What Is the Average Settlement for Car Accidents in Louisiana?

In an instant, a serious car accident can be devastating, leaving you injured, overwhelmed, and unsure of what comes next. In Louisiana alone, there were 143,207 injury crashes and 755 fatal crashes in 2023. Behind each of those numbers is a real person and a real story.

If you’ve been hurt in a crash, you deserve to know what your case may be worth. Hiring our exceptional car accident lawyers can make all the difference, helping you recover the most money possible so you can move forward with your life. In this blog post, we will break down everything you need to know about Louisiana car accident settlements.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

The average settlement varies depending on the severity of injuries, the amount of medical expenses, and other factors. However, in Louisiana, the average settlement for car accident claims involving injuries can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $100,000, while severe injury cases often result in six- or seven-figure settlements. The final settlement amount will depend on the specifics of your case, including the extent of your injuries and the evidence supporting your claim.

At Rice & Kendig, we have secured substantial settlements for our clients across a wide range of car accident cases:

• $4 million award — rear-end car wreck settlement: Our client suffered serious injuries in a rear-end collision that required extensive medical treatment and resulted in long-term complications affecting their ability to work and quality of life.
• $1,275,000 award — T-bone car accident settlement: A client was severely injured in a side-impact collision at an intersection, sustaining multiple injuries that required surgical treatment and extended rehabilitation.
• $1 million policy limit — car accident settlement: Our client sustained significant injuries when another vehicle failed to yield, resulting in serious medical complications that impacted their daily living and independence.

Typical Car Accident Settlement Amounts

When it comes to typical car accident settlement amounts with injury, the amount you receive will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries. Below are some car accident settlement examples based on the level of injury:

Minor Injuries

For minor injuries such as a whiplash neck injury, sprains, or cuts and bruises, settlement amounts typically range from $3,000 to $15,000. While these injuries may not be life-threatening, they can still result in medical bills and lost wages that need to be compensated.

Moderate Injuries

Injuries that require more extensive medical treatment, such as broken bones, back injuries, neck injuries, or concussions. The average settlement for car accident back and neck injury and other moderate injuries may lead to settlements ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. These injuries often require ongoing medical care and can result in significant lost wages and pain and suffering.

Severe Injuries

For serious injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or injuries resulting in permanent disability, settlements can exceed six figures and, in some cases, reach seven and eight figures. These severe injuries often result in long-term or permanent medical care and can dramatically impact your quality of life.

Wrongful Death

In a wrongful death case, the goal of compensation shifts from treating injuries and improving quality of life to covering funeral and burial arrangements and compensating loved ones for their loss. The average fatal auto accident settlement can often be seven or eight figures, depending on the specifics of the case.

Accidents with No Injury

In cases where no physical injuries are sustained, auto accident settlements are generally lower. The typical car accident settlement amounts in non-injury cases primarily cover property damage, rental car costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses. While these settlements may not be as substantial as those involving injuries, they are still important for ensuring that you’re compensated for any financial losses related to the accident.

Factors That Impact Car Accident Settlements in Cases with Injuries

Car accident cases with serious injuries are typically more complex and result in higher settlements than no-injury claims. Several key factors influence how much compensation an injured party may receive:

Severity of Injuries

The more serious the injury, the higher the potential settlement. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries often require extensive treatment and long-term care, significantly increasing the value of a claim.

Medical Expenses

Settlement amounts reflect both current and anticipated medical costs. This includes emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medication, and follow-up appointments. Clear documentation of these costs is essential to support your claim.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

If your injuries prevent you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income. In more serious cases, settlements also account for future lost earning potential if your ability to work is permanently affected.

Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages — such as physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and diminished quality of life — can substantially increase the value of your settlement. These factors are subjective but carry weight in serious injury claims.

Liability and Comparative Fault

Establishing clear liability is critical. Under Louisiana’s pure comparative fault rule, you can recover damages even if you are partially at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. A strong case that proves the other party’s negligence can maximize your recovery.

Insurance Coverage

The at-fault driver’s insurance limits may cap your compensation. If the other driver is underinsured or uninsured, your own policy’s uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help cover the remaining damages.

Factors That Impact Car Accident Settlements in No-Injury Cases

Even in cases without physical injuries, several factors can impact the final auto accident settlement amount. These factors include:

Severity of Property Damage

The extent of vehicle damage may play a significant role in determining your settlement amount. Minor car accidents with minimal damage tend to cause less significant injuries and may result in settlements ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. However, if your vehicle sustains severe damage or is totaled, you may be entitled to a higher settlement to cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

Liability

Liability determines who is at fault and directly affects your potential settlement. In Louisiana, which follows a pure comparative negligence system, you can still recover damages even if you’re partly at fault, though your percentage of fault will reduce your compensation. If the other driver is clearly responsible, your chances of receiving a higher settlement improve. Disputed or shared liability, however, can lower the final payout.

Insurance Limits and Policy Coverage

The at-fault driver's auto insurance coverage and policy limits will impact your settlement amount. If the other driver has minimal coverage or is uninsured, it may limit the amount of compensation you can recover. In such cases, uninsured motorist coverage may be necessary to cover your damages.

Louisiana's Comparative Fault Rule

Louisiana follows a 51% comparative fault system, as outlined in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, which can significantly impact your settlement amount. Under this law, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault in a car accident and your total damages were $100,000, you would only be able to recover $80,000. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

This 51% comparative negligence rule is more favorable to plaintiffs than the modified comparative fault systems used in many other states. Even if you share some blame for the accident, you don't lose your right to seek compensation entirely. Insurance adjusters and the other driver's legal team may try to assign more fault to you to reduce their liability.

Call Shreveport Car Accident Lawyers at Rice & Kendig Today

Whether you've suffered injuries, property damage, or other losses due to a negligent driver, our experienced car accident attorneys at Rice & Kendig can help. Our legal team has decades of combined experience in recovering millions of dollars in auto accident settlements for our clients and guiding them through the car accident settlement process.

Contact us today at 318-222-2772 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your personal injury claim. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.