What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident With a Drunk Driver?

If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by an impaired driver, you likely have many questions about what to expect from an insurance claim or legal settlement. The recovery process can be long and stressful, with uncertainties around medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.

You may wonder – what is the average settlement for a car accident with a drunk driver? While each case has unique factors that determine results, there are some general trends we’ve seen over many years of helping victims in these situations.

For more specific information about your case, you can reach out to a drunk driving accident lawyer in Phoenix with Zanes Law for a free consultation. In the meantime, let’s take a look at average settlement factors in drunk driving crash claims.

What Factors Influence the Value of a Drunk Driving Car Accident Settlement?

Every case has its own unique details and elements that will come into play. While it isn’t possible to name an exact average for a claim, we can help you understand the factors that determine the value of a claim.

Here are some of the major factors insurance companies and Phoenix car accident lawyers consider when determining the value of a settlement:

For a free legal consultation, call 866-499-8989

Injuries Sustained

In any personal injury claim, more serious or long-term injuries will result in a higher claim value. Things like fractures, internal injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and traumatic brain injuries will generally increase the value. This can impact medical expenses, the time spent away from work, pain and suffering, and other damages such as scarring and disfigurement.

Medical Bills

The actual costs for ambulance rides, emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, surgeries,  therapies, prescription drugs, ongoing care, and necessary medical equipment can add up quickly. This is generally a very large part of the settlement.

Insurance companies may dispute certain costs or treatments, so it’s important to keep detailed documentation of your expenses and copays. However, if you choose to work with an attorney, your personal injury lawyer can help you gather documentation of your costs.

Click to contact our personal injury lawyers today

Lost Wages

If the injury prevented you from working, wage loss claims for time taken off and potential long-term lost earnings are considered. This can be proven with tax documents and pay stubs. 

If your employment is impacted long-term or you cannot return to your previous line of employment because of your injuries, a Phoenix personal injury lawyer  can work with financial specialists to help determine your loss of future earning potential.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

Age and Life Expectancy

In the event you become permanently disabled, your age can be a factor. Younger people have longer lives ahead, so claims for lifelong care or loss of future wages may be higher.

Liability for the Accident

Clear liability for the at-fault party increases claim value versus more ambiguous liability situations. Though a drunk driver may be to blame, the insurance company can argue you shared some fault for the accident.

As Arizona and many other states operate under the doctrine of comparative negligence,  this can reduce the amount of compensation you collect. 

An experienced attorney can work to gather critical evidence, thoroughly investigate the crash, and fight accusations of liability against you to preserve your claim.

Pre-Existing Conditions

The causes of some accident injuries are obvious and nearly impossible to dispute, however, others aren’t quite as simple. If injuries can be tied to the accident versus unrelated pre-existing issues, the value is higher. 

Settlement History for Similar Cases

Insurers and your attorney will research payout norms for comparable injuries and scenarios. Previously settled claims can play a part in the amount of your drunk driving accident settlement.

Demand Letters and Documentation

The amount you demand will have an impact. If you ask too little, you may leave thousands of dollars on the table. A car accident attorney will thoroughly evaluate your losses and present clear documentation, evidence, and possibly even financial expert reports and expert reports to strengthen your claim.

Learn More in a Free Consultation by Contacting a Drunk Driving Car Accident Law Firm Today

Determining the appropriate value of a personal injury claim, especially one involving drunk driving, involves a complex analysis of many factors. While general averages can provide a rough guideline, the reality is that every case deserves individual examination based on its own unique details.

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident caused by an impaired driver, don’t attempt to navigate the claims process alone. Insurance companies have a financial incentive to lowball offers or deny aspects of your claim.

Let the experienced attorneys at Zanes Law fight for the full settlement value you deserve. We have decades of success negotiating large settlements and obtaining maximum rewards in court. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss the specifics. You pay nothing out of pocket until we obtain a favorable resolution for your case.

Call or text 866-499-8989 or complete a
Free Case Evaluation form