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Did you know that about 1.7 million rear-end crashes take place each year in the United States? Common causes of rear-end accidents are tailgating, distracted driving, sudden stops, or poor weather conditions.

Rear-end collision damages often result in low payouts. Keep in mind that a number of factors can have a significant impact on the average rear-end accident payout. The severity of the injuries sustained weighs heavily in determining the rear-end accident payout or compensation. 

This article will discuss the typical payout for a rear-end collision and the various factors that influence it.

Factors Influencing Payout Amounts

There are numerous factors that influence how insurance companies estimate compensation. 

One of these factors is the extent of the damage done to your property as a result of the accident, along with the cost of repairing or replacing it.

Rear-end collision injuries affect settlement payouts. Adjusters determine the settlement based on injury severity, treatment, and recovery time. Pre-existing injuries and illnesses may also affect payouts. 

Important considerations include liability, which can depend on your local state. For example, under the fault system of Louisiana’s car accident laws, the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. If two parties are at fault or joint culpability is acknowledged, expect the payout to be lower.

Average Settlement Range for Rear-End Collisions

Settlement amounts often vary from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. In severe or long-term injury cases, damages can often exceed six figures. Key factors in determining the final settlement amount are medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and requirements for future care. 

Settlements for minor property damage and injuries are typically low, but for accidents involving significant vehicle damage and injuries, the settlement may be sufficient to cover all recovery and treatment expenses.  

It is recommended that you hire an attorney to help you obtain the appropriate compensation for your rear-end collision.

Role of Insurance Companies in Compensation

If you get injured in a rear-end collision and claim compensation from your insurance provider, they will assess the accident to decide who was at fault. If the other party is found to be at fault under the applicable liability laws, their insurance company is usually responsible for covering all of your claims.

Your insurance company will then assess your personal injuries, vehicle repairs, and economic losses to determine your compensation.

Insurance providers prefer to settle claims as quickly as possible for as little money as possible. Work closely with a lawyer to pressure these companies into proposing a fair and adequate payout by providing clear proof of your injuries, medical bills, car repair work, and related losses. 

Legal Options for Maximizing Payout

If you want to maximize your compensation for a rear-end accident, you may need to pursue legal action through the following means:

Consult lawyers specializing in personal injury suits arising from rear-end accidents. These legal professionals will provide assistance in securing the compensation you deserve.

Negotiating with the at-fault driver’s insurer can maximize compensation. Negotiations are difficult, so choose a skilled lawyer to help you get the best result. If negotiations fail, you may pursue a lawsuit against the liable party to obtain compensation for the injuries you have sustained.

If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, victims of rear-end collisions may be able to seek compensation through their own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Steps to Take After a Rear-End Collision

Following a rear-end collision, your top priority should be to keep everyone safe. Once in a safe location, steer your vehicle toward the roadside to avoid oncoming traffic and reduce the likelihood of another accident. 

Check your friends and yourself for injuries. Get emergency help if anyone is wounded. Sharing names, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers with the involved motorists will help you during claims negotiations. Obtain the names and contact details of witnesses. Their testimonies will help substantiate your claim and enhance your credibility. Photos of the incident should include damaged automobiles, road skid marks, and road conditions.

Inform your insurance provider of the incident right away so that the claims process can begin as soon as possible. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, whether or not you have visible injuries. Injuries may have underlying symptoms that necessitate the medical expertise of doctors to diagnose and treat.

Save all necessary paperwork pertaining to the accident. These can include medical bills, repair estimates, and letters from insurance companies. These documents can provide additional information about the incident and strengthen your claims.

Always remain calm and try not to make statements admitting fault at the scene.