Fort Wayne car accident lawyer explains how much money your claim is worth
Perhaps the most misunderstood type of car accident is the rear-end accident. Many people think these accidents aren’t that serious because they’re so common. Each year, an estimated 1.7 million rear-end crashes happen on average across the country, according to accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That works out to roughly 28 percent of all car accidents.
But if you have ever been involved in a rear-end crash, you know how serious such accidents can be for everyone involved. In an instant, you or a loved one can sustain a very serious, painful injury, including whiplash or a concussion.
When this happens, you might wonder how much money you can receive for your injury-related expenses. Who’s responsible for compensating you? And how does the process work? Below, you can find the answers to these questions and many more. And when in doubt, always contact an experienced Fort Wayne rear-end accident attorney at Boughter Sinak, LLC. We can help you every step of the way.
What causes rear-end accidents?
Rear-end accidents generally occur because the driver in back behaved in a reckless or negligent manner. This is important because it affects who’s responsible for paying for your rear-end accident.
Common causes of rear-end crashes caused by other drivers include:
- Distracted drivers, especially texting drivers, not paying attention and crashing into the car in front.
- Reckless drivers who run a red light or tailgate the car in front.
- Speeding drivers who don’t have enough time or space to avoid crashing into the car in front.
- Drunk drivers or drivers under the influence of drugs who are not aware of other vehicles on the road.
- Tired drivers who fall asleep at the wheel and crash into the car in front, especially on highways at night.
Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
Indiana has what’s known as an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party is responsible for paying for the accident-related expenses for everyone else, including all injury victims. In most cases, this responsibility falls on the shoulders of the rear driver’s insurance company. But every accident is unique. That’s why it’s important for injury victims to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to learn more about their legal options.
How much is my rear-end accident worth?
There’s no set dollar amount when it comes to your rear-end accident. The bottom line is you should be paid for all your accident-related expenses. As a result, your injury claim or lawsuit could be worth thousands of dollars or significantly more, depending on the circumstances of your rear-end crash.
What can I be compensated for?
This is why injury victims and insurance companies often disagree about compensation for rear-end crashes. Insurance companies often only want to pay for short-term expenses immediately after your accident. However, you should be compensated for all your accident expenses, including anticipated ones in the future.
Such expenses can cover a wide range, including:
- The cost of all medical care, including emergency surgery and future long-term medical care, especially if you experience chronic pain due to your accident.
- All vehicle repairs or the cost of purchasing a new car if your vehicle is a total loss.
- Replacement income while you’re recovering from your car accident injuries and cannot work.
- Pain and suffering and other non-economic damages (the legal term for financial compensation) in many cases.
Can I ask for more money?
The short answer? Yes. Just because the at-fault driver’s insurance company makes a lowball settlement offer doesn’t mean you have to accept it. If you believe you deserve more money for your rear-end accident, you should ask for more money. And your attorney can help you negotiate a better settlement offer.
Should I file a rear-end accident lawsuit?
In some cases, the best way to get the money you rightfully deserve for your rear-end accident is to file a rear-end accident lawsuit. This might sound simple. However, there are often a lot of issues that need to be considered before taking legal action.
Sometimes, you have a choice when it comes to where you file your lawsuit. You might also be able to take legal action against one or more parties seeking compensation. You also need to be mindful of legal deadlines. An experienced lawyer can advise you on all these matters and many more.
How a rear-end accident attorney can help
When you have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side, you can make sure your injury claim gets the attention it rightfully deserves. You can also make informed decisions based on the facts and the laws that apply to rear-end accidents in Indiana.
An experienced Fort Wayne car accident lawyer at Boughter Sinak, LLC can help you every step of the way. We know how the legal system works in Indiana. We know the laws that apply and how to negotiate effectively with insurance companies and anyone else responsible for compensating you.
Learn more about your legal options. Contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation with an Indiana car accident attorney you can trust. We have two offices conveniently located in Fort Wayne and South Bend and handle cases throughout the state. Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.