In most cases, we never see a rear-end accident coming. This means the probability of injury is increased because we don’t have time to prepare ourselves for an impact. Almost all rear-end collisions are caused by the negligence of the driver in the rear. If your car was hit from behind and you were injured, you will most likely be able to get a settlement, but how much will it be?
If you have been rear-ended, you may be entitled to compensation for damage to your car, injury to your person, and other financial factors such as lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. The amount you will get will depend on the particulars of your case.
The vast majority of the time, the at-fault party’s insurance company is going to offer you a settlement. How much that settlement should be is going to depend on a few things, including the damage to your car, the types of injuries you received, and how those injuries have negatively impacted your life and finances.
Injuries You May Sustain in a Rear-End Accident
The settlement that you can expect (and should demand) is going to depend largely on the severity and type of injuries you received from being rear-ended. The most common injuries associated with rear-end car collisions are:
- Neck injuries resulting from whiplash
- Rotator cuff injuries, which are often sustained from the force of the seat belt
- Back injuries, including spinal cord damage
- Head injuries, such as concussions
Of these, neck and back injuries can be particularly problematic as they affect your mobility to a high degree. You may have to miss work to recover, and this can really add up in terms of financial damage on top of physical pain.
A head injury is never anything to take lightly. Traumatic brain injury can be a devastating blow to your life and well being, and the effects can follow you for years. If you have received a concussion or another type of head injury, a CT scan or MRI may be necessary. The costs of these procedures can really add up.
What to Do After a Rear-End Accident
Contacting an attorney is critical to assessing exactly how much you have lost and how much more you can gain back. Remember, some damages are less obvious, and it takes a trained personal injury lawyer to identify losses that you may not have thought of.
If you have just been rear-ended and have any doubts about your health, you feel dizzy, or you experience bleeding, don’t wait for the pain to go away. Get to a hospital immediately or call 911. It could prevent your injuries from getting worse, and you’ll also need the medical record if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.
Why You Need an Attorney
According to Laborde Earles, a Louisiana-based law firm that once got a settlement of $410,000 for a client who was injured in a rear-end collision, you have a limited time to make a claim if you’ve been in an accident. You should hire an attorney as soon as possible so they can begin the process of negotiating your settlement.
You never want to go into a settlement negotiation without a lawyer present. Why? A lot of it comes down to knowledge and negotiation. An attorney with experience in this field is going to have a real advantage because they understand how the insurance process works. Your lawyer will estimate your damages and guide you through the steps to reaching a settlement or bringing your case to trial.
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