Got Hit by a Car? How Much Can You Sue For?

The most obvious costs of a car accident are the ones with a price tag: the ambulance ride, the emergency room visit, and the estimate from the auto body shop. But the true impact goes much deeper. It’s the chronic back pain, the anxiety you feel driving past the crash site, and the hobbies you can no longer enjoy. These hidden, personal losses are a critical part of the answer to, “I got hit by a car, how much can I sue for?” A fair settlement must cover the total disruption to your life, not just the expenses you can prove with a receipt. Here, we’ll explore all the damages you can claim—from tangible medical bills to the profound, non-financial costs of your pain and suffering.

Key Takeaways

• Look Beyond the Obvious Costs: A fair settlement covers all financial losses, including future medical treatments and lost earning potential, as well as compensation for the personal impact of pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Preserve Evidence and Mind the Clock: The strength of your claim depends on solid evidence like medical records, photos, and police reports. It’s also critical to act promptly, as California has a strict two-year deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
• Don’t Accept the First Offer: Insurance companies often make low initial offers to settle quickly. An experienced attorney can determine the true value of your case, handle negotiations, and manage legal complexities like California’s shared fault rule to protect your right to full compensation.

How Is a Car Accident Settlement Calculated?

After a car accident, one of the first questions on your mind is likely, “What is my case actually worth?” There’s no magic calculator that spits out a number, but there is a consistent method used to determine a fair settlement. Insurance companies and lawyers look at several key factors to build a complete picture of your losses. Understanding these components can help you see what goes into valuing your claim and ensure you’re not leaving money on the table.

The Severity of Your Injuries

The most significant factor in any car accident claim is the nature and severity of your injuries. A minor case of whiplash that resolves in a few weeks will result in a much smaller settlement than a catastrophic injury like a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury that requires lifelong care. The more your injuries impact your daily life and long-term health, the higher your potential claim will be. It’s about compensating you for the real-world effects the accident has had on your body and your well-being.

Medical Bills: Past and Future

Your settlement should cover every dollar you’ve spent on medical care because of the accident. This includes the initial emergency room visit, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any specialist appointments. But it doesn’t stop there. A fair settlement must also account for the cost of any future medical treatment you’ll need. If your doctor anticipates you’ll need ongoing therapy, future surgeries, or long-term pain management, those projected costs are a critical part of your claim. This is often the biggest part of a settlement, so keeping detailed records of all medical expenses is essential.

Lost Income and Earning Potential

If your injuries forced you to miss work, you have a right to be compensated for that lost income. This includes any salary, wages, and other benefits you didn’t receive while you were recovering. But what if your injuries are so severe that you can’t return to your old job, or you have to take a lower-paying position? Your settlement can also include compensation for this “loss of future earning capacity.” This calculation projects the income you will lose over your lifetime due to the accident, ensuring your financial stability isn’t jeopardized by someone else’s negligence. This is especially important for those with career-altering injuries.

Damage to Your Vehicle

While your health is the top priority, the damage to your property is also a key part of your settlement. This is usually the most straightforward part of the calculation. Your claim should cover the full cost to either repair your vehicle to its pre-accident condition or, if it’s declared a total loss, pay you the fair market value of the car. This also includes any other personal property that was damaged in the crash, like a laptop or phone. Be sure to get a professional estimate to understand the true cost to fix or replace your car.

Pain and Suffering

Not all losses come with a price tag. “Pain and suffering” is a legal term for the physical discomfort and emotional distress you’ve endured because of the accident. This includes the actual physical pain from your injuries, as well as the mental anguish, anxiety, stress, and trauma that often follow a crash. It also covers the loss of enjoyment of life—for example, if your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities you once loved. While it’s harder to put a number on, compensating you for these personal, human losses is a fundamental part of a just settlement.

Determining Who Was at Fault

California follows a rule called “pure comparative negligence.” This means that your final settlement amount will be reduced by your percentage of fault for the accident. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 10% responsible for the crash, your final compensation would be reduced by 10%, leaving you with $90,000. Insurance companies will often try to shift as much blame as possible onto you to reduce their payout. This is why having a skilled attorney who can effectively argue fault and protect your right to full compensation is so important.

