What is My Car Accident Case Worth in New York in 2025?
Determining the value of your car accident case in New York is no simple task. With various factors at play, such as multiple liable parties, medical bills, long-term impacts, and unhelpful insurance companies, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Every case and accident is unique, and the outcome depends on assessing the full scope of your damages while navigating the complex insurance and legal processes.
At Denlea & Carton, it is our privilege to serve your legal needs, and we understand that after a car accident, you and your loved ones can be left severely injured and need legal guidance. Securing compensation for your injuries will ensure that you and your family don’t face financial hardship after an accident and that those who were responsible for your injuries are held liable.
Factors Influencing Car Accident Case Value
New York is a “no-fault” insurance state that requires most insurance claims to be paid through your insurance regardless of fault. This limits the ability to make minor personal injury claims, as personal injury lawsuits are generally only allowed when the losses exceed $50,000. This makes New York’s average payout for car accident claims higher than the national average.
The value of each claim differs depending on the circumstances of the case and the injuries that were suffered.
Factors such as:
- Injury Severity: The severity of your injuries significantly impacts the potential settlement amount in a personal injury claim. Severe injuries, such as those requiring extensive medical care, long-term rehabilitation, or resulting in permanent disabilities, have a greater impact on your quality of life and earning potential.
- Potential injuries include: TBIs, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and whiplash.
- Cause of the Accident: If the accident resulted from another driver’s negligence or reckless actions, you can receive a larger compensation. If they were driving recklessly, under the influence, or even texting.
- Economic Impacts: Hiring an experienced legal team such as Dunlea & Carton is vital to ensure that the long-term economic impacts are properly calculated and demonstrated in settlement negotiations. If you were out of work after the accident you are entitled to receive any lost wages, or any from missing work for follow-up appointments and any financial strains you face from losing your car or property damage.
- Non-Economic Impacts: Compensation for your non-monetary losses such as pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, or enjoyment of life can be hard to quantify without the right legal guidance to help.
New York has implemented a no-fault insurance system, along with a comparative negligence system that can greatly affect the amount of your settlement. These unique factors encourage all those who have suffered the pain and injury of a car accident to hire an experienced attorney so an experienced legal team can handle your settlement.
Factors That Increase Liability in Car Accident Cases
Certain unique factors in car accident cases can significantly impact and increase your settlement amount when you can establish that the driver who was at fault was negligent and clearly liable.
Factors such as:
- Reckless Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Distracted Driving
These actions are considered reckless, which can increase the severity of penalties for those who are at fault. New York’s comparative negligence laws determine fault in car accidents. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible for compensation. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. By consulting with an experienced car accident attorney, you can increase your chances of obtaining a fair and just settlement.
Maximizing Your Car Accident Case Value
Maximizing your case accident settlement value starts immediately after a crash happens. The careful attention to detail and proactive steps that you take from the moment that you are in a crash are vital to securing the maximum compensation that you deserve.
After a crash, you should:
- Call the authorities
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Gather contact information of everyone involved and any witnesses
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Hire an experienced car accident lawyer
Taking these essential steps is crucial for your health and documenting your injuries clearly, linking them to the accident and providing an official report. Establishing a clear link between the accident and your injuries maximizes your payout regarding compensation.
Average Car Accident Injury Settlements in New York
The amount of compensation you can receive after a car accident in New York depends on various factors, primarily the severity of your injuries.
Here are some general ranges for common car accident injuries:
- Soft Tissue Injuries (Whiplash): Average settlements can range up to $25,000 for injuries like whiplash, which typically involve shorter recovery times and moderate medical expenses.
- Fractures or Broken Bones: Depending on the severity and any resulting complications (surgeries, long-term disabilities), settlements for fractures can range from $50,000 to $100,000.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD settlements can vary significantly, ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the severity of the condition and its impact on your quality of life.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injuries: These catastrophic injuries often result in significant medical expenses, long-term care needs, and a substantial impact on quality of life. Settlements for TBI and spinal cord injuries can exceed $1 million.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact an experienced car accident attorney today for a free consultation.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
At Denlea & Carton, we understand the devastating impact a car accident can have on you and your family. Injuries can be severe, and the financial burden can be overwhelming.
Securing compensation is crucial, not only for your financial recovery but also to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Contact our legal team today for a free consultation. We are here to help you recover and move forward.
