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What is the Average Pennsylvania Car Accident Settlement?

May 24, 2024

Car accident settlement data from the Insurance Information Institute shows the average car crash settlement in 2024 in Pennsylvania was $20,235. The average incorporates a range of injuries and accident types, including fatal crashes and fender benders.

While the number indicates the relative value of a settlement offered by an insurance company after a car accident injury, it’s not directly relevant to your car accident case circumstances.

Your Car Accident Settlement

With medical bills rising and a loss of employment straining your finances, you may consider suing for compensation and recovering your expenses after a car accident. As you start the legal process, you’re likely wondering “How much is my car accident injury case worth?”.

Your car accident settlement value depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, your insurance coverage, and your lawyer’s negotiating capacity. Learning your legal rights and the factors behind car accident settlement values can ensure you and your loved ones receive fair compensation for your car accident injury.

The Factors Influencing Car Accident Case Settlements

Injury Severity

Severe injuries require more extensive medical care, ongoing surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term service support from professionals.

After a severe car accident injury, a person may be unable to work or enjoy their favorite everyday activities. These factors play a significant role in the car accident settlement amount. For example, a victim with a spinal cord injury will likely receive a higher settlement offer from the insurance company than someone who suffers a broken leg after a car crash.

Insurance Coverage

The amount of liability coverage within your car insurance policy can play a decisive role in determining the initial compensation offer from your insurance company. Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, so accident victims generally file an injury claim with their car insurance company regardless of fault.

Full Tort Vs. Limited Tort

Under Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, drivers can choose between limited tort and full tort coverage.

Unless you experience a serious injury as defined under Pennsylvania law, you can only recover damages from your own insurance company if you choose a limited tort policy. However, if you have a full tort policy, you can file a claim against the person(s) liable for the accident and recover compensation for non-economic damages. Our post regarding full tort and limited tort explains more about the differences between the policies.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage is required of all drivers by law in Pennsylvania and will cover an injured person’s medical expenses after a car accident.

The state’s coverage requirements are widely known as a 15/30/5 liability insurance plan. Plans include $15,000 in coverage per injured person per crash, $30,000 total coverage per crash, and $5000 in Personal Injury Protection coverage.

Pennsylvania Law Governs Out-of-State Drivers

One common issue in car accident injury cases is when a driver from one state causes an injury to a driver and passengers in Pennsylvania. For example, a driver from New Jersey injures a Pennsylvania driver when traveling across the state.

In most cases, Pennsylvania law dictates liability and compensation requirements after a car accident within the state’s borders. But you’ll need assistance from a car accident lawyer to pursue a lawsuit against an out-of-state driver for damages beyond your insurance policy coverage.

Legal Representation

The experience and expertise of your car accident lawyers are two of the leading factors determining settlement value in a car accident claim. Your car accident lawyer must have direct experience negotiating with insurance companies and fearlessly representing their clients in challenging car crash cases.

A major challenge for car accident victims seeking compensation beyond the limits of their insurance coverage is that car insurance companies have powerful legal teams. Hiring a car accident lawyer to challenge the insurance companies and represent your interests can give you the edge in negotiating a settlement.

Lawyers will back your claim with medical evidence, cite case law, and advocate for you during each phase of the negotiation. It’s why many injury victims book a free consultation with a car accident lawyer before exploring their car accident case value.

The Cause of the Accident

The cause of the accident helps to determine the relative value of any injury settlement. Any negligent actions that lead to your injuries may increase the settlement amount. A driver may be legally negligent and responsible for a victim’s injuries if they act in a way that violates their duty of care in operating a motor vehicle.

Examples of driver negligence in car accident cases include:

Failing to use a turn signal
Failing to stop at a red light
Following too closely
Operating a motor vehicle while impaired

To file a claim for car accident compensation based on negligence in Pennsylvania, you must prove that the driver’s actions caused you direct harm and led to your car accident injuries. Read our post on fault in car accident cases to learn more about the legal definition of fault and how responsibility is determined.

Can Passengers Be Held Liable for Pennsylvania Car Accident Settlements?

The driver is not the sole subject of any car crash investigation. You may sue other parties for their role in an accident. Consider, for example, cases in which a passenger is responsible for an accident and any injuries you suffer.

Passengers can be liable for car accidents under Pennsylvania law when they impact the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. You may have a case for a car accident settlement against a passenger in the same vehicle as you, or another vehicle in the following circumstances:

The passenger incapacitated the driver (pulling on clothing, covering the driver’s eyes, etc.)
The passenger encouraged an “unfit” driver (impaired or underage driver)
The passenger momentarily took control of the vehicle, for example, by turning the steering wheel or pressing the brake pedal. In such cases, the passenger can be considered the vehicle operator

Get the Maximum Car Accident Settlement with Jeffrey Penneys

Now that you know more about the factors determining a car accident case settlement, you’re ready to speak with a skilled and experienced car accident lawyer about filing your injury claim.

Jeffrey Penneys is your best choice of local injury attorney as he has decades of experience advocating for car accident victims, inside and outside the courtroom. Jeffrey is known for his legal acumen and ability to communicate complex legal topics. Find out more with a free, no-obligation consultation with the Law Offices of Jeffrey Penneys.

Call 215-798-9416 to speak with Jeffrey Penneys or book your car accident case review online.

Car Accident Resources

Learn more about Car accidents in Philadelphia with the following resources:

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