Free Consultation
(512) 910-2000Written by TK Injury Lawyers, reviewed by Trent Kelly on December 28, 2023
An accident that involves a drunk driver can be devastating for everyone involved. From medical expenses to time off work due to injuries, an accident is often costly as well. For this reason, it is common for those who have been hit by a drunk driver to ask how much they might expect for the value of their settlement.
There is no correct answer to this question, as every accident comes with a different set of circumstances. While it is difficult to assign a specific average number to a settlement, there are factors that can help provide some guidance. An Austin car accident lawyer can help you determine how much to seek in compensation.
Although some drivers may opt to purchase solely liability insurance in order to save money, meaning that they are not covered in the event of an accident, all drivers are required to carry auto insurance. Every state individually sets the minimum insurance requirements for drivers, and this can impact the amount of your settlement.
According to the Texas Department of Insurance, the minimum amount of insurance that a Texas driver must carry is $30,000 liability per person who is involved in the accident or $60,000 per accident to cover the cost of personal injury. A driver must also carry an additional $25,000 to cover the cost of property damages. This is the basic coverage and is sometimes referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.
When you file a claim with the insurance companies, they can fight back or even deny your claim. For this reason, it is helpful to work with an experienced Texas auto accident attorney who understands how to navigate the insurance claims process.
When calculating the costs incurred in an accident, you and your attorney will account for both economic and non-economic damages. The most common type of damages awarded by the insurance company will be for medical claims and damages to property. These may include and are not limited to compensation for:
The total amount of your claim will vary depending on your injuries and property damage, and your attorney can work with the insurance companies to advocate for a fair settlement in the event of a drunk driving accident.
If you have been hit by a drunk driver, it is advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Dealing with insurance companies after suffering an injury and damage to your property can be confusing and overwhelming. At TK Injury Lawyers, we are here to help. Please contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Trent Kelly obtained his law degree from the University of Arkansas in 2007. He is licensed to practice law in Texas and regularly assists clients with their legal matters. Trent’s practice is primarily focused on personal injury matters – particularly those involving motor vehicles (such as cars, commercial trucks, 18-wheelers, and motorcycles) and wrongful death – but he also handles various business litigation matters as well. Click here to take a look at some complex cases Trent has resolved.
Years of experience: +15 years
Location: Austin, TX
There’s a reason that medical and legal professionals deem the most severe spinal cord injuries as “catastrophic.” They are extremely costly for the victims of tho...
With our large entertainment district and flourishing craft beer scene, it is not surprising that about 10% of all arrests in Austin are for public intoxication. The proc...
Motor vehicle accidents can involve some pretty serious accidents, particularly when large vehicles are involved. When a large truck or other commercial vehicle crashes i...
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Austin residents are involved in an average of 13,029 crashes each year (based on the latest available stati...
Tell us about your case and our attorneys will contact you promptly