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Summary
The average settlement for a non-injury car accident is around $3,000 to $15,000.
Table of Contents
Can You Sue After an Accident If There Is No Injury?
Yes, you can sue after a car accident in which you don't suffer physical injuries.
While you have not suffered any physical injury, you're still entitled to receive compensation for property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, and other financial losses caused by the no-injury car accident.
What Is the Average No-Injury Car Accident Settlement
The average settlement for no-injury car accident claims is around $3,000 to $15,000.
However, if personal property, such as your vehicle or items in your car, is severely damaged, or the car accident causes you to miss work and lose out on income, you may entitled to receive additional compensation.
How Much Compensation Should You Ask for in a No-Injury Car Crash
When filing a no-injury car accident claim, it's good to know how much compensation to ask for so you can avoid possible settlement disputes and ensure you obtain a fair settlement.
Following a no-injury car accident, the guidelines to how much compensation you should ask for generally goes:
- Minor Damage: $1,000 to $3,000
- Moderate Damage: $3,000 to $7,500
- Significant Damage: $7,500 to $15,000
Understand that the typical car accident settlement amounts in a no-injury accident listed above are only general ranges, and it's important that you speak with a fender bender lawyer to learn your case's true value.
What Factors Affect No-Injury Car Accident Settlements
Various factors can affect your settlement offer in a no-injury car accident claim.
While the number of factors is less than in car accidents with physical injuries, understanding them is still important to ensure that the insurance company offers you a fair settlement.
Amount of Property Damage
In no-injury car accident cases, the most significant factor affecting the settlement amount is the amount of property damage resulting from the car wreck.
If your property's replacement or repair estimates are considerable, you may be able to obtain a higher maximum compensation amount.
Liability
Nevada follows a modified comparative fault rule, which allows for multiple parties in a car accident to be held liable for the accident.
The percentage a party is found to be at fault will result in a lower settlement.
In addition, if an at-fault party is determined to be 51% or more at fault for the motor vehicle accident, they will be barred from using legal options to obtain compensation for other parties or the insurance company.
Insurance Company Policy Limit
The at-fault party's insurance coverage limit will either increase or lower a settlement claim.
Parties with large policy limits, such as companies or governments, will typically have larger average car accident settlement amounts.
However, if a party has a low policy coverage cap or is underinsured or uninsured, you may need to rely on uninsured motorist coverage or other sources to avoid a low settlement.
Miscellaneous Financial Losses
Other financial losses, such as rental car costs, towing fees, and lost wages, all have their effects on the settlement process.
What to Do After a Non-Injury Motor Vehicle Accident
Understanding what to do after a car accident without injury is crucial for ensuring a successful property damage claim and insurance process.
File a Police Report
Under Nevada law NRS 484E.070, you must call the police if the accident results in property damage exceeding $750, injury, or death.
In the case of a no-injury accident, if you believe the property damage exceeds $750, you must call the police at the accident scene and have a report filed.
If police are not called to the accident, then you can file a report with the Nevada DMV through an SR-1 traffic accident report.
Document the Scene
Just like other injury cases in no-injury car accidents, it's crucial to gather evidence to support your claim.
Key evidence you should prioritize at the scene of the accident is:
- Photos & Videos: Pictures and videos of vehicle damage, traffic signs & signals, road conditions, and skid marks.
- Witness Statements: If any witnesses are present, request that they provide you with a statement and their contact information.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Inform your insurance company of the auto accident as soon as possible to avoid any problems with your claim.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If the insurance company refuses or stalls your claim, it's recommended that you contact a car accident lawyer to provide you with legal representation.
By hiring a law firm to take legal action, you can be ensured that a strong case will be built and that experienced legal professionals will handle the entire legal process.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident with No Injuries
In a motor vehicle accident with no injuries, hiring a lawyer may or may not be a viable option, as in some situations, it may be counterintuitive to hire a lawyer.
When Should You Hire a Lawyer
In a no-injury auto accident, it's recommended to hire a personal injury lawyer when there are:
- Liability Disputes: If the at-fault driver's insurance denies their policyholder's liability or offers you a low settlement, you should hire an attorney to negotiate on your behalf.
- High Repair Bills: If the accident results in substantial repair bills, you may want to get a lawyer to ensure you obtain the maximum settlement.
- Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers: If the no-injuries accident involved an uninsured or underinsured driver and you have problems with your own (UM/UIM) coverage, hiring an attorney may be necessary to avoid financial burden.
- Totaled Vehicle: If your vehicle is totaled, you may lose sustainable resale value and be burdened by repair costs. However, an attorney can help obtain the compensation you need to cover the expenses.
If any of the above apply to you, obtain a free consultation with a Las Vegas personal injury attorney by calling (702) 566-3600.
When Do You Not Need a Lawyer
No-injury accident cases in which you don't need a lawyer will typically involve one or more of the following:
- Property damage is under $3,000.
- The other driver admits fault.
- Negotiations with the at-fault driver's car insurance run smoothly.
However, while you may believe that your case does not require a lawyer, scheduling a free case evaluation is still recommended to ensure your case does not contain any complications.
Obtain the Compensation You're Entitled To
Contact Us Today
Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer is a Las Vegas personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience helping clients obtain maximum compensation following injuries from accidents such as car crashes, worksite injuries, and slips and falls. Over those years, The Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm has become an experienced law firm that can ensure exceptional results for any of its clients.
