Average Settlement for Rear-End Collision in Georgia

According to the Georgia Governor's Office of Highway Safety, 7,620 individuals suffered severe injuries, and 1,664 died on Georgia’s roads in 2020. Rear-end accidents can be common in the state, especially in urban areas. If you or a loved one got hurt in a crash, you might wonder about the average settlement for rear-end collisions in Georgia. However, as no two car crashes are the same, there is no such thing as an average settlement. You could qualify for various damages, such as medical expenses, car repair or replacement, income loss, and awards for pain and suffering.

Going it alone can be a mistake, especially if you experienced severe injuries and significant expenses due to a rear-end crash. An experienced car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you determine the worth of your potential settlement and fight tirelessly for what you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation evaluation to find out more.

Factors Determining Your Settlement Amount

Compensation in rear-end accidents will vary from one case to another as payments are calculated individually. Settlements could range from several thousand dollars up to multiple six figures. Generally, the factors determining your settlement amount include the following:

Severity of Injuries

The severity and permanence of your injuries directly impact the amount of your accident settlement. Physically severe injuries can have devastating consequences on a victim and can cause much pain and anguish. Significant injuries will also take more time to heal, meaning an extended time away from work and considerable loss of wages. Broken bones, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, and other severe injuries generally result in higher settlements.

Medical Treatment Cost

When injured in a car accident, the cost of medical treatment and care can be considerable. If someone else is responsible for your rear-end crash in Georgia, you are entitled to receive a settlement including all medical expenses arising from your accident injury, such as:

• Surgery
• Hospital stays
• Specialist appointments
• Diagnostic tests such as x-rays, MRIs, and others
• Medical devices
• Medications
• A home health aide
• Physiotherapy
• The costs of adapting your home or vehicle to your needs
• Ongoing care expenses

Medical expenses can make up a large, if not the largest, portion of your final settlement.

Wage Losses

Loss of earnings could be considerable if you were badly injured. Apart from your regular wage, you could also lose out on promotions, bonuses, overtime, and commissions. If someone else is responsible for your accident and injuries, you should receive a settlement reflecting all your income losses and potential future income loss.

Pain and Suffering

Severe accidents are not only physically damaging but can also cause significant emotional trauma. Victims may suffer from lingering anxiety when or refuse to drive a car again. Affected individuals are generally entitled to an adequate settlement reflecting both their physical and emotional injuries.

Property Damage

If your car was significantly damaged in the rear-end crash, you generally qualify for repair or replacement expenses from the at-fault party’s insurance. However, you could also receive amounts for all other property damaged or destroyed in the crash, such as:

• Clothing
• Jewelry
• Eyeglasses
• Cell phone
• Laptop or tablet

Remember to retain the damaged items. Insurance adjusters typically require proof of your losses and may want to value your damaged possessions.

Other Damages

Depending on your unique circumstances, you may qualify for other damages. After an accident, it can be critical to speak to a car accident attorney and explain all effects the accident has had on your life. Perhaps you now have to hire help to manage your household and yard or to complete other tasks you could perform before getting hurt. You may now rely on rideshare services or taxis for doing errands or getting to doctor’s appointments. All these accident-related expenses could be compensable.

Protecting Your Right to Compensation After a Rear-End Collision

Protecting your legal rights after a rear-end collision in Georgia can maximize your settlement amount. Critical steps you can take to protect your right to compensation include:

Promptly Get Medical Advice

Many individuals leave the accident scene feeling fine. However, the chaos and stress of an accident can help to mask injuries. You may experience pain and stiffness in the hours or days after the accident pointing to underlying injuries such as whiplash or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Therefore, seek medical help as soon as possible after a crash to rule out serious conditions. Seeing a doctor will also help document your injuries. A medical report is crucial for proving your injuries and pursuing a fair settlement later.

Leaving it too long to see a doctor can be a severe mistake providing the at-fault party and their legal representation with ammunition to deny you compensation. If you did not see a doctor immediately, the other side could argue that you exaggerated your injuries or that they do not stem from the crash.

Gather Crucial and Time-Sensitive Evidence

Presenting comprehensive evidence of the other party’s fault and your damages can be essential for getting the rear-end settlement you deserve. Vital evidence you can collect at the accident scene or in the days after the crash includes:

• Pictures of the accident scene and vehicle damage
• Contact and insurance details of all involved drivers
• Names and contact details of witnesses
• Receipts of your out-of-pocket costs, such as transport expenses, medications, and others
• A medical report documenting your injuries and treatments
• Receipts of repairs to your vehicle
• Proof of wage loss, such as pay stubs and bank statements
• Police accident report

A car accident attorney from Morgan & Morgan can help you gather the evidence you need to prove your claim.

Get Help From a Car Accident Lawyer

Unless you were involved in a fender bender with minor property damage and no injuries, speaking to an experienced attorney can be critical for maximizing your settlement for a rear-end collision in Georgia. If you suffer severe or life-changing injuries, professional legal advice can save you from making crucial mistakes that could cost you dearly. Insurance companies typically dig in their heels and fight claims tooth and nail when a lot of money is at stake. A Morgan & Morgan car accident lawyer knows how to protect your rights and fight for maximum potential compensation.

Causes of Rear-End Collisions in Georgia

There can be many reasons for car accidents, such as poor road design, bad weather, and vehicle defects. However, according to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number one cause of crashes is driver error and negligent driving behaviors, such as:

• Driving distracted
• Speeding
• Drowsy and fatigued driving
• Tailgating
• Intoxicated driving
• Violating traffic laws
• Generally reckless driving

If a negligent or reckless driver caused your accident, you could hold them accountable and receive compensation.

The Driver in the Back Is Not Always to Blame

There is a common misconception that the driver in the rear vehicle is always at-fault for a rear-end crash. However, this is only sometimes true. The person in front could be liable in the following circumstances and others:

• Their brake lights were defective
• They reversed into the vehicle behind
• They suddenly slammed on the brakes

However, proving that the driver in front was responsible can be particularly tricky and may require solid evidence, such as traffic camera footage and a professional accident investigation. Rear-end accidents are not always clear-cut and can be tough to understand, particularly in a multi-vehicle pile-up. Getting a lawyer on your side can be critical for defending your best interests.