What Kind of Compensation Can You Claim?

After a car accident, it’s natural to wonder what you can actually ask for in a settlement. The compensation you can recover is meant to cover all the ways the accident has impacted your life, from your wallet to your well-being. In legal terms, this compensation is called “damages,” and it’s typically broken down into three main categories. Understanding these categories helps you see the full picture of what your claim could be worth and ensures that no cost—big or small—gets overlooked. Let’s walk through what each one covers.

Economic Damages (Your Financial Losses)

This is the most straightforward category of compensation. Economic damages cover all the direct, out-of-pocket expenses and financial hits you’ve taken because of the accident. Think of these as any loss that has a clear price tag or can be proven with a receipt, bill, or pay stub. These are the clear financial losses that form the foundation of your claim.

This includes all your current medical bills—from the ambulance ride and emergency room visit to physical therapy and medication. Crucially, it also covers the estimated cost of any future medical care you might need. Other examples include lost wages from time you couldn’t work and the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Non-Economic Damages (Your Personal Losses)

Not every loss comes with a receipt. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate you for the personal, non-financial ways the accident has affected your life. These are real, significant losses, but they don’t have a fixed dollar amount, which makes them harder to calculate. This is where an experienced attorney can make a huge difference in showing the true impact on your life.

These personal impacts cover things like physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life. For example, if you can no longer play with your kids, go for your daily run, or participate in hobbies you once loved, that is a compensable loss. Disfigurement or permanent scarring also falls under this category.

Punitive Damages (In Rare Cases)

Punitive damages are different from the other two types. They aren’t designed to compensate you for a loss but to punish the person who caused the accident for their actions. These are only awarded in rare cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless, malicious, or intentionally harmful.

Think of situations like a driver who caused a crash while street racing or a drunk driver with a history of DUIs. The goal is to make an example of the defendant and discourage others from similar outrageous conduct. Because the standard of proof is very high, punitive damages are not a factor in most car accident claims, but they can be significant when awarded.

How Does Shared Fault Affect Your Claim in California?

One of the biggest worries after an accident is whether you can still get compensation if you might have been partially at fault. Maybe you were driving a few miles over the speed limit, or you were distracted for a split second. The good news is that in California, sharing some of the blame doesn’t automatically prevent you from recovering damages. The state uses a legal rule that accounts for shared fault, ensuring that you can still seek justice even if you weren’t completely blameless. This is a critical point that many accident victims don’t know, and it can make all the difference in your ability to get the help you need.

What Is Comparative Negligence?

California operates under a system called ‘pure comparative negligence.’ This rule means that you can recover damages even if you were partially, or even mostly, responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a court determines that your total damages are $100,000 but you were 25% at fault for the crash, your final award would be reduced by 25%, leaving you with $75,000. This system ensures that responsibility is divided fairly based on everyone’s actions, rather than an all-or-nothing approach.

How Sharing Blame Reduces Your Payout

The percentage of fault assigned to you directly impacts your final settlement. If you are found to be 20% responsible, your compensation is lowered by 20%. This is why insurance adjusters often work hard to shift as much blame as possible onto you—it saves their company money. They might take your words out of context or use details from the police report to argue you were more at fault than you actually were. An experienced attorney can protect you from these tactics by building a strong case that accurately represents your role in the accident and fights for the maximum compensation you deserve.

What Are Typical Payouts for Different Injuries?

One of the first questions on anyone’s mind after an accident is, “What is my case actually worth?” While there’s no magic formula, settlement amounts are directly tied to the type and severity of the injuries you’ve sustained. Every case is unique, but looking at typical payout ranges can give you a general idea of what to expect. These figures reflect the compensation needed to cover medical treatments, lost income, and the personal impact of the injury on your life. Remember, these are just starting points, and a skilled attorney can help you understand the true value of your specific claim.

