Since every rear-end accident settlement is different, there’s no way to tell you what to expect. The compensation you are entitled to obtain is based on:
- The severity and type of your injuries
- The nature of the car accident
- Your prognosis
- How your work has been affected
- The extent of your medical bills
A car accident lawyer can review your case and identify which damages you qualify to recover in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Types of Compensation You Can Recover in a Rear-End Settlement
Two people can be in the same accident and still suffer different losses. However, common forms of damages available in such cases include:
- Past and future medical care costs
- Property damage expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future loss of earning capacity
- Disfigurement
Because rear-end collisions can be so severe, people may lose their lives to their related injuries. In that case, you and your family may be eligible to seek wrongful death damages, which could include:
- Burial and funeral arrangement expenses
- Final healthcare costs
- Loss of household services
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Loss of guidance
If you suffered losses that aren’t listed here, you could recover those costs. A lawyer can assess your situation and evaluate each of your damages accordingly.
The Insurance Company May Try to Offer You Less Than What You Need
It’s best to wait until your doctor deems you to have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before you accept a settlement. The amount accrued at your MMI is usually not enough to cover the full extent of your losses. What’s more, once you agree on a figure, you cannot ask for more money later – even if you need more medical care than you originally thought.
If the insurance company offers you a settlement, refer them to your lawyer. They will protect you from a low settlement and work to ensure you get the rear-end settlement you deserve.
What to Do After an Accident to Protect Your Settlement Value
Consider taking these steps after you were hurt in a rear-end collision:
Get Medical Help Right Away
A rear-end collision can cause many injuries, like:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Cuts and bruises
Some of these injuries don’t show symptoms right away, thereby making it crucial for you to seek medical help. Going to the hospital or your primary care physician will help keep your injuries from getting worse and allow you to start treatment promptly.
Getting prompt medical attention also provides a connection between the rear-end collision and your injuries. That way, the insurer may have a more difficult time claiming that the accident wasn’t the cause of your injuries or that you made them worse.
Document the Scene of the Rear-End Collision Scene
If you’re able, take photos or video of:
- The crash scene at different angles
- Your injuries
- The vehicle damage
- The road and weather conditions
Also, get the other driver’s information, including:
- Their name and phone number
- The make and model of their vehicle
- Their insurance information
- Their driver’s license and license plate numbers
If there were witnesses of the accident, ask for their name and number. They can provide an objective view of what happened.
Obtain a Copy of the Police Report
If you called the police to the scene, they should have filled out an accident report, which may include information like:
- Who was involved in the accident and their information
- If anyone was injured or lost their life
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Names of witnesses
- Accounts of the collision
The police report will be a vital form of evidence for your rear-end collision case.
Getting a Car Accident Lawyer in Your Case May Benefit You
Knowing how much compensation you are entitled to receive and working through the legal system can get complicated. To save yourself time and stress, consider having a personal injury lawyer take on your case for you.
They can:
- Review relevant ordinances and laws
- Establish liable parties
- Request the accident report
- Collect different forms of evidence
- File your claim or lawsuit
- Negotiate fair damages
- Speak to different parties on your behalf
- Litigate your case in front of a jury
Whenever you’re concerned or have questions regarding your case, don’t be shy to reach out to your lawyer. They’re there to help you.
Contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Today
After a rear-end accident, you can count on our attorneys to protect your rights. At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis*, so we don’t charge any upfront fees unless we win a settlement.
Call our firm today at (888) 612-7001 to start your free consultation with one of our team members.