There are millions of car accidents across the country every year. Many of those crashes are rear-end collisions. Unfortunately, rear-end collisions do much more than cause serious property damage. They can also lead to severe injuries that can affect you for months or even years to come.
A rear-end collision can lead to serious damages, so you are eligible to pursue a personal injury claim against the other party to recoup compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. A personal injury attorney can help you with your accident injury claim and determine what damages you suffered.
Determining the Value of Your Claim
Not all rear-end collision claims are worth the same amount. Several things are taken into consideration when determining the value of a personal injury claim.
As an example, the severity of your injuries and the nature of those injuries are given consideration. Your medical expenses are added up, then depending on the nature of those injuries, the total of all your medical expenses is multiplied by a figure ranging from 1.5 to 5.
For example, whiplash or muscle injuries might warrant the figure being multiplied by 1.5 or 2 while a spinal injury or traumatic brain injury would warrant the total medical expenses being multiplied by 5. Your lost wages are then added on top of that figure along with the cost of repairing your vehicle. Your personal injury attorney will start at a higher figure than you would be willing to settle for so there is room for negotiation with the auto insurance company.
Damages That Might Result From a Rear-End Collision
If you were rear-ended, you could suffer various damages. Of course, you will have property damages because your car will be damaged when it is hit from behind. You will have medical expenses and might have future medical expenses depending on the nature of your injuries and their severity. You will have lost wages and you might have future lost wages.
Other damages might include pain and suffering, emotional distress and mental trauma, permanent scarring and disfigurement, long-term disabilities, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and possibly punitive damages. Punitive damages are not often awarded, but when they are awarded they are to deter the future behavior of the driver and to punish him or her for their actions. As an example, if it was a commercial driver who was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, the court might award punitive damages.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney After You Have Been Rear-Ended
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing at all to lose when you enlist the help of a lawyer for your case. Your attorney will not be compensated until you recoup your losses through a judgment or settlement.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today to have your case reviewed by a personal injury lawyer who can determine the best way to proceed with your personal injury claim after a rear-end collision.
