If you are dealing with painful injuries and unexpected challenges after a rear-end collision, it’s normal to want a clearer idea of what your case might be worth. We often hear clients ask, “I got rear-ended, how much money will I get?” But the honest answer is that every situation is different.
The compensation you recover when filing a claim will depend on the specific ways the crash has affected your health and your daily life. However, working with an experienced North Charleston rear-end collision lawyer can increase your chances of getting a better settlement.
What Factors Determine How Much Money I Can Get After Being Rear-Ended?
There isn’t a set payout amount for rear-end collision cases in South Carolina. The amount you receive will depend on the specifics of your injuries and the ways the crash has disrupted your life.
Every case is different, which is why an attorney looks closely at the details before estimating what your claim may be worth. Some of the factors that could affect how much you’ll receive can include:
- Your medical care
- Lost income from missing work
- Damage to your vehicle or personal property
- The physical and emotional impact the crash has had on you
- Lasting disabilities that affect your mobility, comfort, or independence
- Changes to your daily routine and the activities you can no longer do as easily
So, if you were rear-ended and are wondering how much money you will get, the quickest way to get an answer is to speak with a South Carolina car accident lawyer.
Shelly Leek Law Firm attorneys have access to resources that make it easier to calculate the full cost of damages after an accident, so we can help you get fairly compensated.
How Do Injuries Affect My Rear-End Settlement Amount?
The kind of Injuries you sustain will play a significant role in determining what your rear-end claim is worth. This is because some injuries are minor and heal quickly, while others are more severe and can lead to long-term complications. The more an injury costs to treat and the more it disrupts your life, the more it can influence how much your settlement is worth.
Below are some of the rear-end collision injuries that can lead to higher settlement values:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Back or spinal damage
- Concussions and more serious brain injuries
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Shoulder and soft-tissue injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Internal injuries
- Lingering pain or limited mobility
You can trust Shelly Leeke and her team to review your case carefully, including any medical treatments, to document the full extent of your injuries.
Will Fault Affect How Much Money I Can Get?
Yes, fault does matter in South Carolina, and it can impact your settlement. Under South Carolina Law Section 15-38-15, if you were injured in an accident, you can only collect compensation if you are determined to be less than 50% at fault.
If you are 50% or more responsible for the crash, it can impact the settlement amount for your claim. That said, most rear-end collisions place the responsibility on the driver who struck the car in front.
Still, there are occasionally situations where fault isn’t as clear. Examples of these can include:
- A driver braking suddenly without a valid reason
- A vehicle rolling or reversing into traffic
- Multiple cars involved, creating a chain-reaction crash
- Issues with the front vehicle’s brake lights or turn signals
Because determining fault can make these cases challenging, we advise consulting with an attorney experienced in rear-end collisions. Shelly gets results in rear-end cases because she and her team know how to gather the right kind of evidence to figure out who is at fault in a rear-end collision and help you build a strong case.
What if the Insurance Company Offers Me a Low Settlement?
It’s very common for insurance companies to initially come to you with a number that doesn’t come close to covering what the crash has actually cost you. They do this because they only care about their bottom line and are hoping you’ll take the offer quickly, especially if you’re dealing with pain or financial stress.
So, if you’re still worried about how much money you’ll get after being rear-ended, it’s a good idea to pause any communication with insurers and get some legal advice. Once you sign a settlement agreement, you can’t go back and ask for more money.
If you bring the initial offer to your free consultation with a rear-end collision attorney in South Carolina, they can look it over with you and explain whether it reflects the true value of your injuries and losses.
How Much Money Can I Get if I Got Rear-Ended and My Car Was Totaled?
If your car was declared a total loss after a rear-end accident, your compensation is going to be based on what the vehicle was worth before the accident. Even if you still owe money on a loan and need to buy a new car, you will only receive compensation equal to the value of your vehicle before the crash.
Specific things you may be compensated for in this situation include:
- The fair market value of your vehicle
- Required taxes, title fees, and other replacement costs
- Expenses for temporary transportation, such as a rental car
- Compensation for damaged personal items inside the vehicl
If your vehicle can be repaired, the claim may include:
- Repair costs approved by the insurer
- Diminished value, if your car is worth less after the repairs
- Rental car or transportation expenses during the repair period
Keep in mind that these numbers can vary widely depending on the insurance company. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. An attorney can offer guidance and make sure the insurance company isn’t undervaluing your car or overlooking important costs.
Win a Fair Settlement With the Right Rear-End Collision Lawyer
If you’re curious about how much money you can get after getting rear-ended, speaking to a lawyer can make a big difference. A legal team with experience in rear-end accidents will have the particular knowledge and skills to help you build a stronger case and increase your chances of winning a higher settlement.
At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we are here to listen and guide you without adding any stress or pressure to your situation. Our goal is always to empower our clients and help them receive a fair outcome.
When you work with us, you pay nothing up front. We only get paid when we recover money for you. Call Shelly Leeke today to see how our rear-end law firm can help.
