It’s difficult to determine an average settlement for a rear-end car accident. How much a case is worth depends on various factors, such as total financial loss, pain and suffering, the severity of the injuries, the nature of the accident, and the parties involved. As such, an attorney can’t guarantee what any single case is worth without examining these details.
If you were injured in a car accident and want to know how much your case is worth, you can consult a car accident lawyer in Dallas, Texas. An attorney can meet with you to discuss the details of the accident and assess your case’s value. Then, your lawyer can fight to get you a fair settlement from the insurance company.
Damages that Affect Your Settlement
When another driver injures you in a car accident, you may be entitled to receive several types of damages based on your losses. Common damages in a car accident claim include:
Medical Expenses for Injury Treatment
Medical expenses from a car accident can span from the moment you are transported to the ER until your last doctor visit or physical therapy session. Throughout this period, you may incur a range of medical costs for your:
- ER visit
- Hospital stay
- Surgical procedures
- Prescriptions
- Rehabilitation
- Medical devices
Make sure you keep all invoices, medical reports, and receipts. Your attorney will need them to calculate your damages.
Lost Current and Future Income
If you sustained severe injuries from the accident, you may be in recovery for several weeks. Consequently, you could be out of work and unable to draw income during this time. If so, you can claim all lost income, including:
- Pay
- Bonuses or tips
- Benefits
If you are disabled or disfigured due to the accident and can no longer work, you may also qualify to receive compensation for lost future pay or disability pay.
Pain and Suffering
“Pain and suffering” is a legal term that refers to non-economic damages that have affected your life. Although pain and suffering doesn’t have its own exact dollar figure, your attorney will recommend an amount based on how much you’ve endured during recovery. Common pain and suffering damages include:
- Emotional trauma
- Extensive physical suffering
- Loss of joy of life
- Lower quality of life
- Loss of consortium or companionship
How much your settlement is worth also depends on factors such as the circumstances of the accident, the parties involved, and the extent of your damages. Your car accident lawyer will fight for the maximum compensation possible based on your economic and non-economic losses.
Common Injuries in a Rear-End Car Accident
There are two main categories of injuries in a rear-end car accident. The difference between the injuries is important to insurance companies and can affect your settlement offer.
Naturally, the more extensive your injury is, the more compensation you should receive from the insurance company. For instance, a spinal cord injury costs more than a sprained ankle and requires higher compensation. Examples of soft and hard injuries are outlined below:
Soft Injuries
- Whiplash
- Strained neck/back
- Bruises or mild abrasions
- Minor cuts
- Minor leg or knee injuries
- Sprained ankle
Hard Injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments or dislocations
- Deep cuts and internal injuries
- Fractures in major bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
What Happens If the Insurance Company doesn’t Settle?
No matter how ironclad your evidence is, the insurance company may not settle your claim as you requested. There are several possibilities:
The Insurance Company Rejects Your Claim
If the insurance company rejects your claim, your attorney will find out why and take steps to fight back. For example, your case may require further investigation or more evidence of fault and liability. Alternatively, there may be a small technical issue that you can address quickly.
The Insurance Company Offers a Low Settlement
If the insurance company offers a settlement that does not reflect your actual damages, you can have your attorney counter the option until you receive an agreeable offer. Otherwise, you could decide to sue.
You File a Lawsuit Against the Company
If the insurance company rejects your offer or offers a low settlement and refuses to negotiate, you could file a lawsuit. If so, your attorney can prepare your case for trial and represent you in court.
Regardless of how you move forward with your case, your car accident attorney will advocate for you throughout the process. Our legal team will investigate the accident, assess your damages, and contact the insurance company on your behalf.
What Is Your Case Worth? Contact Loncar Lyon Jenkins
Before you file your car accident claim, consult our law firm to determine how much your case is worth. Loncar Lyon Jenkins will fight for a fair settlement that reflects your actual losses. Call (800) 777-7777 to get a free case review from our team in Dallas or one of our other offices.
