Rear-end collisions are car accidents that can leave you with costly damages. But, if another driver’s negligence caused your crash, you deserve financial recovery. Here’s everything you need to know about how much you should settle for after a rear-end accident in Georgia.
How Can I Recover Money After a Rear-End Accident in Georgia?
Since Georgia is a fault state, the person who caused the vehicle accident is liable for all costs you incur. Those costs are known as damages, and the at-fault driver (or their insurance company, assuming they are not an uninsured motorist), should cover your damages.
To seek financial recovery, you need to file an insurance claim with the other driver’s insurance company. A good rear-end collision accident lawyer can help you do this.
It’s essential never to accept money, sign anything from the other driver’s insurance company until you’ve spoken with an attorney, or apologize for the collision. Anything you say can be used against you, especially if the insurance company tries to shift the blame for the accident to you. Always speak with an attorney first. Legal experts can help you take action to collect fair compensation that covers all of your damages.
How Lawyers Reach a Settlement After a Rear-End Crash
A car accident lawyer helps you receive maximum compensation from the liable insurance company. The attorney will:
- Assess your accident claim to establish how the other driver is at fault
- Collect evidence of your damages (such as medical reports, pay stubs, and vehicle repair appraisals)
- Negotiate a settlement from the liable insurance provider that covers all of your losses
- Take the insurance company to court if they deny your compensation
The negotiation process can be tedious, which is why it’s best to have professional legal representation. A qualified lawyer will handle your claim and fight for maximum settlement while you focus on healing from your injuries.
What Amount Is a Fair Settlement from a Rear-end Accident?
The amount of financial recovery you should receive after a rear-end crash depends on:
- The severity of your accident
- The types of injuries you sustain
- How many ongoing costs you are currently facing
The settlement is calculated based on current damages and future costs your injuries will cause. When negotiating a fair settlement, a lawyer will seek economic and non-economic damages. They include:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Lost income
- Emotional damages
Medical Costs
Your medical costs will likely make up a considerable part of your damages. Even seemingly minor injuries can have hefty doctor bills or worsen with time, requiring ongoing care.
Your settlement should include expenses related to:
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- X-rays and other tests
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy
- Travel costs to and from your medical treatments
Keep close track of your injuries, and note any changes to your doctor right away. Some injuries, such as whiplash (which is very common with rear-end accidents), worsen over time.
Repair Costs
Depending on the size of the vehicles involved, damage to your car may be significant after a rear-end accident. You have a right to recover for any costs for vehicle repair or replacement.
Missed Wages
You’ll likely have to miss work because of the accident and your injuries. However, your lawyer will make sure you receive financial compensation for any lost wages you incurred due to the collision.
Emotional Damages
Damages related to pain and suffering are harder to calculate since they don’t involve concrete numbers like a hospital bill or vehicle repair appraisal. However, a rear-end collision accident lawyer can determine a fair number for any emotional damages you endured since the accident.
Examples of emotional damages you can sue for after a rear-end collision include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Psychological trauma (like PTSD)
- Disability distress
Insurance Companies Offer Less Than What You Deserve
If you pursue financial compensation on your own, you face an uphill battle. Insurance providers always offer accident victims less than what they deserve and sometimes deny claims altogether. To ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries, consult with an experienced lawyer.
Legal experts know the types of games insurance companies play, and they are not afraid to be aggressive when demanding fair compensation after a rear-end accident. If the insurance company continues to offer a low settlement, an attorney can take them to trial.
For a free legal consultation, call 404-400-4000
Partner with a Qualified Georgia Car Accident Lawyer Now
Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you after a rear-end accident in Georgia. You deserve a fair settlement that allows for a full recovery. If you are seeking a fair settlement, we will help.
Our team has been representing car accident victims for more than two decades, and we know how to handle insurance companies. For a free consultation, call us at 404-400-4000, or fill out the online contact now.
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