Automobile accidents can be traumatic, painful, and expensive events. If you’ve been in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you might be curious about how much of a settlement you can anticipate. Understanding the various elements that affect your settlement amount can help you bargain with the opposing party or their insurance provider for a reasonable payment. 

The following nine elements can influence the amount of a St. Louis car accident settlement.

1. The Severity of Your Injuries 

The severity of your injuries’ severity will exert a strong impact on your settlement. You may be eligible for greater compensation if your injuries are more severe. This factor includes the kind of injuries you suffered, their severity, and how long it took you to heal.

2. Your Medical Bills

 The amount of your medical bills is another element that matters. This factor includes the cost of any emergency room visits, inpatient stays, surgeries, and any medical care you require as a result of the accident. The amount of these invoices will probably be covered by your settlement.

3. Lost Income 

If your injuries prevented you from working, you may be able to get compensation for your lost wages as part of your settlement. Included in this amount is any salary or hourly pay you would have made had you been able to work during that time.

4. Property Damage 

If the accident damaged or destroyed your car or other personal property, you may be entitled to recover the cost of replacement or repairs in your settlement.

5. The Insurance Policy Limits of the Responsible Party 

The amount of your payout may vary depending on the insurance coverage offered by the party who was at fault. Your payment may increase if the at-fault party has a high coverage limit.

6. Missouri Laws Governing Fault 

Missouri has a pure comparative fault system, which means that if you share some of the blame for the collision, you will lose a portion of your compensation. An insurer (or court or jury) can reduce your damages to account for your percentage of fault. For instance, your compensation would be lowered by $2,500 if you were determined to be 25% at blame for a $10,000 claim.

7. The Merits of Your Case

The value of your settlement might affect the merits of your claim. You might be able to negotiate a higher payment if you have solid proof to back up your claim, such as eyewitness accounts, photos of the accident scene, or a favorable police report.

8. Settlement Negotiations

Negotiations will certainly affect the amount of the settlement. You might be able to command a larger settlement if you can successfully negotiate with the opposing party or their insurance provider.

9. The Influence of Your Lawyer 

Consulting counsel may affect the amount of your settlement. Your lawyer can strengthen your case and advocate for you in settlement negotiations. The prospect of legal action alone may be sufficient in some circumstances to persuade the other party to make a better settlement offer.

Types of Compensation You May Qualify For

Missouri recognizes three main types of damages: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. 

  • Economic damages: The two main pillars of economic damages are medical expenses and lost earnings. The general rule is that if you can easily count them, they qualify as economic damages.
  • Noneconomic damages: Noneconomic damages represent intangible losses such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the like. They frequently amount to far more than economic damages.
  • Punitive damages: Courts seldom award punitive damages. You can win punitive damages if you prove that the defendant intentionally harmed you without just cause or exhibited a deliberate and flagrant disregard for your safety. 

The Quality of Your Lawyer Makes a Difference

Every automobile accident case is different, so it’s crucial to remember that the size of your settlement will depend on the details of your case. These nine elements are only a handful of the many factors that may affect the size of a St. Louis automobile accident compensation. To learn what to expect from a settlement, it’s a good idea to speak with a personal injury attorney.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis, MO

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

St. Louis, MO Law Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444

Ladue, MO Law Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124

Columbia, MO Law Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201

Creve Coeur, MO Law Office 
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141