A rear-end collision can be incredibly physically, emotionally, and financially stressful, forcing accident victims to navigate the complex aftermath of the accident, often at no fault of their own. One of the most important parts of a rear-end collision is the settlement payout the victim receives as a result of their losses. If you have been in a rear-end accident, you’ve probably wondered “What is the average payout for a rear-end collision?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t a simple one, since there really is no such thing as an “average settlement” when it comes to injury claims. You can, however, find rear-ended collision settlement examples to get a better idea of the value of your claim.
Understanding what to expect in terms of compensation can provide insight for those who have been involved in these kinds of accidents. Below, we’ll go into the factors that can affect a settlement as well as some general settlement ranges that may give victims an idea of what to expect in terms of compensation.
If you’ve been rear-ended and are facing challenges with insurance companies, know that you don’t have to go it alone. The Michigan rear-end collision lawyers at Lipton Law are experienced in handling a wide range of car accident claims, including rear-end collisions. Let us fight for your rights and help you get the justice and compensation you need to move on with your life.
Call us at (248) 557-1688 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Michigan personal injury attorneys regarding your car accident case.
I Got Rear-Ended – How Much Money Will I Get?
Settlement amounts for rear-end accidents can vary widely, ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands or more, depending on the circumstances. The exact amount of compensation a victim can recover after being rear-ended will depend on factors like the extent of their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the insurance policies involved in the accident.
To accurately assess your potential compensation, consult with a personal injury attorney who can evaluate your case and advocate for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve.
What Is a Rear-End Accident?
A rear-end car accident occurs when one vehicle strikes the back of another vehicle. Typically, this happens when the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly, and the following vehicle fails to brake in time to avoid impact.
Injuries from rear-end collisions can vary widely, from minor whiplash to more severe spinal injuries, depending on factors such as speed, vehicle size, and the use of seatbelts.
What Causes Rear-End Accidents?
There are a number of things that can result in a rear-end accident, some of which include:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Sudden stops in traffic
- Poor weather conditions
- Impaired driving
- Fatigue
- Mechanical failure
- Road rage
- Inexperienced drivers
How Much Is a Rear-End Accident Worth?
In Michigan, the value of a rear-end accident depends on three main factors: the severity of the victim’s injuries, their percent of liability, and the insurance coverage available from their own no-fault insurance or the other party’s insurance policy. Let’s go through how each of these can affect the overall total of a rear-end settlement or injury claim.
Car accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, crush injuries, and other catastrophic injuries. Those who suffer serious injuries as a result of their rear-end crash will often have higher medical expenses, meaning their settlement amount or trial award will likely compensate for these higher expenses. These victims should contact a catastrophic injury lawyer at Lipton Law for skilled representation.
Additionally, in Michigan, accident claims are handled on a comparative fault basis, meaning that victims can only recover compensation up to a certain point, if they are determined to have been partially at fault for the accident. For example, if the negligent driver who caused the accident was only 80% at fault for the accident, the victim would only be able to recover compensation for 80% of their total losses.
Lastly, if a car accident victim does not have sufficient insurance coverage, or if they are in an accident with someone who does not have sufficient insurance, they may not be able to recover full, fair compensation for their losses. If the victim has uninsured/underinsured coverage, however, they may be able to recover decent compensation for their accident.
Rear-End Collision Settlement Examples
There are many different kinds of rear-end collisions people may experience on the roads, so it’s important to know what to expect from a given accident in terms of settlement amounts. Below are some examples of settlement amounts victims may see in various accident situations.
While these examples may help give victims a better idea of what to expect, it’s important to note that actual settlement amounts will likely vary from these ranges of settlement amounts. Your final settlement amount may look very different from these examples, depending on the circumstances of your accident.
It’s also important to note that, if these settlement ranges seem as if they wouldn’t cover your individual losses, you may be able to recover greater compensation in a car accident lawsuit. An experienced Michigan car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal options and provide you with an estimate of what your claim may be worth.
Getting Rear-Ended While Stopped Settlement
One of the most common types of rear-end collisions occurs when a stationary car is hit from behind by another moving vehicle, like at a traffic light or in stop-and-go traffic. These kinds of rear-end crashes can range in severity, depending on the speed of the colliding vehicle at the time of impact.
The average settlement payout for these kinds of accidents can range from $6,000 to $21,000 for minor to moderate injuries, but this can vary depending on how serious the accident was.
Rear-Ended by Company Vehicle Settlement
When a company vehicle is involved in a rear-end collision, the settlement process may differ due to factors like liability and insurance coverage. While it may seem like these accidents may be more lucrative than others, the average payout for a rear-end collision involving a company vehicle is similar to that of other rear-end collision claims.
The payout for these accidents can be worth anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000, but settlement amounts can vary.
