Car accidents can leave victims with plenty of things to worry about in addition to injuries. The financial strain, uncertainty about their future, and transportation hardships are just a few of them. If you’ve been in a car accident in Sacramento, knowing what factors affect settlement amounts can help you maximize your compensation.
If you need legal help, affordable, experienced, and aggressive personal injury attorneys are waiting to help at Eason & Tambornini. We charge no fees upfront, and our consultations are free.
7 Key Factors Leading to High Car Accident Claim Settlements
- Severity of Injuries
The more serious your injuries—such as broken bones, spinal damage, or traumatic brain injuries—the higher your settlement is likely to be. Compensation often includes medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering.
- Medical Expenses
Extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, therapy, and prescriptions, directly impacts settlement value. Keep all records of your medical visits in a safe place. This will improve your chances of getting fully reimbursed for your recovery.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working or reduce your ability to earn a living, your settlement will reflect both past lost wages and future earning potential.
- Pain and Suffering
Non-economic damages (e.g., pain, emotional distress) have a role in determining settlement amounts. Severe injuries or trauma that disrupt daily life often result in higher compensation.
- Clear Liability
When the at-fault driver’s negligence is obvious—such as drunk driving or running a red light—it strengthens your case. However, California’s comparative negligence system means your settlement will likely be reduced if you have partial fault for the accident.
- Insurance Coverage Limits
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits often cap how much compensation is available. Additional compensation may come from your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if damages exceed those limits.
- Quality Legal Representation
Like most professionals we hire to do things, experience matters! Your chances of a higher settlement are increased if you have someone with experience gathering evidence, calculating damages, and negotiating with insurers whose job is minimizing payouts.
Hypothetical Case Study: John, a 42-year-old male
On I-5, on his way to work, 42-year-old Sacramento delivery driver John was rear-ended by a distracted driver. His herniated disc was severely damaged, and he required surgery. Months of painful physical therapy followed. The injury was debilitating, and his bills mounted to $85,000. John could also not work for four months and lost $20,000 in wages. The injury has permanently changed John’s ability to do his job. Following the accident, he was not able to lift or bend like he used to, and his future earning capacity is in jeopardy.
John’s injury has also taken a big emotional toll. He is in pain and can’t drive. He fears another wreck. The at-fault driver admitted to texting at the time of the accident and was clearly at fault, but she only had $50,000 in coverage. Thankfully, John had protected himself with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
John worked with one of our car accident attorneys to build a strong case. He gathered his medical records, statements from the people who saw him, and disturbing photos from the crash scene. With a solid case, he negotiated a $200,000 settlement.
Maximizing Your Settlement in Sacramento
Navigating a car accident claim alone can be overwhelming. Eason & Tambornini’s personal injury attorneys excel at helping Sacramento car accident victims get maximum, fair compensation for their injuries and losses. From building a strong case to negotiating with insurers, we’re here to advocate for you every step of the way.
Skilled and Affordable Car Accident Attorneys Are Available
Our team brings a combined total of over 100 years of legal experience to our work. We fight for maximum, fair compensation for injuries and losses for every client we serve.
FREE Consultation and NO Upfront Legal Fees
We offer a free, no-risk consultation to discuss the facts of your case. We accept cases on a contingency basis only, which means you pay nothing until you win.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling Eason & Tambornini at (916) 438-1819.
