Car accidents can leave you with mounting bills and unanswered questions. Find out what impacts settlement amounts and how Wohlgemuth Law Firm can secure the compensation you deserve.
In a city where traffic never sleeps, car accidents are more than just a risk—they’re a daily reality. According to NYC Department of Transportation data, there were over 88,000 motor vehicle collisions in New York City in 2023 alone. Thousands of those accidents resulted in injuries, hospitalizations, and long-term disruption to people’s lives.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably facing more than just a damaged vehicle. Maybe you’re dealing with pain, missed work, hospital bills, insurance runaround—and the growing anxiety of what comes next.
And like many others, you might be asking the big question: “How much can I actually get in a car accident settlement?”
It’s a fair question. But the answer isn’t simple. While some NYC car accident victims walk away with $15,000, others receive six- or even seven-figure settlements. The difference? It comes down to injuries, insurance, liability, and how well your case is handled.
At Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC, we help injured New Yorkers figure that out every day. This guide will walk you through the factors that shape settlement.
Factors That Determine Car Accident Settlement Amounts
After a car crash upends your life, the question looms large: what’s my case actually worth? While no attorney can promise an exact figure during your first meeting, understanding what drives settlement values can help set realistic expectations.
Severity of Injuries
This is the single biggest factor in your settlement amount. Minor soft tissue injuries might settle for $10,000-$30,000, while serious injuries requiring surgery often range from $50,000-$250,000. Catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage can result in settlements of $500,000 to several million dollars.
Fault and Liability
New York follows “comparative negligence” rules. This means your settlement decreases by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% responsible for the accident (perhaps for speeding slightly), you’ll receive 80% of your total damages.
Clear liability strengthens your position. Cases with police reports citing the other driver for running a red light or texting typically settle faster and for higher amounts than disputed liability cases.
Insurance Coverage Limits
Unfortunately, settlement amounts can be constrained by available insurance. New York requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. If your damages exceed these limits and the at-fault driver has limited personal assets, recovery may be challenging.
This is why we investigate all possible insurance sources – including umbrella policies, employer coverage if the driver was working, or your own underinsured motorist coverage – to maximize available compensation.
Economic Damages
These are your quantifiable financial losses:
- Medical expenses (ambulance, ER, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy)
- Lost wages from missed work
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Future medical care and diminished earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
These cover your pain—the stuff money can’t fully fix:
- Pain and suffering payout NYC
- Emotional distress or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages are often worth more than your medical bills. Insurance companies hope you won’t ask for them. We make sure you do.
Average Settlement Amounts for Car Accidents in NYC
Let’s be real: every case is different. But here are some general benchmarks:
- Minor accidents (soft tissue injuries): $10,000–$50,000
- Moderate injuries (fractures, surgeries): $50,000–$250,000
- Severe or permanent injuries: $250,000–$1,000,000+
- Wrongful death or catastrophic loss: Often $1 million and up
Steps to Maximize Your Settlement
Here’s what to do right after your crash to protect your claim:
- Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Don’t wait. Document your injuries. Insurance companies love to argue that “you must not have been hurt that badly” if you didn’t go to the doctor. - File a Police Report
This creates an official record. It also helps when the other driver’s story magically changes. - Collect Evidence
Take photos of:- Damage to your vehicle and the other car
- The scene (skid marks, traffic lights, weather conditions)
- Your injuries
- Contact info for witnesses
- Keep Track of Expenses
From hospital bills to Uber rides because you can’t drive—every penny matters. - Hire an Attorney ASAP
Let’s face it: the insurance claim process in NYC is designed to confuse and delay. Don’t go it alone. We handle the paperwork, the calls, the lowball offers—and we fight for what’s fair.
Common Challenges in Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies don’t make big payouts easily. Here’s what you’re up against:
- They’ll downplay your injuries.
“Whiplash? That’s nothing.” That’s their favorite tune—even when you’re in physical therapy for months. - They’ll argue about fault.
Even in rear-end crashes, adjusters may try to pin some blame on you to reduce your payout. - They’ll delay, delay, delay.
Missed deadlines, endless forms, and ghosted voicemails? That’s on purpose. - They’ll make fast, small offers.
They know you’re stressed and might take the first check. Don’t. We negotiate—and litigate, if needed—to get you what your case is worth.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Every car accident settlement is different, but in most cases, you can recover both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, future care
- Lost wages: Time off work now and in the future
- Property damage: Car repair or replacement
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium or companionship
In rare but egregious cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to punish gross negligence (think: DUI crashes).
Why Choose Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC?
You don’t need a flashy ad. You need results.
Here’s what you get with us:
- Proven experience. We’ve recovered millions for NYC car accident victims.
- A fighter in your corner. We don’t settle low. We dig in, build strong cases, and push for max compensation.
- You only pay if we win. Our no-win-no-fee policy puts the risk on us—not you.
- Personal attention. You’re not just a case number. You’re a person who deserves justice.
- We speak your language. Literally. Our staff is multilingual to serve New York’s diverse communities.
Whether your crash happened in Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, or the Bronx—we’ve got you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Settlements
How long does it take to settle a car accident claim?
Most cases settle within 5 to 15 months. Complex or severe injury cases may take longer—especially if they go to court. But waiting often means a bigger payout.
Can I still get compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Under comparative negligence law in NYC, you can still recover damages, just reduced by your percentage of fault.
What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance?
We’ll explore other options—your own underinsured motorist coverage, third-party liability, or company coverage if a work vehicle was involved.
Contact Wohlgemuth Law Firm Today
You didn’t ask for this. But now that it’s happened, you need to protect your rights—and your future.
Contact Wohlgemuth Law Firm PLLC today for a free, no-pressure case review. We’ll walk you through your options, assess your claim’s value, and help you fight back the smart way.
Don’t let a car accident derail your life. Contact Wohlgemuth Law Firm now to secure the compensation you deserve—and the peace of mind you need to move forward.