Minor Injuries (e.g., Whiplash)

Even injuries that seem “minor” at first, like whiplash, cuts, or bruising, can disrupt your life and lead to unexpected medical bills. For these types of injuries, settlements can vary widely. If you were fortunate enough to walk away without physical harm, you might still have a claim for property damage to your vehicle, often in the range of $3,000 to $10,000. However, if you were injured, even with whiplash, the settlement for a car accident could range from $15,000 to much more, depending on the extent of your medical treatment and recovery time. It’s crucial not to downplay your injuries, as some conditions can worsen over time.

Moderate Injuries Requiring Surgery

When an accident results in more significant harm, like a broken bone, a herniated disc, or an injury that requires surgery, the potential compensation increases accordingly. These cases often involve not just the immediate cost of a surgical procedure but also a long road to recovery, including physical therapy, medication, and time off work. For moderate injuries that need surgical intervention and extended rehabilitation, typical payouts for being hit by a car can fall between $50,000 and $150,000. This amount is calculated to cover the comprehensive medical care needed to help you heal and manage the financial strain of being unable to work.

Severe and Life-Altering Injuries

Catastrophic injuries that permanently change a person’s life command the highest settlement amounts. These include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, amputations, or severe burns. In these devastating situations, compensation must account for a lifetime of medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, and the complete loss of earning capacity. Payouts for severe and life-altering injuries often start at $100,000 and can easily exceed $1,000,000. The goal is to provide the financial security necessary for the victim and their family to manage a new and challenging reality.

Wrongful Death Claims

In the most tragic cases, a car accident can result in the loss of a loved one. When this happens, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial stability. While no amount of money can replace a person, a settlement is designed to ease the financial burdens that arise from the loss. Compensation can cover funeral and burial expenses, outstanding medical bills, the lost income the deceased would have provided for their family, and the profound loss of companionship, guidance, and support. These are complex and emotionally difficult cases that require compassionate and experienced legal guidance.

How Do Insurance Policies Limit Your Settlement?

After an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is usually the one responsible for paying your settlement. But it’s important to know that insurance policies aren’t blank checks. They come with built-in limits that can cap how much money you’re able to recover, regardless of how high your medical bills or other losses are. Understanding these limitations is a critical step in figuring out what your case is truly worth and what your options are for getting the compensation you need to move forward.

What Are Policy Limits?

A policy limit is the maximum amount of money an insurance company will pay for a single claim. Every driver in California is required to have minimum liability coverage, but these minimums are often not enough to cover the costs of a serious accident. For example, if your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs add up to $75,000, but the at-fault driver only has a $30,000 policy limit, their insurance will only pay up to $30,000. This can leave you with a significant financial shortfall, which is why identifying all available insurance coverage early in your case is so important.

What If the At-Fault Driver Is Underinsured?

It’s frustratingly common for an at-fault driver to have too little insurance (underinsured) or no insurance at all (uninsured). While you can sue the driver personally for the remaining amount, it can be difficult to collect money from someone who doesn’t have significant assets. This is where your own insurance policy can become your safety net. If you have Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the gap left by the other driver. This is an optional but highly recommended coverage that protects you from the financial consequences of being hit by an irresponsible driver.

What Evidence Do You Need to Strengthen Your Case?

After a car accident, your word alone isn’t enough to secure the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies and courts need proof. Building a strong case is all about gathering solid evidence that tells the complete story of the accident and its impact on your life. The more thorough you are, the better your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Think of yourself as a detective for your own case—every detail you collect can make a significant difference in the outcome.

Medical Records and Bills

Your health is the top priority, and documenting your medical journey is crucial for your claim. Every doctor’s visit, prescription, physical therapy session, and medical bill creates a paper trail that proves the extent of your injuries. These records are the most direct way to show the financial impact the accident has had on you. Be sure to keep a detailed file of everything, including appointment summaries, receipts for co-pays, and explanations of benefits from your insurer. This documentation validates your need for both past and future medical care, forming the foundation of your compensation claim.

