If you were hurt in a crash in Texas, you may wonder, How much is my case worth? or What is the typical car accident settlement amount in Texas? These are fair questions, but they are not easy to answer.
No universal settlement calculator can tell you exactly what your case is worth. That is because every accident and every injury victim is different. However, understanding the factors that affect your claim and knowing how settlements are determined in Texas can help you make more informed decisions.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we represent injury victims throughout Texas and New Mexico and fight to recover full and fair compensation in every case we take on. Below, our El Paso, Texas car accident attorneys explain how settlement amounts are calculated, what factors influence your potential recovery, and why averages often mislead more than they help.
Please fill out our online form or call (575) 222-1000 today for a free consultation.
Is There an Average Car Accident Settlement in Texas?
Although many websites attempt to provide general statistics, determining an average that applies to all cases is not possible. Some data suggests that the average auto accident settlement nationwide may range between $20,000 and $30,000, but many settlements are much higher or lower depending on the facts.
For instance:
- Minor injury claims involving only soft tissue damage may settle for $10,000 to $15,000;
- Moderate injuries that require surgery may result in settlements of $50,000 or more; and
- Serious injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or permanent disabilities can lead to six- or seven-figure recoveries.
Still, these ranges are general estimates. A case’s real value depends on the specific details surrounding the injury, the impact on your life, and the insurance coverage available.
Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts
Every personal injury claim is different. Insurance adjusters, attorneys, and juries rely on multiple variables to determine the value of a claim. Some of the most important factors in determining Texas auto accident settlement amounts include:
Injury Severity
More serious injuries typically result in higher settlements. For example, a fractured spine or head trauma usually leads to more substantial compensation than minor whiplash or bruising. The more extensive the injury, the more likely it is that your case will involve long-term medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, or even permanent disability.
Medical Expenses
Insurers often use total medical costs as a baseline to estimate the value of a claim. This includes hospital visits, emergency care, follow-up treatment, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any future medical care needed as a result of the accident. Medical documentation is, therefore, key to supporting your damages.
Lost Income
If your injuries forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn income in the future, your settlement should reflect that lost earning potential. Lost income includes missed wages during your recovery, missed promotions, and future earning limitations due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Noneconomic damages that account for the physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and diminished enjoyment of life caused by the accident play a large part in settlement value. However, they are harder to quantify and prove than economic losses.
Property Damage
The extent of the damage to your vehicle and personal property also factors into the value of your case. If your vehicle was totaled, you may be entitled to its fair market value. If repairs are required, you should be able to receive reimbursement. Damage to belongings inside the car, such as electronics, may also be included.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found partially at fault, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you are 20% at fault, you will likely receive 20% less in damages. However, if you are 51% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering any damages.
Insurance Policy Limits
You cannot recover more than the available insurance policy unless other liable parties or sources of compensation are identified. In Texas, the minimum liability coverage required is $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. If your damages exceed those limits, your attorney may help identify other potential sources for recovery.
How Much Can Someone Sue for a Car Accident in Texas?
There is technically no limit on how much you can sue for in a car accident injury case, unless punitive damages are involved. In most cases, your recovery will depend on the actual value of your damages and the coverage available.
If the at-fault party has limited insurance coverage, your attorney may also look into:
- Filing an underinsured motorist (UIM) claim under your own policy;
- Pursuing a third-party claim (such as against a vehicle manufacturer, employer, or business); or
- Negotiating liens and future bills to help you retain more of your settlement.
While there are no guaranteed amounts, your lawyer’s job is to pursue every avenue to get you the highest possible compensation.
Why You Should Speak with a Car Accident Lawyer
Whether you’re dealing with significant injuries or unclear liability, having an attorney on your side makes a big difference.
At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we know how to:
- Accurately value your claim and project future losses,
- Gather medical and legal evidence to support your case,
- Communicate and negotiate directly with insurers,
- Fight back when insurance companies undervalue your claim, and
- Prepare your case for trial if a fair settlement is not offered.
We are proud to serve injury victims across Texas and New Mexico, and we have recovered significant compensation for clients in cases involving auto accidents, truck crashes, and serious injuries.
Contact Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C. for Help Today
If you are searching for answers about typical car accident settlement amounts in Texas, the best place to start is with a conversation. At Tawney, Acosta & Chaparro P.C., we provide free consultations and honest assessments based on real experience, not generic calculators or guesswork.
Please call (575) 222-1000 or reach us online today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney about your case. We are here to help you pursue full and fair compensation, every step of the way.
James Tawney
James Tawney is a native of the Southwest dedicated to serving his community. He was born and raised in Arizona, where he attended Northern Arizona University and graduated summa cum laude.
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