Average Car Accident Settlement in Maryland [2024 Updated]

Rarely does anyone anticipate a car accident happening, but however unexpected they may be, having an understanding of the average car accident settlement in Maryland can help provide you with a more realistic perspective of what potential damages you may face should you ever experience an automobile collision.

What Are Some Examples of Average Car Accident Settlement Amounts in Maryland?

Every car accident comes with its own unique set of circumstances. From the type of vehicles involved in the collision to the overall severity and specific kinds of injuries sustained and the level of negligence committed by the at-fault party, no two accident cases are identical. However, there are some common examples of car accidents that can help provide you with a decent reference when considering the potential settlement amounts secured by the victims.

Here are some of the average settlement ranges for the different types of automobile accident claims in Maryland:

Car Accident: $20,000-$25,000
Commercial Truck Accident: $50,000-$150,000
Motorcycle Accident: $50,000-$150,000
Pedestrian Accident: $40,000-$100,000

The settlement ranges listed above are based on damages sustained from moderate severity of injuries. Minor injuries will likely result in settlements below the above averages, and severe injuries can result in far greater amounts. All in all, car accident settlements can range from just a couple of thousands of dollars to multiple millions.

Average Car Accident Injury Settlements

Here are the average settlement ranges according to some of the common types of injuries sustained from auto accidents:

Whiplash: $5,000-$20,000
Mild-Moderate Concussion: $20,000-$30,000
Knee or Shoulder: $30,000-$100,000
Broken/Fractured Bone: $30,000-$100,000
Moderate Neck or Back: $30,000-$100,000
Herniated Disc: $50,000-$100,000+
Spinal Cord or Back Fracture: $500,000-$1,000,000+
Traumatic Brain Injury: $100,000+
Severe Spinal Cord/Paralysis: $1,000,000+
Wrongful Death: $1,000,000+

The above settlement averages listed highlight the broad spectrum of potential minor to severe injuries that can result from car accidents. Given the physical sensitivity and overall importance of the head, neck, and back, injuries sustained in these areas are much more likely to result in greater compensation, whereas relatively minor injuries to the knee or shoulder will likely result in a lower settlement amount.

Regardless of the overall severity or area of the body where the injury occurred, it’s crucial to the success of your claim and your long-term health that you seek medical assistance as soon as possible following a car accident. This can help provide you with the immediate treatment that you need while also documenting official evidence of the injuries for your claim. After you have received proper medical treatment, it’s also important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to begin evaluating your case.

How Do You Calculate Emotional Pain and Suffering?

Pain and suffering in personal injury claims are classified as non-economic damages, which generally include any emotional distress, loss of consortium, and stress and anxiety. Since these damages are not tangible and do not come with more straightforward financial costs, it can be particularly difficult to quantify just how much a victim should be entitled to in compensation. That being said, there are typically two methods used in calculating pain and suffering damages:

Per Diem Method: This method assigns a specific dollar amount or daily rate to every day that the victim experiences pain and suffering. Then, that daily rate is multiplied by the exact number of days that the victim is expected to continue to suffer.
Multiplier Formula: This formula adds up all of the economic costs related to the accident, like medical expenses and lost income, then multiplies the total costs by a specific multiplier that ranges anywhere from 1.5x to 5x, depending on the severity of the sustained injuries.

While each of the highlighted methods is helpful in quantifying the non-economic damages sustained by the victim of an accident, it is not an exact science. This is why it’s essential to consult with an experienced car accident attorney to ensure that you receive the full compensation that you deserve for all of the emotional distress, and pain and suffering that you have endured as a result of the accident.

FAQs

Q: How Much to Expect From a Car Accident Settlement in Maryland?

A: In Maryland, you can expect a car accident settlement to vary significantly, depending on the overall extent of the damages and the severity of the injuries sustained by the victim. If your injuries were severe or catastrophic, like a spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis, you should receive a much higher settlement. Your settlement should cover your medical costs resulting from the accident, as well as any expenses due to property damage.

Q: How Much Are Most Car Accident Settlements?

A: In the state of Maryland, most car accident settlements are in the lower range because most accidents result in minor injuries and property damage. Settlements are mostly dependent on the total extent of the damages and the severity of the injuries suffered by the victim. The general rule is that the more severe the accident, the higher the settlement amount will be in order to properly compensate the victim.

Q: What Is a Good Settlement Figure?

A: A good settlement figure is completely subjective based on the extent of the corresponding damages that resulted from the car accident. A good settlement amount is generally whatever amount can properly cover the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, pain and suffering, ongoing treatment, lawyer fees, court fees, and any other costs that resulted from the car accident.

Q: How Do I Negotiate a Settlement to Get More Money From a Car Accident?

A: Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can allow you to negotiate a settlement to get more money from a car accident. Their extensive knowledge means they know how much to ask for, and insurance companies won’t attempt to take advantage of them like they might a layperson. It’s also wise not to accept a low first settlement offer. Insurance companies often attempt to extend an offer that doesn’t cover the extent of the damages.

Consult With the Right Car Accident Attorney for Your Case

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, our founding attorney has more than 25 years of legal experience helping thousands of Maryland clients secure the damages they are entitled to as a result of another party’s negligence. Our team believes that every person deserves dedicated and trustworthy legal representation, regardless of their circumstances.

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