There is no set “average” settlement amount for car accident cases in St. Louis, because every case involves a different set of circumstances. While amounts can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to much larger settlements when someone is seriously hurt, the final outcome will always depend on your unique situation.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts
The amount you may recover after a car accident depends on several different factors. Every claim is unique, which is why two accidents that seem similar at first can turn out with very different results.
Severity of Injuries
Settlements increase when collisions cause permanent problems, broken bones, or require surgery, compared with bumps and bruises that quickly heal. Severe injuries often lead to higher compensation for pain and a longer recovery.
Medical Costs (Short-term vs. Long-term)
What you’ve already paid out of pocket and the bills coming up play a big part in case value. Short-term care might mean some doctor visits and therapy, while long-term needs could mean surgeries, future hospital stays, medication, or professional nursing and rehab care. The higher your medical costs and anticipated expenses, the higher your settlement is likely to be.
Lost Wages and Future Lost Earning Capacity
When a car crash stops you from working, the law allows recovery for income you miss out on both now and in the future. If you’re unable to resume your specific job because of the accident, your potential lost career earnings become another part of a settlement demand.
Insurance Limits
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy puts a ceiling on how much can actually be paid regardless of injuries or losses. If you believe you are entitled to more than the policy limit, you’ll have to file a personal injury lawsuit against the defendant.
Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
Cases involving visible scars or disfigurement typically lead to higher settlements. The law recognizes that scarring or disfigurement can affect how someone feels about themselves and may cause emotional distress as well as physical discomfort.
Expert Testimony or Accident Reconstruction
It’s common in major accidents for both sides to use experts, like doctors or accident reconstructionists, to explain what happened and how severe the injuries are. These professionals can show exactly how a crash occurred and what your prognosis is. Their explanations and formal opinions can strongly influence settlement discussions and outcomes.
Impact on Quality of Life
If your favorite activities, family relationships, or ability just to take care of yourself are affected for months or years, settlements should take this into account. Being unable to do hobbies or missing major life events due to injuries are compensable losses.
Comparative Fault in Missouri (Pure Comparative Fault)
In Missouri, which follows a “pure” comparative negligence system, if you’re found partly to blame for the accident, any settlement is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. That means even if someone is badly hurt, their financial recovery gets reduced if they’re determined to be partly at fault for what happened.
Settlement results will reflect the specifics of your case; speak with a lawyer to get a better idea of what you could receive. Our team is always here to help. Contact Meyerkord & Kurth today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer.