Rear-end collisions are arguably the most common type of car accident in Georgia. Victims injured in a rear-end collision might know they can recover compensation from an at-fault driver but might not be aware of what an average settlement is for a case like theirs.
Every car accident case is different, even standard rear-end accidents. This means that the settlement offer will vary depending on the circumstances of the case. However, our firm will use several factors to determine an accurate value for your claim so that you do not accept a settlement offer that is less than what your case is worth.
If you have been injured in a rear-end collision and want to know what settlement you can expect for your injuries, our Georgia lawyers for car accidents can evaluate your case and help you recover what you are owed. For a free case evaluation, contact Howe Law today at (844) 876-4357.
How Much is the Average Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in Georgia?
While rear-end car accidents are common and similar in many ways, each case is different. This means that the average insurance settlement amount a victim can receive will depend on the particular circumstances of their case. Thus, every case must be thoroughly investigated to determine a fair settlement offer for a rear-end collision.
In practice, most insurance companies use formulas to calculate what they should offer in a given case. These formulas are designed to take into account several factors bearing on the final number, including your medical expenses and lost wages. However, the formulas insurance companies employ are much more complex than this and often include many other factors that could be used to lessen the settlement offer they make you.
In many cases, insurance companies will offer a settlement amount that is less than what the case is worth. However, you are under no obligation to take a settlement amount that is less than fair. Our Alpharetta car accident lawyers also use several factors to evaluate your case, which can help you recover the full compensation you are entitled to.
What Factors Determine the Value of a Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in Georgia?
As mentioned above, even common rear-end car accidents are unique when one starts reviewing the facts. A victim’s settlement offer for a rear-end collision will depend on numerous factors. However, our Atlanta car accident lawyers also look at several of the same factors to determine how much compensation your injuries will require. Some of these factors are fairly straightforward and hard to argue. Other factors could require an explanation or be used to limit the compensation you are offered.
Liability Insurance Coverage Available
One of the main factors in determining an average settlement amount for a rear-end collision in Georgia is how much liability insurance is available. While it depends on the state an at-fault driver had insurance, most states require at least $25,000 in liability coverage. However, if the accident involved a commercial truck or a rideshare company, like Uber and Lyft, the minimum amount of insurance coverage will typically be higher.
More than the minimum coverage would likely be needed if you sustained serious injuries in your accident. If there is not enough liability coverage to offer a settlement that will cover your injuries, you might need to turn to your car insurance for benefits. Although, you can go straight to filing a lawsuit if insurance cannot offer a fair settlement.
The severity of the Accident
Sometimes, the severity of an accident might be obvious. In cases involving only light damage with minimal injuries, there is much more room to argue the severity of an accident. However, evidence of physical damage does not accurately portray the accident’s severity. In some cases, expert testimony might be necessary to establish how bad the accident was. Our Georgia lawyers for rear-end collisions can review your case to ensure an accurate picture of the accident is presented.
The Severity of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries will play a crucial role in determining the settlement offer you receive. Your settlement offer might be low if your rear-end collision resulted in “smaller” injuries, like whiplash or bruising. A settlement offer will typically be much higher for accidents involving catastrophic injuries or if the injuries are permanent. However, additional evidence usually needs to be provided to show how the injuries are serious or permanent, which could require an expert to explain how a victim’s injuries will affect their life.
When You Sought Treatment for Your Injuries
In general, medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible following a rear-end collision. Sometimes, injuries only make themselves known hours or days after an accident. Thus, it is important to get medical care even if your injuries seem minor. Even delaying for a few days can be a basis for offering you a lower-than-average settlement offer. The longer a person waits to receive medical care, the easier it is for insurance companies to argue that their injuries were not that bad. Our Columbus car accident lawyers can help you prove the extent of your injuries and explain any delays in the treatment you received.
The Types of Treatments You Received and for How Long
The types of treatments you receive and for how long will have a significant impact on the value of your settlement offer. If your injuries require hospitalization, surgeries, or prolonged physical therapy, the value of your settlement will likely be much higher than average. However, if your accident involved only soft tissue injuries that did not require much treatment past a few doctor visits, your settlement offer could be lower. Also, insurance companies can look into past injuries and the treatments you received for those.
The Total Amount of Your Damages
The total damages will include your economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses. They also include future medical costs and lost earnings. Non-economic damages are for your pain and suffering, which can be more difficult to calculate as they are based on your injuries’ impact on your life. Our Savannah car accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help calculate an accurate value for your injuries.
Our Georgia Lawyers for Rear-End Collisions Can Help
To find out what your case might be worth and how to recover it, reach out to our Warner Robins car accident lawyers at Howe Law by calling (844) 876-4357 for your free case review today.
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