Average Settlement for a Non-Injury Car Accident: Full Breakdown

Not every accident is fatal; however, every accident leaves you with a financial burden, no matter how little. Even a small fender collision can attract repair costs and endless insurance discussions.

The average settlement for non-injury car accidents can range from $500 to $10,000+. The final amount depends largely on the extent of property damage. Working with reliable car accident attorneys can strengthen your claim.

Our firm offers reliable representation in Oklahoma. Take advantage of our free case evaluations and start your claim today. A Tulsa, OK car accident lawyer can help drivers recover compensation for vehicle repairs, rental expenses, diminished value claims, and other losses following a collision.

What to Expect From a Non-Injury Car Accident Settlement

Non-injury car accident settlements are more straightforward than those that involve injuries. However, this does not mean that they are faster or more predictable. They are considered straightforward because they often focus on property damage and other related costs.

First and foremost, you should expect a low offer from the insurance company. They are quite notorious for dishing out lowball offers. In this instance, it may be extremely low, especially as there are no injuries.

You can counter this by negotiating a better settlement. You can tilt the negotiation in your favor by presenting relevant evidence to support your claim. Your team of lawyers should be able to reach an agreement without going to court.

It is also important to note that the compensation will mostly be restricted to property damage. Since there are no injuries recorded, it may be difficult to prove any form of emotional distress without any physical proof.

Finally, you can expect disputes as to liability. The other party may dispute fault to reduce the settlement you receive. Your reports and evidence will be important to prove the other party’s fault.

Average Settlement Amounts for Car Accidents With No Injuries

Since there are no injuries, the settlement amounts usually focus on property damage. The average settlement for property damage claims in the US is $3,000. The payout varies depending on the extent of damage.

• Minor Damage: This could involve scratches or light dents on the vehicle. Settlement is usually quick with minimal negotiation. The amount could range between $500 and $3,000
• Moderate Damage: After these accidents, the vehicle will require bodywork and part replacements. Considering the cost of labour and rentals, the settlement amount is between $3,000 and $10,000.
• Severe Damage/ Total Loss: Here, the vehicle may be totaled or damaged beyond repair. The settlement amount will be based on the vehicle’s fair market value at the time of the crash. The payment is usually $10,000 or more.

What a Non-Injury Car Accident Compensation Covers

Non-injury car accident compensation is designed to reimburse any financial losses you may have suffered as a result of the accident. The amount is expected to cover the following expenses:

1. Vehicle Repairs and Replacement

A huge chunk of the settlement will cover vehicle repairs and replacement. This is to replace the cost of any bodywork or part replacement. If the vehicle is replaced, you will receive the estimated market value and not the original purchase price.

2. Diminished Value

Once a car has been involved in an accident, its value reduces, even after repairs. For instance, the value of a premium SUV diminishes by about 12 – 22% after a crash, which directly affects its resale value. The compensation should account for this reduction in value.

3. Rental Car Expenses

While your car is being repaired, you may have to rent a vehicle to make your commute easier. Ride-hailing and public transportation costs will also be considered. Note that this is only reimbursed for a limited period, depending on the insurance policy.

4. Personal Property Damage

Phones, laptops, car seats, glasses, and other personal items could also be damaged due to the crash. The average settlement for non-injury car accidents should cover the cost of replacing or repairing these items.

5. Out-of-Pocket Expenses

This includes the cost of towing the car from the accident scene or storage costs. These expenses may not go directly to the car repairs, but are important to ensure the car gets back to you quickly.

6. Lost Wages

You may have missed some work deliverables or activities because of the accident. Vehicle repairs can also restrict your movement and affect your earnings. Note that you must have sufficient evidence that directly links the lost wages to the accident.

7. Emotional Distress

In some cases, accident victims may suffer anxiety and PTSD because of the accident. This may be difficult to prove, especially when you have not sustained any physical injuries. You, however, have a chance of getting compensation where there is a professional diagnosis linking the emotional trauma to the accident.

Key Factors That Determine Your Settlement Amount

Your settlement amount is not just some random figure that the insurer decides to pay. Several factors affect the amount, as no two settlements are the same, no matter how similar they seem.