Rear-Ended by Drunk Driver Settlement
If you have been rear-ended by a drunk driver, your settlement may be much higher than other accident cases, since drunk drivers are almost always liable in car accident situations. These rear-end accidents can result in a settlement of $10,000 to $50,000, depending on the severity of the accident.
It’s important to note that, due to the severity of many drunk driving accidents, victims of these kinds of rear-end collisions may suffer from serious injuries and losses. Additionally, due to the reckless nature of driving while intoxicated, a victim of this kind of accident may be able to recover a large amount of compensation in a personal injury case.
If you were rear-ended by someone who was driving while intoxicated, speak to a Michigan drunk driving accident attorney before you make any decisions regarding your case. If you accept a settlement offer, you lose your right to file legal action later down the road, even if you suffer from unexpected losses like delayed health issues.
Rear-Ended by a Commercial Truck Settlement
Commercial trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can cause serious damage to smaller cars in rear-end collisions, even at low speeds. Rear-end accidents with commercial trucks can result in a settlement between $90,000 and $200,000, depending on the severity of property damage, injuries, and other losses.
If you have been involved in a rear-end truck accident, you need to speak with a Michigan truck accident attorney regarding your case. They can help ensure that you receive a settlement offer that’s fair and covers your expenses.
3-Car Rear-End Collision Settlement
Rear-end collisions that involve multiple cars can be incredibly complicated, especially when determining fault. If you suffered injuries and property damage in a 3-car rear-end collision, you can expect a settlement between $50,000 and $300,000, depending on the severity of your losses and your percent of liability.
Multi-car collision claims can be extremely difficult to navigate, so if you have been in an accident involving 3 cars or more, speak to a personal injury attorney in your area. They can help you understand your options regarding settlement or a future car accident claim.
Low-Speed Rear-End Collision Settlement
The settlement value for low-speed rear-end collisions, where vehicles are typically traveling at speeds under 10 mph, may be lower than other rear-end collisions, due to their lack of severity. If your rear-end accident occurred at a lower speed, you may receive a settlement offer in the range of $3,000 and $15,000, which can vary due to the facts of your case.
Average Settlement for Rear-End Chiropractic Visit
After a rear-end collision, victims often suffer from neck and back injuries as a result of the back-and-forth motion generated by the crash. Because of this, many victims may seek help from a chiropractor for a neck injury or back injury following their accident.
If you have suffered from a neck and/or back injury as a result of a rear-end collision, and you see a chiropractor after the accident, you may receive compensation worth anywhere between $10,000 to $100,000, depending on the severity of the injury.
However, if you have suffered from a serious spinal cord injury, you may receive a greater amount of compensation. Contact a Michigan spinal cord injury lawyer regarding your rear-end collision and they can provide you with a more accurate estimate of the worth of your damages. You can also call a Michigan TBI lawyer if you suffer a traumatic brain injury.
I Was Rear-Ended – How Much Should I Settle For?
It depends on the facts of your car accident case. After a rear-end car accident, your settlement amount should reflect the damages you suffered as a result of the accident, like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. If your settlement amount does not cover all of these losses, or you’ve suffered from a variety of non-economic damages as a result of the accident, do not accept the settlement and speak with a lawyer.
Additionally, if you have suffered from any serious, debilitating injuries, like spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, your settlement amount should reflect the projected cost of our future medical treatment. If your settlement only covers your past medical expenses and lost income, do not accept the settlement and speak to a lawyer.
If you have received a lowball settlement amount for your accident, speak to a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling car accident settlements. They’ll be able to engage in negotiations with the insurance company involved and help secure a fair settlement amount on your behalf.
If the insurance company does not provide a fair settlement, an attorney can help you file a personal injury claim for the accident. This can help you recover full and fair compensation for all of your losses.
How Long Does It Take to Settle Rear-End Accidents?
It can take anywhere between a few months to a year or longer for a rear-end accident settlement to be reached and finalized. The timeframe to settle rear-end accidents can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and the willingness of the insurance companies to negotiate.
Some rear-end accident cases may be resolved within a few months through negotiation or mediation. Others, however, may take longer, potentially several months to a year or more, especially if litigation becomes necessary. An attorney can give you a more accurate estimate of the timeframe for your settlement.
Contact the Michigan Attorneys for Rear-End Collisions at Lipton Law
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision in Southfield, Michigan, reach out to a personal injury lawyer at Lipton Law today. Our team understands how complex rear-end accidents can be, and we are committed to helping victims navigate the legal process, providing experienced and compassionate legal support.
With years of experience advocating for the rights of accident victims, we have the knowledge and resources to pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ll evaluate the circumstances of your accident, go over your medical records, and determine just how much compensation you can expect in a rear-end settlement or accident claim.
Call us at (248) 557-1688 or contact us via our website to schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney on our team.