Stephen Schultz | August 19, 2025 | Car Accidents
Car accidents happen every day in St. Louis and across Missouri. When you have been injured in a crash, one of your first questions might be about the average car accident settlement amount. While every case is different, understanding typical settlement ranges can help you know what to expect.
The reality is that car accident settlements vary widely. Some cases settle for a few thousand dollars. Others reach six or seven figures. The amount depends on many factors unique to your situation.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts
Several key elements influence how much your car accident settlement might be worth. Understanding these factors helps you better evaluate your case.
The main factors that affect settlement amounts include:
- Severity of injuries: More serious injuries typically result in higher settlements
- Medical expenses: Current and future treatment costs significantly impact value
- Lost wages: Income missed due to injury and reduced future earning capacity
- Property damage: Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional impact of the accident
- Liability clarity: How clear fault is in the accident
Your injuries play the biggest role in determining value. A broken bone that heals in a few months will likely result in a smaller settlement than a spinal cord injury requiring lifelong care.
Types of Damages in Car Accident Cases
Car accident settlements typically include several types of damages. Understanding these categories helps you know what compensation you might receive.
The main types of damages include:
- Economic damages: Cover your actual financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage
- Non-economic damages: Compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages: Rarely awarded, these punish extremely negligent behavior
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate but can make up a significant portion of your settlement. In rare cases involving extreme negligence, punitive damages may apply to punish the at-fault driver.
Average Settlement Ranges by Injury Type
The value of a personal injury settlement often depends on how serious the injury is and the amount of treatment required. While no two cases are exactly alike, past outcomes give a general idea of what different types of injuries may be worth:
- Minor injuries: Minor injuries like whiplash or small cuts often result in settlements between $2,500 and $10,000. These cases typically resolve quickly with minimal medical treatment.
- Moderate injuries: Moderate injuries such as broken bones or herniated discs generally see settlements from $15,000 to $75,000. Recovery time and treatment complexity influence the final amount.
- Severe injuries: Severe injuries, including traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage, can result in settlements exceeding $100,000. Some catastrophic injury cases reach into the millions.
According to Insurance Information Institute data, the average bodily injury claim for automobile accidents was $26,500 in recent years. However, this figure includes all types of injuries and doesn’t reflect the full picture for serious accidents.
How Insurance Coverage Affects Settlements
The at-fault driver’s insurance coverage limits play a crucial role in settlement amounts. Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
If your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage, collecting full compensation becomes more challenging. Your own insurance may help through underinsured motorist coverage.
Some drivers carry higher liability limits or umbrella policies. These situations can lead to larger settlement opportunities for seriously injured victims.
Timeline for Reaching a Settlement
Most car accident cases settle out of court. The process typically takes several months to a year or more. Simple cases with clear liability and minor injuries often settle within three to six months. Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed fault take longer.
Your attorney will generally wait until you reach maximum medical improvement before negotiating a settlement. This ensures all your damages are known and accounted for.
Maximizing Your Settlement Value
Several steps can help maximize your settlement amount. Taking the right actions after an accident protects your interests and strengthens your case.
Key steps to maximize your settlement include:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you feel fine initially, get checked by a doctor
- Keep detailed records: Document all medical treatment, missed work, and accident-related expenses
- Follow treatment recommendations: Complete all prescribed therapy and attend appointments
- Be careful with insurance adjusters: Stick to basic facts and avoid admitting fault
- Avoid social media posts: Don’t discuss your accident or injuries online
- Don’t accept the first offer: Initial settlement offers are typically much lower than fair value
Missouri law generally gives you five years to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting too long can hurt your case as evidence disappears and memories fade.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve
Understanding average car accident settlement amounts helps set realistic expectations for your case. Remember that every accident is unique, and your settlement value depends on your specific circumstances.
While settlement ranges provide helpful context, the best way to understand your case’s value is to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can evaluate your situation and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
For help, contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Missouri car accident lawyer.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street
Suite 835
St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr
St. Louis, MO 63124
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502
Columbia, MO 65201
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
