When you’re involved in a car accident with no injuries, it’s easy to feel unsure about what kind of settlement to expect. In Georgia, the average settlement for a non-injury car accident is around $16,700, but actual amounts can vary widely depending on the extent of property damage. Most settlements fall between $3,000 and $15,000, with higher payouts typically reserved for accidents that involve significant vehicle damage.
At Horst Shewmaker, we’re here to help you understand your options and work toward a fair settlement that covers your losses. Let’s dive into what factors affect these settlements and how our Alpharetta car accident lawyers can protect your interests.
The Average Settlement for a Non-Injury Car Accident
When it comes to non-injury car accidents in Georgia, the settlement amounts can vary widely depending on the extent of the property damage. On average, these settlements tend to be around $16,700, but most cases fall somewhere between $3,000 and $15,000.
The type of accident—whether it’s a rear-end collision, a head-on crash, or a T-bone accident can influence the final settlement amount.
Rear-End Collisions With No Injuries
Rear-end collisions without injuries often result in settlements ranging from $3,000 to $10,000. Depending on the force of the impact, these cases typically involve damage to the rear bumper, trunk, or even internal vehicle components.
Head-on Collisions With No Injuries
Head-on collisions, on the other hand, tend to result in slightly higher settlements, often falling between $5,000 and $15,000. The reason? Head-on accidents often cause more extensive damage to the front end of the vehicle, which can be costly to repair or even lead to a total loss.
T-Bone Accidents Without Injuries
T-bone accidents, which occur when one vehicle is hit on its side, usually lead to settlements in the range of $4,000 to $12,000. Side impacts often damage doors, windows, and structural elements of the vehicle, which can drive up repair costs.
In all of these scenarios, the severity of the property damage is a key factor. Minor dents and scratches will result in lower settlements, while major structural damage or the total loss of a vehicle will lead to higher payouts.
Ultimately, every case is unique, and factors like the value of your vehicle, the cost of repairs, and the at-fault driver’s insurance policy will influence the settlement. At Horst Shewmaker, we understand the complexities of these cases and are here to fight for the maximum settlement in your case.
What Influences Settlements for Car Accidents Without Injuries?
Several factors can influence non-injury car accident settlements, including damage to your vehicle, the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage, and if you share fault for the crash.
Car Repairs or Total Loss
If your vehicle has minor damage, like a scratched bumper or a dented door, the settlement will likely be lower. On the other hand, if the accident caused more extensive damage to the frame, engine, or other critical components, the repair costs could skyrocket, leading to a higher settlement.
In cases where the damage is so severe that repairing the vehicle would cost more than it’s worth, the car is considered a total loss. When this happens, the settlement amount is based on the car’s market value before the crash. Insurance companies calculate this value using factors like the car’s age, mileage, condition, and comparable sales of similar vehicles.
The market value of an older car with significant wear and tear will be lower, limiting the settlement amount. On the flip side, you can expect a higher payout for a newer car to reflect its pre-accident value. You can use resources like the Kelley Blue Book website to estimate your car’s value before the crash.
The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Coverage
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits play a huge role in determining the settlement for a car accident. The driver’s insurance company is only obligated to pay up to their policy limit.
In Georgia, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 in liability coverage for property damage. Some drivers carry policies with higher liability limits, which can provide more coverage for property damage in serious accidents.
If the cost of repairs or the value of your totaled car exceeds the driver’s insurance limits, you may need to explore other options to recover the remaining costs. You could file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver directly. However, recovering compensation may prove challenging if the driver doesn’t have significant personal assets. It’s often simpler to file a claim with your insurance company if you have collision coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Car Rental Costs
After an accident, you may need a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced. Rental car costs are often included in the settlement, but they can add up quickly, especially if repairs take weeks. Insurance companies usually cover reasonable rental expenses, but it’s important to keep documentation, like receipts or invoices, to support your claim.
Diminished Value
Another factor that can influence your settlement is diminished value. Even after your car is repaired, it may no longer be worth as much as it was before the accident because buyers tend to view vehicles with accident histories as less desirable.
This reduction in your car’s market value, known as diminished value, is often included in settlements. You’ll need to gather evidence of your car’s pre-accident value and how the accident has affected its resale potential. Our attorneys can help you with this.
Shared Fault
Shared fault can have a significant impact on your car accident settlement. Georgia has a modified comparative negligence law. This means that if you’re found to be partially at fault for the accident, your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re 20% responsible for the crash and your total damages amount to $10,000, you would only receive $8,000. However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you won’t be eligible for any compensation.
Insurance companies might argue that you were partially responsible for the accident—for instance, by claiming you were speeding or didn’t properly signal before turning. At Horst Shewmaker, we know how to push back against unfair accusations of shared fault.
Even if you share some responsibility, it doesn’t mean you should give up on pursuing a settlement. Having an experienced legal team on your side can make a big difference in minimizing your share of the blame.
Our Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyers Can Maximize Your Settlement
Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be overwhelming. That’s where the experienced car accident lawyers at Horst Shewmaker come in. We understand the tactics insurance companies use to minimize settlements and will advocate aggressively for your interests.
Our team will handle all communication with the insurer, so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing. We will fight for a settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses, from property damage and rental car costs to diminished value and out-of-pocket expenses.
While many cases are resolved through negotiations, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. With us in your corner, you can focus on moving forward while we handle the hard work of maximizing your car accident settlement.
Learn More
Check out our blog about average car accident settlements for minor, moderate, and severe injuries.
Call Horst Shewmaker Today for a Free Case Review
If you’ve been in a car accident in the Atlanta area or anywhere in Georgia, the experienced lawyers at Horst Shewmaker are here to help. We know how stressful dealing with insurance companies can be, and we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our team has over 30 years of combined experience. Contact us today at (404) 400-1175 or using our online form for a free case review.
