonable care, causing harm to another. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence.
Insurance companies evaluate liability by reviewing police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. They use this information to determine whether their policyholder was at fault and what portion of damages they may be required to pay.
What Factors Impact the Value of Your Settlement?
The value of a car accident settlement depends on the details of the crash, the severity of injuries, and the financial losses suffered. Each claim is different, but several key factors influence the total amount you can recover.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
Compensation in a settlement generally falls into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as:
- Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Transportation and out-of-pocket expenses related to recovery
Non-economic damages address the physical and emotional impact of the accident, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Both types of damages can be pursued. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you identify everything you can seek damages for.
How Fault and Evidence Affect Compensation
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident, as long as your percentage of fault is less than 51 percent. However, your compensation will be reduced by your level of responsibility.
For example: If you are found 20 percent at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $80,000.
Strong evidence can make a significant difference in the value of your settlement. Useful forms of proof include accident scene photos, witness statements, dashcam footage, and police or medical reports.
Severity of Injuries and Long-Term Impacts
Severe injuries typically result in higher settlements because they involve greater medical costs, longer recovery times, and long-term effects on quality of life. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations often require lifelong care and rehabilitation.
At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we have extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic and fatal car accidents. Our attorneys work with medical experts and economists to ensure every future expense is accounted for before a settlement is accepted.
Insurance Policy Limits and Defendant Assets
In many cases, the available insurance coverage limits how much compensation you can recover. If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, additional claims may be pursued through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
When a negligent driver lacks sufficient coverage, our attorneys also evaluate whether personal or business assets can be targeted to satisfy the remaining balance.
How Much Money Can You Get from a Car Accident Settlement?
There is no fixed amount for a car accident settlement. Values vary widely based on the circumstances of each case, including injury severity, total medical costs, and how the crash affects your ability to work and live normally.
National and Pennsylvania Settlement Ranges
Across the United States, minor injury settlements can range from $5,000 to $25,000, while moderate injury cases often fall between $30,000 and $100,000. Serious injury cases involving surgery, permanent impairment, or death can exceed several hundred thousand dollars or more.
In Pennsylvania, settlements reflect local medical costs and insurance coverage limits. Because every claim is unique, speaking with an experienced Pittsburgh motor vehicle accident attorney can help you understand what your case may realistically be worth. Your lawyer will be able to give you an estimate as to how much compensation you may be able to receive but there is no guarantee until an official settlement is reached.
How to Build a Strong Car Accident Claim
To secure a fair settlement, it is important to build a strong case supported by evidence. Steps that can improve your claim include:
- Seeking immediate medical attention and following all treatment recommendations
- Reporting the accident to law enforcement and your insurer
- Preserving photos, videos, and damaged property
- Keeping all medical records and receipts
- Avoiding statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice
Our attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. handle every part of this process for you. We gather evidence, negotiate with insurers, and ensure that your rights are protected at every step.
The Car Accident Settlement Process: Step-by-Step
The settlement process typically begins with an investigation of the accident and collection of supporting documents. Your lawyer then prepares a demand package outlining liability, damages, and supporting evidence.
Once the insurance company reviews the demand, negotiations begin. This back-and-forth process may involve counteroffers and additional documentation. If a fair offer is reached, you can sign a release agreement and receive your compensation.
If negotiations fail, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to preserve your rights. Even after filing, most cases still settle before reaching trial. In fact, a report from The Law Dictionary said that around 95% of personal injury cases end in a pre-trial settlement.
When to Accept a Car Accident Settlement Offer
Timing is critical when it comes to accepting a settlement offer. Accepting too early could leave you without funds to cover future treatment or ongoing pain.
Signs the Offer May Be Too Low
Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers hoping injured people will accept before understanding the full cost of recovery. Warning signs of an unfair offer include:
- Ignoring future medical care or long-term symptoms
- Downplaying pain and suffering
- Pressuring you to sign quickly
- Offering payment before medical treatment is complete
Why Legal Review Matters Before Signing
Before accepting any settlement, it is important to review the terms with an experienced Pittsburgh personal injury attorney. Once you sign, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later, even if new complications arise.
An attorney ensures that your settlement covers all current and future expenses and that you are not signing away important rights.
How Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C. Can Help
Our firm has built a strong reputation for achieving exceptional results in car accident and personal injury cases across Pennsylvania. We combine decades of experience, skilled negotiation, and dedicated client service to help accident victims rebuild their lives. Insurance companies make their profit by working hard to deflate insurance payout amounts. We know their tactics and we will work hard to ensure your rights are observed and you are compensated fairly.
Proven Record of Success in Injury Settlements
With more than 170 years of combined experience, our attorneys have secured record verdicts and settlements in complex injury and wrongful death cases. We handle everything from minor collisions to catastrophic accidents and fatal crashes.
Our results include multimillion-dollar recoveries for families who have suffered life-changing injuries. We understand how to prove liability, calculate damages, and negotiate for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Start Your Claim Today
If you were injured in a car accident, you do not have to deal with the insurance companies alone. At Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman, P.C., we're here to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at (412) 391-7610 for your free, confidential consultation. We work hard for our clients and we believe in our ability to produce results. As a result, we do not charge an upfront fee and if we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.