Photos and Evidence from the Accident Scene

In the moments after an accident, it can be hard to think clearly, but if you are able, taking pictures is one of the most powerful things you can do. Use your phone to capture images of everything: the damage to all vehicles involved, your injuries, skid marks on the road, traffic signs, and the overall weather conditions. These visuals provide undeniable proof of what happened. Collecting photos of the accident scene helps your attorney and insurance adjusters understand the mechanics of the crash and the severity of the impact, making it much harder for the other party to dispute the facts.

The Official Police Report and Witness Accounts

An official police report provides an objective, authoritative account of the accident. It often includes details like the date, time, location, parties involved, and sometimes the officer’s initial assessment of fault. Make sure you get a copy of this report as soon as it’s available. Additionally, independent witnesses can be incredibly valuable. If anyone saw the crash, get their name and contact information. Unbiased witness information can corroborate your story and provide a perspective that strengthens your claim, especially if the other driver’s account differs from yours.

Key Evidence People Often Forget to Collect

Beyond the obvious, there are other pieces of evidence that can paint a fuller picture of your losses. Start a simple journal to track your daily pain levels, emotional state, and any activities you can no longer do. This helps demonstrate your pain and suffering. Keep detailed records of your time off from work, including emails to your boss and pay stubs showing lost income. It’s also wise to document everything related to out-of-pocket costs, like transportation to medical appointments or hiring help for household chores. These details may seem small, but they add up and prove the total disruption the accident has caused in your life.

What Hidden Costs Can You Claim?

When you think about compensation after a car accident, the obvious costs like hospital bills and car repairs probably come to mind first. But the true impact of an accident goes much deeper than that. Many of the most significant losses aren’t found on a receipt. These are the hidden costs that affect your quality of life, your future, and your family.

These less-obvious damages are just as real and compensable as a medical bill. They cover the physical and emotional toll the accident has taken on you. For example, you might need physical therapy for years to come, or you may no longer be able to enjoy hobbies that once brought you joy. The emotional trauma can also create lasting scars, causing anxiety or PTSD that affects your daily life. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to identify these hidden costs and fight to ensure they are included in your settlement. Without accounting for them, you risk accepting an offer that falls far short of what you truly need to recover.

Future Medical Treatments

Your medical journey doesn’t stop the day you leave the hospital. Serious injuries often require long-term care, and the costs can add up quickly over months or even years. Your settlement should account for all the medical care you’ll need in the future, not just the bills you’ve already received. This can include things like ongoing physical therapy, future surgeries, prescription medications, counseling sessions, or in-home nursing care.

When calculating damages, it’s crucial to consider future medical treatments. To do this, your legal team will often consult with medical experts to create a life care plan. This plan outlines the anticipated medical needs and their associated costs for the rest of your life, ensuring you aren’t left paying out-of-pocket for necessary care down the road.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

An accident can take away the activities and hobbies that make your life feel full. This is known as “loss of enjoyment of life,” and it’s a significant part of your non-economic damages. Maybe you were an avid hiker who can no longer handle the trails, a passionate musician who can’t play your instrument, or a parent who can no longer lift your child. The inability to participate in activities you once loved can have a profound impact on your happiness and well-being.

While you can’t put a price tag on joy, the legal system recognizes that this loss deserves compensation. Proving this type of damage involves showing how your life has changed since the accident. Your own testimony, along with statements from friends and family, can paint a clear picture of how your quality of life has diminished.

Emotional Distress and Trauma

The emotional fallout from a car accident can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries. It’s common for accident victims to experience anxiety, depression, insomnia, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You might find yourself reliving the crash, feeling terrified to get back in a car, or struggling with mood swings that affect your relationships and work.

These emotional and psychological injuries are very real, and you can claim compensation for them. Emotional distress claims cover the mental pain and suffering you endure because of the accident. To support your claim, it’s helpful to keep a journal detailing your feelings and seek treatment from a mental health professional. A therapist’s diagnosis and records can provide powerful evidence of the trauma you’ve experienced.

Impact on Your Family (Loss of Consortium)

A serious injury doesn’t just affect you—it affects your entire family. When an accident leaves you unable to provide the same level of love, companionship, support, and intimacy as before, your spouse may have a claim for what’s known as “loss of consortium.” This legal concept acknowledges that your spouse has also suffered a significant loss because of your injuries.

