What is the average payout for a rear-end collision? While no two rear-end collisions are identical, the settlements for these types of accidents tend to follow a similar pattern. The factors affecting the amount you may receive include the accident’s severity, the degree of driver negligence, and the accident’s impact on your life. The personal injury lawyers at Brown & Crouppen can help determine how much your claim is worth.
You were minding your own business when a negligent driver rear-ended your car. Now, you’re left with painful injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and a damaged vehicle. While the costs can quickly add up, you may be able to recoup some of your expenses by filing a legal claim. But what is the average payout for a rear-end collision?
There’s no simple answer to this question. The settlement you receive will depend on various factors, and averages are typically of little use when valuing your unique case. The best way to determine the potential value of your Missouri, Kansas, or Illinois rear-end collision claim is to consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Brown & Crouppen. We can review the details of your accident and provide you with an estimate of what your rear-end collision settlement might be.
How Much Is a Rear-End Accident Claim Worth?
Only a personal injury lawyer can tell you for sure how much your rear-end accident claim is worth after carefully reviewing the details of your case. However, previous settlements can give you a rough idea of what others in similar situations have received in compensation.
At Brown & Crouppen, we’ve seen rear-end personal injury settlements ranging from a few thousand dollars to millions. But rear-end accidents don’t always result in major injuries, and the average settlement may be on the lower end of the spectrum. Severe injuries do happen in rear-end accidents, however, and those cases can lead to larger payouts.
Noteworthy results that we’ve achieved for our clients after rear-end accidents include the following:
- $300,000 for a Kansas woman whose vehicle was struck from behind by another vehicle that had slid on an icy exit ramp. She suffered injuries to her upper back and neck. The case settled out of court after lengthy disputes about whether the client’s injuries were preexisting conditions.
- $750,000 for a Missouri woman who was a passenger in a vehicle rear-ended by a suspected drunk driver in Kansas, resulting in a neck injury that required surgical fusion.
- $100,000 for a Missouri client who was rear-ended and suffered a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear that required surgery.
- $200,000 for a Missouri motorcyclist injured when he rear-ended a distracted driver who had slowed down abruptly while looking for a house. The client suffered severe tibial and fibular fractures, which required multiple surgeries.
Remember, the results of these and any other cases we have handled are unique to their particular facts and circumstances. Your case may have a different value depending on your individual situation. However, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can help you get more compensation from your car accident case.
Use our legal checklist to learn what to do after an accident and understand key legal considerations for recovering financial compensation.
What Factors Determine the Settlement Amount for a Rear-End Accident Claim?
One of the most substantial factors in determining the settlement amount for a rear-end accident claim is the degree of driver negligence and cause of the rear-end accident. Most states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas, have comparative negligence systems to determine who is liable for damages.
Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence system, while Kansas and Illinois use a modified one. Under both systems, the court will assign percentages of fault to all involved parties.
Missouri’s pure comparative negligence allows an injured person to recover even if they were up to 99 percent at fault in the accident. By contrast, Kansas has a modified comparative negligence system that only allows for recovery of damages if the injured person is less than 50 percent at fault. If the victim is 50 percent or more at fault, they cannot recover. Illinois has a slightly different law, applying the so-called 51 percent rule, which allows an injured victim to collect damages as long as they are not more at fault than the defendant.
In all three states, if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the blame. For example, if you are 20 percent at fault for the accident, you can recover only 80 percent of your total damages.
In addition to fault, other factors influencing how much you might receive in a rear-end car accident settlement include the following:
- The severity of the accident and the extent of your injuries
- Whether you lost wages due to your injury
- The impact the injury has had on your earning capacity
- The number of parties involved in the accident
- The type and amount of insurance coverage that is available for compensation
- The medical bills you have and expect to have in the future, including doctor visits, tests and scans, medications, hospital stays, physical therapy, and other treatments
- The strength of the evidence presented in your case
Perhaps the greatest determinant of your rear-end accident settlement is the experience and knowledge of your car accident lawyer. The right attorney will have the skills to develop legal arguments that others may miss, the finesse to negotiate for a better settlement offer, and the zealousness to take your case to trial if necessary.
Should You Settle With the Insurance Company?
Accepting an insurance adjuster’s first offer after a rear-end accident can be tempting. But their goal is to settle your claim quickly and cheaply. They may act like they have your best interests at heart, but their true interests lie in protecting their bottom line.
If you accept the insurance company’s first offer, it’s almost certain that you’ll receive far less compensation than you deserve. It’s best to avoid settling with the insurance company before consulting with a personal injury lawyer.
A reputable attorney will be better equipped to assess the value of your claim and won’t be afraid to fight for a settlement that adequately covers your damages. They know the insurance companies’ tactics and can anticipate how they’ll respond to certain legal arguments. They won’t back down if the insurance company tries to lowball you, and they will be prepared to take your case to court if needed.
Why Hire Brown & Crouppen for a Rear-End Collision?
At Brown & Crouppen, we believe our results speak for themselves. Since 1979, our personal injury attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, and beyond.
Our award-winning team of over 50 attorneys is dedicated to leveling the playing field between you and the big insurance companies. If you have a valid claim, we will fight to help you get the maximum compensation for your rear-end collision injury.
How Much Will It Cost To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
Many prospective clients are concerned about the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer after a rear-end collision. Fortunately, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for you to worry about.
We only collect a fee if we successfully resolve your case and secure a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Our fee will come from the settlement we win for you—not your pocket.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Rear-End Accident Lawsuit?
The timeline of a rear-end accident lawsuit can vary greatly and depends on numerous factors. The process generally starts with a free initial consultation where a personal injury lawyer will review your case and explain your rights and options.
Once you hire an attorney, they will investigate your accident and gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and eyewitness accounts to strengthen your claim. With this information in hand, your lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. Successful negotiations can take from a few weeks to several years.
If negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory settlement offer, you and your attorney may decide to take the case to trial. This step adds significant time to the process, often involving months or even years of preparation. However, the insurance company may offer a larger settlement at this stage to avoid the time and expense of trial.
We understand that you may be eager to recover the money you need as quickly as possible. Quick settlements rarely cover the true cost of an injury, and it’s often worth waiting for a settlement that adequately compensates you.
Contact Brown & Crouppen To Start Your Rear-End Accident Claim Today
The average settlement for a rear-end collision depends on many factors, most of which are beyond your control. The one thing you can control, however, is the quality of representation you retain.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end collision, contact us today for a free consultation by calling 888-802-0827 or completing our online form. Our personal injury attorneys in St. Louis and Kansas City are ready to help you determine the true value of your claim and take the necessary steps to secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
