What is the average settlement of a car accident in Calgary?

After a car accident in Calgary, one of the first questions that people have is about the potential settlement they can expect from their insurance claim or a legal case. 

 

A professional injured in car accident lawyer will help you navigate the claim process and ensure you get a claim that is well-deserved for your losses.

Here are some of the factors influencing the settlement amount-

1. Nature of your injuries: The nature and severity of the injuries play a crucial role in determining the amount of settlement.Number of treatments, its duration and variety of treatment providers required to help you with your injuries also play their role. Simply put, more severe injuries result in higher medical costs, long-term treatment and greater compensation.
2. Impact on quality of life: If the injuries sustained impact the ability of the victim to work and enjoy life, the compensation may include not only the medical bills but also the lost wages, pain and suffering. 
3. Fault and liability: Calgary operates under the tort-based system, meaning the degree of fault significantly affects the settlement outcomes. If the driver is found fully or partially at fault, it can affect the compensation.
4. Insurance coverage: The settlement depends on the insurance policy coverage of both parties involved. Policies have limits that cap the maximum payout.

Calculation of the average settlement

The circumstances surrounding each accident vary and thus there is no one-size-fits-all to the average settlement.

1. Minor accident: An accident where the victim suffered minor soft tissue injuries and musculoskeletal pain which get fully resolved within couple months, then it becomes a “minor” claim under the Minor Injury Regulation, Alberta. The “minor” injury claims are considered to be “capped” claims where the injured can obtain compensation up to a maximum of capped amount prescribed by the MIR Regulation (which gets assessed annually based on inflation).  In 2004, the minor injury cap was $4,000, which is $5,817 for 2023 inflation adjusted. It is very important to discuss your claim with an experienced injury lawyer to properly understand if your claim is a “capped” claim or not.
2. Moderate accident: Accident resulting in “significant impairments” under the MIR Regulation are considered to be beyond the “capped “ amount; hence are entitled for higher compensation. In simple words, a “chronic” injury or pain will fall beyond the scope of “minor injury” definition. There are multiple factors that play their role in calculation the appropriate amount for compensation. You need an experienced injury lawyer to get the fair and reasonable compensation for your injuries. Depending upon the injuries and resulting limitations a claim may have settlement in six-figures.
3. Severe accident: In case of severe injuries like brain injury orspinal damage or permanent disability, the settlement can exceed $100,000 based on long-term care needs and impact.

When involved in a car accident in Calgary, it is advisable to consult a professional injured in car accident lawyer who specializes in car accident claims. The lawyers are aware of all the regulations and rules governing car accident laws and provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of the case. They also ensure their clients receive fair compensation.

While the average settlement can be a useful guideline, each car accident in Calgary is unique. A reliable legal expert can help navigate the complexities of the specific case and ensure that the settlement reflects the full extent of the losses and injuries.