This claim is filed by your spouse and is separate from your own personal injury claim. It compensates them for the loss of companionship or services that you provided before the accident. For example, if your injuries prevent you from helping around the house, providing emotional support, or being an intimate partner, your spouse is being deprived of the benefits of a healthy partnership. It’s a way the law recognizes that a severe injury can fundamentally change the dynamics of a family.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in California?

After a car accident, your main focus is on getting better. But while you’re healing, it’s important to know that a legal clock has started ticking on your right to seek compensation. California has strict deadlines for filing a personal injury lawsuit, and missing them could mean losing your chance to get the financial support you need for medical bills, lost wages, and your recovery. This legal time limit is called the statute of limitations. Understanding how it applies to your case is one of the most critical first steps you can take. While it might seem like you have plenty of time, building a strong case takes time, so acting promptly is key to protecting your rights.

California’s Statute of Limitations: The Main Deadline

In California, the general rule is straightforward: you have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim. Think of this as a legal countdown. Once those two years are up, you typically lose the right to sue the at-fault party for your injuries. This deadline, known as the statute of limitations, is strictly enforced by the courts. It doesn’t matter how strong your case is or how severe your injuries are—if you file after the deadline passes, you’re likely out of luck. This is why it’s so important to speak with an attorney long before the deadline approaches to protect your legal rights.

Are There Exceptions to the Rule?

While the two-year deadline applies to most car accident cases, there are a few important exceptions. For example, if the injured person is a minor, the clock doesn’t start running until they turn 18, giving them until their 20th birthday to file a claim. Another key exception is the discovery rule. Sometimes, an injury isn’t obvious right after the accident. This rule allows the two-year clock to start from the date you discovered the injury, or reasonably should have discovered it, rather than the date of the accident itself. These exceptions can be complex, so figuring out your specific deadline is a crucial step.

What Common Myths Can Hurt Your Car Accident Claim?

After a car accident, you’ll hear a lot of advice from friends, family, and even the other driver’s insurance adjuster. Unfortunately, a lot of this “common knowledge” is wrong, and believing these myths can seriously damage your ability to get the compensation you deserve. Let’s clear up some of the most common and harmful misconceptions so you can protect your rights.

Myth: “I can’t get compensation if I was partly at fault.”

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings we see. Many people believe that if they share any blame for an accident, they aren’t entitled to anything. In California, that’s simply not true. The state follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash. Your final settlement will just be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, you can still collect 75% of the total damages. Don’t write off your claim because you think you might have made a mistake.

Myth: “The insurance company’s first offer is fair.”

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to pay out as little as possible to protect their bottom line. The first offer they make is almost always a lowball figure, sent quickly in the hopes that you’ll accept it before you understand the full extent of your injuries and losses. They are counting on you being stressed and wanting to put the accident behind you. Never accept an initial offer without speaking to an attorney who can help you calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement.

Myth: “I feel fine, so I must not be injured.”

Immediately after a crash, your body is flooded with adrenaline, which can mask pain and hide serious injuries. Some conditions, like whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or even days. Seeking a medical evaluation right away is crucial for both your health and your legal claim. A doctor can identify hidden injuries and create an official record linking them to the accident. Waiting too long can make it much harder to prove your injuries were caused by the crash, potentially jeopardizing your ability to get your medical costs covered.

Myth: “Every case like mine gets the same amount.”

You can’t determine your case’s value by looking at a friend’s settlement or an online calculator. Every car accident is unique. The final compensation amount depends on dozens of specific factors, including the severity of your injuries, your total medical bills, the amount of income you’ve lost, the damage to your vehicle, and the impact on your quality of life. Payouts can range from a few thousand dollars for minor incidents to over a million for catastrophic injuries. The only way to understand what your specific case might be worth is to have it thoroughly reviewed by an experienced lawyer.

Why Should You Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer?

