There is no average settlement for a rear-end collision, as every accident case will have a unique settlement value. The amount of money you should settle for depends on the damages you suffered, such as medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Rear-end accident victims may recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Determining how much your case is worth is a complex legal matter. When a Boca Raton car accident lawyer in your area represents you, they can handle it for you. They will also communicate and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on getting better. Many law firms in your area will review your case for free and clarify your compensation options.
Recoverable Medical Expenses for Rear-End Collision Injuries
A rear-end collision can leave you with serious injuries that require potentially lengthy and costly treatment. Commonly reported rear-end collision injuries include:
- Back and spine injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Facial and dental injuries
- Internal injuries
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
Your healthcare provider will assess your injuries and prescribe a treatment plan. Then, your legal team will collect proof of your treatment plan and written prognosis and demand appropriate compensation. Accordingly, you can recover:
- Ambulance fees
- Emergency room fees
- Hospital admissions
- Physical therapy
- Mental healthcare
- Surgical procedures
Your lawyer will also request compensation for assistive medical devices, including canes, crutches, and prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Additional Damages You Can Recover After a Rear-End Collision
Medical care is only one of the types of compensation your lawyer will request after a rear-end car accident. Additional recoverable damages can include:
- Current and future lost income
- Loss of future earning potential
- Property damage or destruction
- Diminished property value
- Disfigurement or disability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Wrongful death damages you can recover if a loved one is fatally injured in a rear-end collision include funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of familial support. They also include loss of consortium, companionship, and guidance.
How the Monetary Value of Your Rear-End Collision Damages Is Calculated
Representatives from the at-fault driver’s insurance company may request information about the accident from you verbally or in writing. One way to handle their request is to know what to expect from insurance adjusters and to let your lawyer deal with the insurance company for you.
Your lawyer will submit your compensation request after compiling the evidence that proves its value, including:
- Medical records and bills describing your injuries, their extent, and a prognosis describing your future anticipated care
- Direct deposit receipts, paycheck stubs, tax records, and other proof of the value of your lost income
- Vehicle repair estimates, receipts, and authoritative guides depicting the value of your car if it was deemed a total loss
This portion of your evidence collection will also include tangible proof of your intangible, or non-economic damages, including a statement on the toll the accident has taken on you and your family.
Negligence Entitles You to Financial Compensation for a Rear-End Collision
To prove the driver who struck the back of your car was at fault for the accident, your legal team will prove the following elements of negligence:
- Duty of care
- Breach of duty
- Causation
- Damages
Some commonly reported causes of rear-end collisions that could be caused by negligence include drowsy or distracted driving, speeding, and recklessness. Your personal injury lawyer will explain the importance of building a comprehensive evidence collection. It will include your police report, pictures and video, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports.
Pursuing Damages With a Personal Injury Lawyer Versus on Your Own
You might consider handling your insurance claim on your own. While this is allowed, it can be a risky practice. When a rear-end crash lawyer represents you, they can:
- Act as an advocate and protect your rights
- Build a compelling collection of evidence
- Protect you from contributory fault accusations
- Create and send a compensation demand letter
- Negotiate a fair monetary settlement
You should consider getting a lawyer for your car accident case as soon as possible. The sooner they start preparing your case, the more time they have to speak to witnesses and collect and preserve important evidence.
You Have a Limited Amount of Time to File Your Rear-End Collision Lawsuit
Each state sets a statute of limitations that outlines how long you have to file a car accident lawsuit. You could have as few as two years to submit your case if you hope to recover an accident settlement from the liable party. If you miss the filing deadline:
- You will be banned from filing your lawsuit
- Your lawsuit will be dismissed out of hand
- The insurance company will stop negotiating
Meeting the filing deadline is mandatory. It can also be complicated since many circumstances can delay or extend the applicable filing date. One way to understand how the statute of limitations affects your case is to let a local law firm handle it for you.
What It Costs to Hire a Rear-End Collision Car Accident Attorney
Personal injury law firms will typically accept car accident cases on a contingency-fee basis, meaning they will cover all the costs of your case. They will not charge you anything upfront and will only receive compensation after obtaining it for you. If you do not receive compensation, you will not owe any fees at all.
Learn More About Rear-End Accident Settlements in Your Free Case Review
If you or someone you love was injured in a rear-end collision, our car accident lawyer can help you recover the compensation you need and deserve. We will explain the average payout for a rear-end collision and the steps we take to achieve a fair financial settlement for you.
You do not have to manage all the details of your motor vehicle accident case alone. Learn more about the value of your case and fighting for financial recovery today by contacting our consultation team at Ged Lawyers to get started.
