What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in California? 2025

Across California, car accidents are serious, often resulting in significant injuries and major property damage. Accident victims can recover accident-related damages after a wreck, and an attorney can help you settle your collision claim. Yet, many families wonder: What is the average car accident settlement in California? Whether you live in LA or San Diego, there are many factors that impact collision settlements in the Golden State.

Average Car Accident Settlements Across California

Every car accident is different, and your options for damage recovery depend upon your individual circumstances and how California car accident laws apply to your case. A Northern California car accident lawyer is a reliable source for comprehensive information about your specific crash. They can help explain what goes into calculating an accident settlement. Certain factors, like your injuries and property damage, whether you hire an attorney, and the willingness of parties to negotiate, can impact your claim.

California Car Crash Data

In 2023, 2.44 million people were hurt in car accidents across the United States. According to the California Highway Patrol’s California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were about 224,592 motor vehicle injury accidents in 2021 alone. With a 2021 population of just over 39 million, this means you have a high likelihood of being involved in an accident while driving in California.

California Settlement Damages

If you’re unable to avoid an accident, an attorney can help with your damages recovery. When calculating potential recovery for your claim and the maximum settlement possible, your damages are typically based on your specific:

• Medical expenses. Your current treatment costs, as well as your anticipated future medical treatment, impact your settlement potential.
• Wages. If you have a winning claim, you can recover your wages and lost earning capacity caused by your accident. You can expect to recover more if you are away from work for a long period of time or are prevented from working.
• Non-economic damages. If you experienced emotional distress and other mental anguish because of your accident, you can usually expect your settlement value to rise. Severe injuries tend to have higher non-economic damages since they impact your emotional well-being and your overall quality of life.

With a serious accident that leaves you with catastrophic injuries and major property damage, you can expect your settlement value to be higher than that of a minor accident. Depending on your circumstances, an attorney can discuss the range you could expect to recover through settlement. However, you may be limited in your recovery based upon the insurance limits of the party(s) responsible for causing your accident. Speak to a trusted attorney about your situation.

Contact a Knowledgeable California Attorney

For help determining what a fair settlement amount might be for your specific accident recovery, contact a skilled attorney familiar with California car accidents. When you work with a lawyer, you are much more likely to receive reliable information about your specific accident’s settlement potential. An attorney can investigate your accident and help you recover all of the compensation you deserve. Their support strengthens your case, especially if they negotiate.

An attorney with a track record of success with California personal injury cases like yours can help with your case. They can estimate a settlement range based on their experience with prior clients and the details of your case. Car accident cases can quickly become complicated, but an attorney can provide personalized advice about settlement options based on your own circumstances.

Insurance companies routinely try to pay as little as possible for accident claims, but an attorney can use their negotiation skills and understanding of California personal injury law to benefit your recovery. They can negotiate to compensate you fully for your injuries and property damage. However, if an insurance carrier won’t agree to what’s fair, your lawyer can help protect your interests in court. Reach out to an attorney about your unique claim’s settlement potential.

Why Choose Barr and Mudford?

Barr and Mudford has been fighting for accident victims in Northern California since 1967. We know how to counter insurance companies’ tactics, and we’re passionate about holding negligent parties accountable.

FAQs

What Damages Can Be Recovered in California Car Accident Claims?

Every car accident settlement in California is different, and there are many types of damages that you might recover. These include:

• Your existing and anticipated medical costs
• Lost wages and the impact of the accident on your future earning capacity
• Cost of your property damage
• Other accident-related damages

Often, people undervalue their claim, which leads them to consider low-value settlements. An attorney can help you assess the full value of your claim for settlement purposes.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in California?

It is challenging to provide information about the average car accident settlement in California because every accident is unique. Settlements are affected by case-specific factors and the negotiation skills of your attorney, but you may also consider:

• Insurance coverage limits
• Whether fault is disputed
• Whether you hire an attorney with experience settling claims
• If you have any responsibility for the accident

Can I Recover Compensation for My Pain and Suffering With a Settlement in California?

Yes, you can receive money to compensate you for your pain and suffering with a settlement. In a settlement agreement, you can include damages recovery for the cost of your intangible damages, like emotional distress. An attorney can help calculate the amount you should pursue for your individual situation. The more severe your emotional damages are, the more likely you are to receive substantial compensation for pain and suffering.

Does a Settlement End My Car Accident Recovery?

 Yes, a formal settlement agreement generally ends your right to recovery for a car accident. It’s a final, binding legal agreement that resolves all disputes. Once a settlement agreement is signed, it’s final, and you cannot negotiate further.

Since you cannot seek additional compensation, it’s important that you consult an attorney about your accident and the proposed settlement terms. Barr and Mudford can provide reliable advice about whether to consider the settlement and its risks and benefits.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer – Call Barr and Mudford About Your Settlement Potential Today

From Redding to Chico, you can call Barr and Mudford to hire a car accident lawyer. We have extensive experience with car accidents across California and can explore your claim’s settlement potential. Contact us for an initial consultation.