There are well over 1.7 million rear-end collisions in the United States alone every year. This statistic is both sobering and eye-opening to anyone who drives frequently. It points to the reality that we all must be highly cautious while on the roads. What is the average payout for a rear-end accident? It also makes many of us think about what might happen from a legal perspective if we are the victims of a rear-end collision.
It turns out that there is a wide variety of potential payouts that one can expect to receive, depending on the factors related to their specific case. The range that most cases fall into is between $3,000 and $20,000 per case, though some can fetch quite a bit more. With that in mind, it is time to look at the factors that can play a role in the settlement that you might expect to receive.
The Factors That Determine Your Rear-Ended Settlement Average
No two rear-end collisions are exactly alike, but some factors are common to many rear-end collisions, and those factors will play a role in the settlement amount you can expect to receive in your circumstances. Among those include:
The Severity of the Accident
How bad was the extent of the damage to your vehicle and your person? Did you receive a back or neck injury? Was your car totaled? This will play a major role in the amount of money that you can anticipate receiving in your case. When an accident is more severe, so is the damage, and so are the repair and medical bills that come along with it. Your settlement should reflect the severity of the accident that you have been through.
The Quantity of Negligence Involved
It is important to determine how negligent any party in an automobile accident behaved. When someone acts negligently, they are increasing the risk of injury not only to themselves but also to others around them. As such, the law accounts for this by providing for means for accident victims to fight legally for additional funds to compensate for the fact that the person who injured them was acting negligently.
Your Share of Fault
Not every automobile accident is so clear-cut that there is only one responsible party that caused all of the damage. There are certain circumstances in which multiple motorists may hold at least some responsibility for what took place. You must closely examine the share of fault that you bear. The greater your share of the fault, the less you can expect to receive for your accident.
Insurance Coverage
The coverage that one carries via insurance (if any) will also have an impact on the settlement amount that one receives. If the responsible party has insurance coverage, then the insurance company is the entity that will be sued in these cases. That insurance company will then determine the amount it will settle the lawsuit.
What Is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Accident and Its Determining Factors?
The next question that many people have from a legal perspective is: What is the average payout for a rear-end accident, and what types of damages might they qualify for in such a situation? The various damages that one might pursue in court include the following:
- Medical Expenses – The most obvious type of damages that one might pursue are the medical bills that accumulate after an accident. There is no reason why you should have to pay these bills when you didn’t cause this situation to befall you. This will be the largest sum on your settlement, given how much medical bills can accumulate in a short time.
- Lost Wages – It is very likely that someone who is the victim of a rear-end collision will miss some time from work as a result of their injuries. They have to spend time recovering, and that means that they are simply not able to show up for work and earn their wages. In court, individuals can recoup those wages as part of the settlement they receive following their accident.
- Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional toll that an automobile accident victim goes through is a very real thing. It is important to recognize this reality via a settlement by including damages for pain and suffering. A talented attorney will ensure that they include these damages in your settlement.
- Punitive Damages – In severe rear-end collision cases, punitive damages may be added to punish the at-fault party and deter future similar behavior.
These damages contribute to a settlement. Your attorney will have to look over the specifics of your case to determine precisely the types of damages that are appropriate for your situation.
Rear-End Collision Settlement Examples
You don’t have to look too far to find some real-life examples of rear-end collision settlement. Settlements for rear-end collisions have compensated people from coast to coast. One eye-catching example involves a Las Vegas woman who received $8 million from a jury instead of the $1.8 million settlement offer. She suffered significant back damage after a FedEx truck rear-ended her on the interstate.
This is a bit of an extreme example, but it goes to show you that there are some cases out there that can dramatically change the life of the victim. The woman in that case suffered extreme pain and suffering and had to have extensive medical care to address her injuries. However, she was able to receive compensation for all that she went through. That is the power of a competent attorney.
Can I Negotiate for a Higher Rear-End Collision Settlement?
It is not advisable for a layperson to try to negotiate for a higher settlement for their rear-end collision on their behalf. It is far better to put your trust in the hands of a seasoned attorney who handles these types of cases all the time. He or she can negotiate for you and help ensure that you get the highest possible settlement offer for your injuries.
The Duration of a Rear-End Car Accident Lawsuit
Following a rear-end collision, you will surely want to receive your compensation as soon as possible. However, before you jump the gun too much, you should try to take a step back and understand that patience is the name of the game. If you can remain patient, then you are more likely to receive the highest level of compensation possible for your injuries. The amount of time that a case may take can vary, but being willing to wait it out to receive what you deserve is the best path forward.
When to Hire a Rear-End Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, now is the time to hire a rear-end accident lawyer. The sooner that an attorney can get to work on your case, the sooner you can receive your compensation. The only way to discover how much you can receive in compensation for your accident is to have an attorney start working on your case.
Reach out to our team to set up an initial, free consultation. If you’re curious about what the average payout for a rear-end accident might be, our experienced attorneys can provide insight based on your specific case.