These factors include:

1. Property Damage: The higher the damage your vehicle suffered, the higher your settlement amount may be. Total loss of the vehicle will lead to compensation for the pre-accident market value. Damage to other personal property, like phones, can also affect the final amount.
2. Liability and Negligence: It is important to determine who caused the accident. Oklahoma practices a fault-based tort system that places the responsibility for damages on the at-fault party. However, the modified comparative negligence rule bars individuals from receiving compensation where their fault exceeds 50%
3. Insurance Policy Limits: Every driver is mandated to carry a minimum liability policy of $25,000 for property damage. If the damage exceeds the at-fault driver’s policy limits, it can affect the amount you recover in settlement.
4. Evidence and Documentation: Police reports, photos, and videos of the accident scene, and repair receipts are some important documents you need. This will make it difficult for the other party to dispute the costs and increase your chances of getting proper compensation.
5. Vehicle Value: Newer or well-maintained vehicles can attract a higher payment. Older beat-down vehicles, on the other hand, may attract lower compensation. The other party may even attribute the cause of the accident to the poor state of your vehicle.
6. Additional Costs: If you incurred additional costs by renting a vehicle, towing your car, or using alternate means of transportation, you need to be compensated. Presenting proof of such expenses can significantly increase your final payout.
7. Negotiation Tactics: Reviewing and questioning your initial offer can help you secure a better outcome. Working with a car accident attorney who has strong negotiation skills can positively influence your final settlement amount.

You do not have to handle your settlement process alone. We have a team of experienced attorneys available 24/7 to handle your claim with great care.

Don’t take chances with your claim. Ready to start negotiations? Get a Free Consultation with our firm.

How Settlements for Non-Injury Car Accidents Are Calculated

Non-injury car accident settlements are determined by calculating all the losses incurred. Every expense geared towards repairs is calculated and valued. Once a figure is reached, the parties involved may negotiate the price upward or downward.

On the rare occasion that there are non-economic damages, the insurer will use a multiplier to compensate for any pain and suffering. In the end, negotiation affects the average settlement for non-injury car accidents.

How to Maximize Your Non-Injury Car Accident Settlement

To make the most of your non-injury car accident settlement, you have to be intentional about every step you take. From the date of the accident till you get compensation, you can maximize your claim by doing the following:

• Document Everything: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene and the surrounding area. If you have a dashcam, you should retrieve the footage and keep all the information safe. You can even show the vehicle’s condition before the accident to emphasize the extent of damage.
• Get Detailed Estimates: Do not rely on the insurance company’s estimates alone. Contact a trusted mechanic to assess the true cost of vehicle repairs so you can get adequate compensation.
• Get A Police Report: Beyond your personal records, you also need an official police report. This is crucial during settlement and will also serve as an unbiased account of the accident.
• Do Not Accept the First Offer: It is common knowledge that the first offer is often undervalued. Be patient enough to get the market value of your vehicle before you start negotiations.
• Do Not Admit Fault: You may apologize to the other party out of courtesy, but it could be taken as an admission of fault. Keep every interaction professional and avoid making statements that could reduce your payout.

When to Hire a No-Injury Car Accident Lawyer

You may be tempted to handle your settlement on your own, especially as it is a non-injury car accident. This is not advisable, especially if you hope to get the maximum amount possible.

If you’re unsure of when to hire a car accident lawyer, you should do so when:

• You are confused about the next step to take after the crash.
• The other driver denies fault and disputes who caused the accident.
• Repair costs are high, but the insurance company’s offer is insufficient.
• The crash involved multiple vehicles.
• The insurance company is delaying payment or acting suspiciously.
• You find it difficult to organise evidence and the necessary documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Non-injury car accident settlements may seem straightforward; however, there are important factors to consider. They can affect your claim and the final payout. Let’s take a look at some of the common questions people have in these cases:

Are Luxury Cars Treated Differently in Settlement Cases?

No, the settlement process is the same for every vehicle. However, they tend to attract higher settlements because they are more costly to repair and replace. Also, they depreciate very fast after an accident.

Do Police Reports Affect Non-Injury Settlement Value?

Yes, a police report can significantly increase the value of a non-injury car accident settlement. The report helps determine liability and corroborates the facts that the victim has presented.

Can You File a Claim If Damage Appears Later?

Yes, you can file a claim if damage appears later. However, you must prove that the damage is a result of the original accident and not from any other occurrence.

Can Dashcam Footage Increase Settlement Amount?

Yes, dashcam footage can increase the settlement amount where it shows that you indeed did not cause the accident. However, it could be detrimental to your claim if it shows that your actions contributed to the accident.

The settlement from your non-injury car accident should cover the cost of your repairs and other expenses. If you get anything less, you may have grounds to negotiate a higher settlement.

If you don’t know how to file a claim and get a reasonable settlement, you’re in luck. At Lai & Turner Law Firm PLLC, we have answers to your personal injury questions. Our team of experienced attorneys is readily available to guide you on every step.

You no longer have to struggle with your claim. Got questions? Contact us to get clear answers about your legal options.