Anyone who has ever been in a T-bone—or any—type of car accident and is seriously injured usually ends up with significant financial concerns. Because of this, they decide to file a claim or lawsuit to seek compensation.
If you or a loved one was recently injured in a T-bone crash, you are likely wondering, What is the average payout for a T-bone accident in California? At Weinberg Law Offices, we can help you determine what type and how much compensation you might be able to receive.
T-Bone Car Accident Settlement Factors
Although it is usually not what accident victims want to hear, there is no definitive average payout for a T-bone accident. This is for several reasons, mainly because most settlements are confidential and not public. Confidential settlements cannot be factored into an average equation. There also is no “average settlement database” in which everyone plugs in their settlement amount. It is simply hard to know what people settle their claims or lawsuits for.
In addition, every situation, settlement, and case is unique. Even similar accidents will have differences that can affect the settlement.
While there is no precise average settlement, settlements and awards in T-bone accidents are often influenced by the severity of injuries and financial losses. Generally:
- Minor to moderate injury cases (e.g., whiplash or soft tissue damage) may result in settlements ranging from $10,000–$50,000, based on medical costs and recovery time.
- Severe injury cases (e.g., spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities) can exceed $100,000, depending on factors like long-term medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Several factors will ultimately determine a fair and adequate payout.
Severity of Injuries
One of the most influential factors in a T-bone accident settlement is the nature and extent of your injuries. If you suffer only minor bumps and bruises and expect to recover quickly, your payout will likely be on the lower end of the spectrum. On the other hand, if you experience severe injuries requiring extensive medical care or permanent impairment, your settlement could exceed $100,000, reflecting the additional costs and long-term impacts.
Financial Loss
An injured plaintiff’s financial loss will also play a significant role in determining compensation. Lost wages, inability to earn a living, and other financial impacts, such as medical expenses and property damage, contribute to the overall settlement amount.
For example, cases involving temporary recovery might align with settlements between $10,000–$50,000, while cases with catastrophic injuries, ongoing medical treatments, or permanent disabilities could far exceed $100,000.
Insurance Policy Coverage and Limits
While the severity of injuries and financial losses influence payouts, insurance policy limits often act as a ceiling. Even if your damages are substantial, collecting compensation may be challenging if the at-fault party has minimal insurance coverage.
Applicable California Law
California’s comparative negligence rules also affect payouts. For example, if a settlement starts at $100,000 but you’re found 50% at fault, your compensation would be reduced to $50,000.
Joint and Several Liability
In multi-vehicle crashes, several parties can be liable for the accident. Determining who is at fault is essential but can be challenging to do on your own. It often takes a thorough investigation and lengthy discovery to determine fault. Having an experienced car accident lawyer can markedly increase your chances of substantial compensation.
Other factors considered in determining a T-bone accident payout or settlement include:
- Your age, medical history, and whether you have any pre-existing conditions;
- Anticipated future medical expenses;
- Negative impact on your life;
- Who the defendants are (i.e., individual or corporation); and
- The number of defendants involved.
During your initial consultation and subsequent meetings, your attorney will review these factors to see how they might apply to your situation. From there, you can come up with a general estimate of what your case might be worth and what you can expect from any settlement or award.
Notably, you must consider how every factor applies to you. For instance, you may have a totaled car but experienced minor injuries and will return to work after only a few days, or you may have serious injuries but no lost wages and minor damage to your car. All factors together will generate an overall picture of your anticipated payout. Whether your case settles or proceeds to trial, an insurance adjuster, judge, or jury will utilize the same factors.
Recent T-Bone Accident Settlement
The Case: Our client was involved in a T-bone accident in which a 17-year-old driver ran a stop sign. A well-known firm that advertises on buses, billboards, radios, and TV Stations decided that our client did not have a winnable case after representing him for 5 months. They dropped his case and he came to us. Within 7 months, we were able to settle with the insurance company for the full policy limits of $250,000 plus a personal contribution from the other party of $3,000 for a total settlement of $253,000.
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind that testimonials or reviews do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter, as the facts and circumstances of each case differ.
Types of Damages Factored into a T-Bone Car Accident Settlement
If their claim is successful, most T-bone accident victims can expect two types of damages: economic and noneconomic. Both compensate the plaintiff for their losses.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include medical expenses, anticipated future medical costs, car repair or replacement, lost wages, and the cost of hiring outside help for household duties or childcare. These damages are straightforward to calculate with records, receipts, pay stubs, invoices, and estimates. However, economic damages can vary significantly depending on how the abovementioned factors apply to your situation. An attorney can help you determine your actual economic damages.
Noneconomic Damages
While noneconomic damages also compensate a plaintiff, they pay for subjective, intangible losses. Examples include a plaintiff’s pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional turmoil, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Because these damages are personal to the individual, they are often hotly contested by defendants and their insurance companies. However, you are entitled to them, which can be substantial. It is vital to have a sharp attorney ready to negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the maximum amount of noneconomic damages.
Exemplary or Punitive Damages
If you were involved in a particularly horrific T-bone accident because the defendant was grossly negligent or acted with malice, the court may award you punitive damages. Although rarely awarded, punitive damages punish a defendant for their horrific conduct and make an example out of them to deter future similar behavior. Your lawyer will discuss whether you might receive punitive damages.
FAQs About T-Bone Accident Settlements
What Factors Determine the Payout for a T-Bone Accident?
The payout depends on various factors including the severity of injuries, the financial losses incurred (e.g., medical bills, lost wages), the extent of fault attributed to each party, insurance policy limits, and any long-term effects of the accident (such as permanent disability). Each case is unique, which is why settlement amounts can vary significantly.
Can I Get Compensated for Both Medical Bills and Pain and Suffering in a T-Bone Accident?
Yes, compensation for a T-bone accident typically covers both medical bills and pain and suffering. The severity of your injuries will influence the amount awarded for pain and suffering, while medical bills will reflect actual expenses incurred for treatment and recovery. In some cases, compensation may also cover future medical costs related to long-term injuries.
Is the Settlement Amount for a T-Bone Accident Taxed?
In most cases, settlement amounts for personal injury claims are not taxable. However, if the settlement includes compensation for lost wages or punitive damages, those portions may be subject to taxes.
What Should I Do Immediately After a T-Bone Accident to Increase My Chances of a Higher Payout?
To protect your chances for a fair settlement, seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Document the accident scene with photos, take note of any injuries, and get the contact details of witnesses. Additionally, avoid admitting fault or discussing the details of the accident with the other driver’s insurance before speaking with an attorney.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Payout After a T-Bone Accident Settlement?
The time it takes to receive a payout after a T-bone accident settlement can vary. If the case is settled quickly, you might receive compensation within a few weeks. However, if the case involves extensive negotiations, litigation, or disputes over fault, it could take several months to a year or more. Consulting an experienced attorney can help expedite the process.
Get the Settlement You Deserve After a T-Bone Accident—Contact Our Experienced Lawyers Today
At Weinberg Law Offices, we pride ourselves on constantly communicating with our clients every step of the way. We will not recommend a settlement for a T-bone accident that is less than what you deserve and will take a case to trial no matter the size or who the defendant is. Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We do not get paid unless you win.
Disclaimer: This content should not be construed as legal advice.
As a personal injury attorney, my mantra is that there is no such thing as a “small case”. I will give 100% matter how big or small a case may be. I am fluent in English, Hebrew, and Spanish, languages which I use regularly in my practice.
Loading...