Drivers fear being involved in an accident because they are exposed to severe injuries and fatalities. They may also face the possibility of property damage or a vehicle wreck, which may compound their losses.

Depending on the nature of the crash, the loss associated with a no-injury car accident can disrupt your finances. Many vehicle owners struggle to cope with the aftermath of a no-injury car accident.

What Are The Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts with No Injuries?

The settlement amount for a no-injury car accident settlement varies from a few hundred dollars for a fender bender to hundreds of thousands of dollars for a severe injury.

A trusted St. Louis car accident attorney from Burger Law will evaluate the facts of your case and estimate your potential settlement amount.

Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts in No-Injury Car Accidents

You may be compensated if involved in a no-injury accident with an at-fault driver. The role of compensation is to reinstate your position before the losses resulting from the property damage.

Here are the factors that influence the settlement amount of a no-injury car accident:

Type of Crash

Vehicles involved in a head-on collision will likely sustain substantial losses. As a result, the car accident settlement may be higher to cover expenses associated with replacing or repairing the damaged property.

Conversely, a driver involved in a minor collision may receive a low settlement amount that matches their losses.

Extent of Liability

The victim of a car accident must be able to prove that the other party was at fault for the accident to obtain compensation for their losses. They may receive a higher no-injury settlement if there’s clear evidence that the at-fault party acted negligently.

If the victim contributed to the accident, the extent of fault may reduce their settlement award.

Insurance Coverage

The at-fault party’s insurance coverage determines the amount of compensation you can obtain for your losses. You may receive a low settlement amount if the at-fault party holds insufficient coverage.

However, your insurer may cover the losses if you hold uninsured motorist coverage.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Gary Burger

Personal Injury Attorney

Role of Insurance Companies in No-Injury Settlements

An insurance provider plays various roles in no-injury cases, including:

• Defending their policyholders from liability
• Investigating the cause of the crash
• Issuing settlement payments to the accident victims

Calculating Property Damage in No-Injury Accidents

There are various aspects involved while calculating the amount of your property damage, including:

• The value of your property
• The nature of the damage
• Your percentage of fault for the accident
• Additional expenses associated with the damage

Impact of Location on Settlement Amounts

Different sources of information, including the location of damage, provide key pointers during investigations. An accident reconstruction expert can rely on the location of the damage to establish how the car accident occurred and who might be responsible for the crash.

Suppose your car is involved in a side-impact collision and has a substantial dent on the passenger’s door. In that case, the location of the dent may prove the defendant’s fault for disregarding a red light at the intersection.

Analyzing accident-related information, including the location of the damage, may increase your chances of receiving a substantial settlement amount for your losses.

Steps to Maximize Your Settlement for a No-Injury Car Accident

After being involved in a no-injury crash, the last thing on your mind may be going to court or contacting an insurer. However, the sooner you act, the more likely you will receive maximum compensation for your losses.

Here are a few tips to maximize the amount of your settlement:

File a Police Report

Each state has unique regulations on when to notify law enforcement officers about crashes. 

Under Missouri Law, a driver must either report the crash by themselves or call the police to the scene if any of the following occurs:

• There is an injury
• There is a fatality
• There is property damage worth more than $500

According to the above regulations, the state doesn’t require motorists to file police accident reports in all types of crashes. However, calling a law enforcement officer to the scene supports your claim. When a police officer arrives at the scene, they will generate a crash report on how the accident occurred.

The police accident report has important information to establish liability against the defendant. The evidence in the police accident report will prove the extent of your losses. The report will also create a basis for negotiating a fair settlement for your losses.

Gather Accident-Related Information

If you are involved in an accident that’s not your fault, you must obtain information on how the crash occurred. Having proof of how the collision occurred may be vital in securing compensation from the at-fault party.

You’re likely to obtain a substantial settlement amount if you have evidence that shows fault by the defendant.  Take steps to get information at the crash scene to enhance the chances of obtaining a fair settlement for your losses.

Some of the helpful information may include:

• Names, addresses, contact numbers, driver’s licenses and license plate numbers of drivers involved in the accident
• Names and contact details of passengers and bystanders at the scene of the crash
• Images of the damage to the vehicle and photographs of the scene
• A copy of the police accident report, if available

Don’t Settle Too Quickly

The at-fault party’s insurer will likely make a quick settlement offer upon receipt of your car accident claim. Insurers often offer low-ball settlement proposals, hoping you’ll accept them without negotiations.

A car accident attorney will check the merits of each settlement offer vis-a-vis your losses. An attorney may also present evidence and negotiate for a better deal that matches your losses.

Involved in a Car Accident? Contact an Experienced St. Louis Attorney

Suppose the insurer of the at-fault party offers a low settlement amount that barely covers your losses. In that case, you might find repairing or replacing your damaged property difficult, leading to further losses.

You should have representation from an experienced attorney from Burger Law with a track record of success. Call us today at [dynamic-phone-number] or visit us online for a free case evaluation.