After a car accident, the thought of hiring a lawyer can feel like one more thing on an already overflowing plate. But trying to handle a claim on your own can leave you feeling overwhelmed and short-changed. An experienced personal injury lawyer isn’t just another expense; they are your advocate, your guide, and your best chance at securing the compensation you need to move forward. They handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Here’s why bringing a professional onto your team is one of the most important steps you can take.

To Understand What Your Case Is Really Worth

It’s nearly impossible to know the true value of your claim without legal experience. You might add up your current medical bills and car repairs, but what about future physical therapy, lost earning potential, or the chronic pain that keeps you from enjoying your life? Consulting a personal injury lawyer is the best way to get an accurate estimate of your claim’s value, as they can evaluate all the factors, including the full extent of your injuries and your own potential fault. An attorney knows how to calculate and fight for non-economic damages like pain and suffering, which insurance companies often try to minimize. They ensure no cost is overlooked, giving you a clear picture of what you’re truly owed.

To Have an Expert Handle the Paperwork and Deadlines

The world of personal injury law can be incredibly complex and confusing, filled with strict deadlines, complicated forms, and legal jargon. Missing a single deadline, like California’s statute of limitations, could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. An attorney manages all of this for you. They will file the necessary documents, communicate with all parties involved, and build a strong case supported by evidence. This frees you from the stress of managing the administrative side of your claim, which is the last thing you need while you’re trying to heal. They clear the path so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.

To Level the Playing Field with the Insurance Company

Insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to protect their bottom line by paying out as little as possible. Their adjusters are trained negotiators who handle claims like yours every day. Going up against them alone puts you at a significant disadvantage. Having an experienced lawyer on your side makes a huge difference. They know the tactics adjusters use and won’t be intimidated into accepting a lowball offer. While many car accident claims are settled out of court, an attorney’s willingness to take your case to trial gives you powerful leverage during negotiations, pressuring the insurance company to offer a fair settlement.

To Get Help with No Upfront Fees

Many people worry they can’t afford to hire a lawyer, but most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront. The lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement or award they win for you. Simply put, they only get paid if you win your case. This arrangement removes the financial risk of seeking legal help and aligns your lawyer’s interests directly with yours. They are fully motivated to secure the maximum possible compensation for you because their success is tied to your success. It allows everyone, regardless of their financial situation, to access high-quality legal representation when they need it most.

Related Articles

• How Is a Car Accident Settlement Calculated? Step-by-Step
• Average Compensation for Being Hit by a Car Explained
• Why You Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident Not Your Fault

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get a settlement if I was partially at fault for the accident? Yes, you absolutely can. California law recognizes that accidents are often complex and that more than one person can share responsibility. The state uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule, which means your final compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. So, if you were found to be 10% responsible, you could still recover 90% of your damages. Don’t assume you don’t have a case just because you think you might have made a mistake.

I felt fine right after the crash. Do I still need to see a doctor? Getting a medical evaluation as soon as possible is one of the most important things you can do, even if you feel okay. The adrenaline from a crash can easily mask symptoms of serious injuries like whiplash or concussions, which might not appear for hours or days. A doctor’s visit creates an official record that directly links your injuries to the accident, which is essential evidence for your claim. It protects both your health and your legal rights.

Why can’t I just accept the insurance company’s first offer? You should always be cautious of the first offer. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims for the lowest amount possible to protect their company’s profits. Their initial offer is almost always a lowball figure that likely doesn’t account for the full extent of your losses, especially future medical needs, lost earning potential, or your pain and suffering. It’s best to view it as a starting point for negotiations, not the final word on what your claim is worth.

How long will it take to get my settlement money? There isn’t a set timeline, as every case is different. The duration depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, how long your medical treatment lasts, and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate fairly. A straightforward case might resolve in a few months, while a more complex claim involving serious injuries could take a year or more. The goal is to secure a full and fair settlement, and a good legal team won’t rush the process at the expense of your compensation.

I’m worried about the cost. Do I have to pay a lawyer upfront to take my case? No, you don’t. Most personal injury law firms, including ours, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing out of pocket. Your lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the settlement they win for you. If you don’t get a settlement, you don’t owe any attorney fees. This system ensures that everyone can afford quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.