Car Accident Settlements in Texas
Payouts, Timelines, and What to Expect With San Antonio’s Fiercest Lawyers on Your Side
After a car accident, injured victims often wonder how much their settlement might be worth and how long it will take. Car accident settlements in Texas are determined by evaluating medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies calculate offers using internal formulas, but these often undervalue claims. Negotiations between the victim’s lawyer and the insurance company determine the final payout, and if no agreement is reached, the case may go to court.
Wyatt Law Firm’s San Antonio personal injury lawyers have recovered over $1 billion for accident victims in Texas. We fight for maximum compensation and ensure insurance companies don’t pressure victims into lowball settlements. If you were injured in an accident, contact us to learn more about how we can help. Schedule a free consultation today.
What Expenses Are Covered in a Car Accident Settlement?
A car accident settlement is meant to compensate victims for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills, including hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescriptions, and future medical care
Lost wages, covering missed work and reduced future earning capacity
Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life
Property damage, covering repairs or replacement of the victim’s vehicle and other damaged property
Disability and disfigurement, with additional compensation for life-altering injuries, such as paralysis, amputations, or severe burns
Wrongful death damages, allowing families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering after the loss of a loved one
Insurance companies will try to pay as little as possible, which is why it’s critical to have legal representation that knows how to push for full compensation.
How the Car Accident Settlement Process Works in Texas
The car accident settlement process in Texas involves multiple steps, from filing a claim to negotiating a final payout. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for as little as possible, but understanding how the process works can help victims avoid costly mistakes.
- Filing an Insurance Claim. After a car accident, the first step is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Texas law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage, which includes $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage. If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, victims may need to file a claim with their own insurance under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Investigation and Liability Determination. Once a claim is filed, the insurance company investigates the accident. Adjusters review police reports, witness statements, medical records, and any available evidence to determine fault. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning compensation is reduced if the victim is partially at fault. If the insurance company argues that the victim was more than 50% responsible, they may deny the claim entirely.
Evaluating Damages and Losses. Insurance companies calculate settlement offers based on medical bills, lost wages, and property damage, as well as pain and suffering. However, insurers often use formulas that undervalue pain and suffering, and they may dispute the necessity of ongoing medical care.
Settlement Negotiations. Once the insurance company makes an initial offer, negotiations begin. Insurers typically start with a low settlement, hoping victims will accept quickly. A lawyer gathers medical records, expert testimony, and financial evidence to push for full compensation. Negotiations can take weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate.
Accepting a Settlement or Filing a Lawsuit. If both sides agree on a settlement amount, the victim signs a release, and the insurance company issues payment. However, if negotiations stall or the insurer refuses to offer fair compensation, the victim may need to file a lawsuit. While most car accident cases settle before reaching trial, having a lawyer prepared to take legal action can pressure insurers into offering a higher payout.
Navigating the settlement process without legal representation can lead to lower compensation, delays, or denied claims. Wyatt Law Firm fights for car accident victims to ensure they receive the full amount they are entitled to under Texas law.
Factors That Impact Car Accident Settlement Amounts
Car accident settlement payouts are not random — they are based on specific factors that determine how much compensation a victim is entitled to. Some of the most important factors include:
- Severity of Injuries. More serious injuries result in higher medical costs, longer recovery times, and larger settlement amounts.
Liability and Fault. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning if a victim is partially at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of responsibility.
Medical Expenses. Settlements should cover all medical costs, including emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future care needs.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings. If injuries prevent the victim from working temporarily or permanently, lost income is factored into the settlement.
Pain and Suffering. Non-economic damages like emotional distress and reduced quality of life significantly affect settlement value.
Insurance Policy Limits. The at-fault driver’s insurance policy sets a cap on what can be recovered, but other options may exist for additional compensation.
Legal Representation. Victims with experienced legal representation typically receive much larger settlements than those negotiating alone.
Insurance companies use formulas to lowball injury victims, while a lawyer looks at the full impact of the accident and fights for every dollar you deserve.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Texas?
Every car accident case is unique, but settlement payouts in Texas typically range from $15,000 to $1 million or more, depending on the circumstances.
- Minor Injuries. Soft tissue injuries, whiplash, minor fractures. $15,000 – $50,000
Moderate Injuries. Broken bones, concussions, significant medical bills. $50,000 – $250,000
Severe Injuries. Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, permanent disabilities. $250,000 – $1 million or more
Fatal Car Accidents. Wrongful death claims. $500,000 – several million dollars
Texas law allows accident victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, insurance companies try to pay as little as possible, which is why having a strong legal team can make a major difference in the final settlement amount. Wyatt Law Firm has recovered many million-dollar and multi-million-dollar case results for clients and their families throughout Texas. Contact us to see what we can do for your claim.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Texas?
The average length of time for a car accident settlement depends on multiple factors, but most claims in Texas are resolved within:
- A few months for clear-cut cases with minor injuries and no liability disputes
Six months to a year for cases involving moderate injuries and some negotiation
Over a year for complex cases involving severe injuries, long-term medical needs, or disputed liability
Several years if the case goes to trial because the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
While every case is different, one of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is settling too quickly. Insurance companies often offer fast, low settlements before victims understand the full extent of their injuries. Once a settlement is accepted, additional compensation cannot be pursued, even if medical bills continue to pile up.
Should You Accept the Insurance Company’s First Offer?
In most cases, no. The first offer from an insurance company is almost always lower than what an accident victim actually deserves. Insurers want to settle claims quickly for as little money as possible, hoping victims will accept before realizing the full extent of their losses. Before accepting any settlement, consider:
- Does it cover all current and future medical expenses?
Does it include compensation for lost wages and reduced earning capacity?
Has your doctor determined whether you need long-term treatment?
Does it account for pain and suffering?
Have you consulted a lawyer to assess the true value of your claim?
Once you accept a settlement, you waive your right to pursue further compensation. This is why accident victims should always review their case with an attorney before agreeing to an insurance company’s offer.
How Wyatt Law Firm Fights for Maximum Car Accident Settlements
At Wyatt Law Firm, we don’t let insurance companies take advantage of accident victims. We fight for maximum compensation and have secured multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.
- Over $1 billion recovered for injury victims in Texas
More than 40 years of experience handling car accident claims
Aggressive negotiations to counter insurance company tactics
No-fee guarantee — you pay nothing unless we win
Trial-ready representation if insurers refuse to offer a fair settlement
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Contact Wyatt Law Firm today for a free consultation, and let us fight for the full financial recovery you need.