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You can sue and be compensated for damage to your vehicle and any physical injuries caused by a rear-end truck collision. Suing is not the only option for seeking compensation, though. An insurance claim may be more suitable for your case.
However, if you are looking at medical bills stacking up, vehicle repairs, and lost wages due to physical injuries, you should meet with a car accident lawyer to discuss filing a lawsuit.
Who Is Liable for a Rear-End Crash?
In most cases, the driver who rear-ended you is the liable party. However, there are times when the at-fault driver is not found negligent. Sometimes it is the driver of the rear-ended vehicle who is found guilty.
Here are some examples of how the lead driver could be the at-fault driver:
- The lead driver unwittingly reversed into the rear car.
- The lead driver was driving drunk.
- The lead driver’s car had broken brake lights.
- The lead driver was driving recklessly.
Damages to a Rear-Ended Vehicle
Do not assume your vehicle is unharmed if there is no visible damage. Take it to a reputable mechanic and have it meticulously checked out.
Often, rear-end accidents cause damage to the frame of the rear-ended car. This sets up a chain reaction by putting stress on the car’s suspension, which causes premature wearing out of the struts, shocks, and various other parts.
Additional damages can include:
- Misalignment in your vehicle.
- Damage to your trunk.
- Issues with the transmission.
- Issues with electrical circuitry.
Injuries to the Body From a Rear-End Collision
First and foremost, you must worry about whiplash damage to your body. Whiplash can severely injure your neck. In addition, your internal organs can shift and be injured along with your skeletal structure.
The most common injuries caused by a rear-end collision are injuries to your chest, head, back, and/or neck.
How Long It Takes to Settle a Rear-End Collision Claim
On average, it takes anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months for a rear-end collision claim to be settled. However, if there were severe bodily injuries or even death, a lawsuit might be filed, taking over a year or more for a settlement to be reached.
All in all, the greater the physical damage, the longer the settlement process takes.
Truck Size in Rear-End Truck Collisions
There is a vast array of truck sizes, but no matter their size and weight, they are significantly larger than an ordinary passenger car. Depending on the size of the truck, the level of injuries to a driver and/or passengers will vary. Generally, injuries and damages grow exponentially with the size of the truck.
Because of the force of impact exerted by a semi-truck, the injured party may have cause to sue the truck driver’s employer. If it can be proven there was a defect in the truck whereby the brakes failed, and you were rear-ended, you can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the truck.
Sometimes, commercial truck drivers break the legally imposed limits and rules set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For example, a driver could fall asleep at the wheel due to driving many hours, and there may be significant bodily and material damage at the scene of an accident. In this scenario, additional punitive damages may be sought by the plaintiff.
How Much It Costs to Settle a Rear-End Collision Claim
There is no average settlement for rear-end truck crash cases as they all vary. As a rule of thumb, the larger the truck in the rear-end collision, the greater the settlement. That’s because a semi-truck hitting a compact car, for instance, will do tremendous damage compared to a pickup rear-ending a compact car.
Damages in a Rear-End Collision Lawsuit
Damages in a rear-end collision can invoke costs or losses associated with the accident. This includes both economic and non-economic compensatory damages. Compensatory damages in an auto accident can comprise of:
- Medical bills
- Emergency room visits
- Therapies – both physical and occupational
- Prescriptions for medications
- Medical supplies
- Loss of income
- Inability to work
- Loss of consortium
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
If the rear-end truck collision you suffered included criminal behavior or the other party was driving under the influence, you may be able to sue for punitive damages.
Contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers
Call George Sink, P. A. Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We serve rear-end truck collision victims in South Carolina and Georgia. A team member will speak with you to review your case, letting you know whether you can file a lawsuit for your damages. We will listen and answer all your questions. Call today at (888) 612-7001.
Our attorneys take cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay nothing up front and out of pocket when you hire us. We only get paid if you do.*