Rear-end collisions are among the most common type of car accident in Orlando. On average, there are 6 million accidents in the United States, approximately 1.7 million of which are rear-end collisions. These accidents take a toll not only on victims’ lives but the economy as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates car and truck accidents cost the U.S. over $800 billion a year.
When calculating a settlement for a rear-end collision, several factors come into play. Some losses are tangible and relatively easy to calculate; others are intangible losses that are more challenging to issue a dollar amount. If you’ve been involved in a rear-end accident recently, you’re likely curious about what you can expect to recover with the help of an attorney. At The Umansky Law Firm, we would be pleased to discuss the details of your case to provide an estimate unique to your situation.
When you file a claim for a rear-end accident with your insurance company, they will consider who is at fault for the accident and to what extent you suffered vehicle damage and/or personal injuries. If you were at fault for the crash, your collision coverage will take care of property damage. Property damage liability covers damage caused by the at-fault driver. In Florida, your insurer will cover your physical injuries regardless of who was at fault for the crash.
Assuming the other driver’s negligence caused your accident, you are entitled to receive compensation for tangible and intangible losses. An experienced car accident lawyer can ensure you receive the funds you need to cover all costs associated with the accident and maintain your standard of living.
Tangible losses in a rear-end crash may include:
Property damage, lost income, and medical bills are examples of tangible losses that your attorney can easily calculate using information about the crash and any records you keep of your medical expenses and salary. These damages are also called “economic damages” because they make up for financial loss. The more severe your injuries, the higher your economic damages award will be.
When recovering compensation for an accident caused by another’s negligence, you may also be entitled to a monetary award for your pain and suffering and reduced quality of life, which are examples of intangible losses or non-economic damages. These damages are not the result of a direct financial loss but instead try to account for the emotional toll of recovering from the accident.
Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of opportunity, and other consequences of the accident may enable you to recover non-economic damages. These damages are more challenging to calculate than economic damages because it’s difficult to put a number on your accident-induced hardships. Generally, the longer your recovery period and the greater the impact your injuries have on your day-to-day life, the larger the sum of your award for non-economic losses.
To receive a fair sum for non-economic damages, document each stage of your recovery and work closely with your doctor on seeking quality care. Take note of how your life has changed since the accident, and the different obstacles you strive to overcome.
The largest awards for pain and suffering tend to go to those who suffer catastrophic injuries. Such injuries can alter a person’s entire life and future; in many cases, victims do not make a full recovery from these injuries. These injuries also take a toll on victims’ loved ones who must often adjust their lives to care for the victim.
Settlements for rear-end accidents vary wildly due to the unique nature of each case. This makes it difficult to provide a realistic average settlement value in a rear-end collision. Without personal injury, these cases may bring in a few thousand dollars’ worth to cover vehicle damage. When an injury is involved, the number can significantly increase.
The only way to understand what you can realistically recover is to enlist the help of an experienced rear-end car accident lawyer. Contact The Umansky Law Firm for a free case review or call us. Our lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience helping people recover from car crashes throughout Orlando. We’ll gladly provide an estimate that can help you decide whether to take civil action.
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