Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end crashes comprise approximately 30% of all car accidents nationwide.
Given these facts, it is difficult to calculate an how much a rear end collision settlement is worth in Ohio accurately.
Particular circumstances, including property damage, injuries, and noneconomic losses, as well as comparative negligence calculations, determine the average compensation for rear-end personal injury settlements.
Reach out to our team online or call (419) 455-1410 today for your free case evaluation!
Key Takeaways
Average Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in Ohio: Key Facts to Know
Looking up the average settlement for a rear-end collision in Ohio is a natural first step, but your claim depends on your own facts. Here is what shapes its value.
- No single average predicts your case. Value depends on property damage, the severity of your injuries, your noneconomic losses, and how fault is divided.
- Rear-end injuries can be serious, including concussions, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and spinal cord damage, with medical costs that can continue for months.
- Noneconomic losses often carry significant weight. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your family can make up a large part of a settlement.
- Fault can reduce your recovery. Under Ohio’s comparative negligence rule, your damages are reduced by your share of fault, and insurers often dispute fault to pay less.
We’re Here to Help
Being Hit From Behind Can Turn Your Life Upside Down
One moment you are stopped in traffic, and the next you are dealing with pain, car repairs, and calls from an insurance adjuster. Our team can listen to what happened, answer your questions, and explain your options in plain terms so you can focus on your recovery.
Schedule A Free ConsultationWhat Happens During Rear-End Accident Settlements
When it comes to rear-end collision settlement amounts, it’s difficult to calculate an exact average. However, after evaluating the facts of your individual case, a qualified car accident lawyer in Ohio can help you estimate a fair rear-end collision settlement.
Reach out to us today to review your case and pursue the settlement you are owed.
Property Damage from Rear-End Accident
Property damage to your vehicle resulting from a rear-end collision varies from non-existent to catastrophic. An average settlement for a rear-end collision in Ohio will depend, in part, on the extent of the damage to your vehicle.
Injuries from Rear-End Accident
As with property damage, some people suffer minimal injuries.
However, many individuals suffer serious injuries requiring medical attention.
The costs associated with medical injuries from a rear-end collision may go on for months. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor your injuries carefully.
Other common injuries associated with rear-end collisions include:
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal injuries
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or complete paralysis
You may also suffer other injuries not provided in the above list. Even if you did not suffer a life-threatening injury, this does not make your right to compensation any less critical. The amount you can get in an average settlement for rear-end car accidents often depends on the severity and impact of your injuries.
Contact our team of attorneys to discuss your legal concerns.
Noneconomic Losses
Noneconomic damages are intangible losses, including pain and suffering and the loss of enjoyment of life. Additionally, noneconomic losses include the effects the injuries may have on your personal life, including the impact on family life and loss of companionship.
Noneconomic damages are difficult to calculate as these damages primarily cover the emotional repercussions of an accident. However, when you are rear ended, the settlement amount may often depend in large part on your noneconomic losses.
Proving Negligence
The following three elements must be present to prove negligence:
- The person who injured you owed you a duty of care;
- The person breached that duty of care by their conduct; and
- The person’s actions caused your accident and injury.
The evidence presented must prove these elements. In Ohio, the concept of comparative negligence determines liability in negligence cases such as rear-end collisions.
Comparative negligence considers an injured person’s degree of fault in any accident. If your actions contributed in some way to you being rear ended, your settlement amount may be less than you reasonably expected.
Your damages will be reduced proportionate to your degree of responsibility. However, if you were not at fault for the rear-end collision, you can recover the entire compensation sought.
Injured in an Ohio Rear-End Collision? Contact us
Will a Lawyer Maximize Your Rear-End Collision Settlement Amount?
Insurance companies will frequently dispute fault in rear-end collisions to reduce the amount of your recoverable damages. When dealing with unrepresented parties, insurance companies may rely on individuals’ lack of knowledge regarding their rights.
Additionally, insurance companies attempt to settle claims for much less than you deserve. As a result, consulting with a qualified personal injury attorney can maximize the average settlement amount for a rear-end collision.
Message us online to find out how we can help you with your rear-end collision settlement.
Proving Fault
A personal injury attorney works to gather the evidence required to establish responsibility in an accident. This may include police reports, photographs, eyewitness interviews, and accident recreation.
Obtaining Medical Treatment
Your injury attorney can advise you on how often to meet with your doctor regarding any possible injuries from a rear-end collision. They can also recommend medical providers that they have worked with before.
Receiving a complete analysis of your injuries’ scope assures your settlement amount properly compensates you for the injuries suffered.
Avoiding Delays
Working with a personal injury attorney reduces the possibility of any mistakes, delays, or errors in your case analysis. Your attorney can ensure you meet deadlines, provide appropriate statements to insurance companies, and make necessary disclosures.
Estimating the Value of your Claim
A rear-end collision is a traumatic event. Retaining representation for your claim assures that you receive a proper valuation of your damages and maximize the average settlement for a rear-end car accident you receive.
Much goes into correctly calculating an average rear-end collision settlement. A qualified personal injury attorney at Bensinger Law provides aggressive and diligent representation to assure the best possible outcome.
Not Sure the Insurance Offer Is Fair? Let’s Talk.
Insurance companies often dispute fault in rear-end crashes to pay less, and it can be hard to know what your claim is worth. Attorney Aaron Bensinger and our team can review what happened and help you understand where you stand. Your first consultation is free.
Need Legal Answers After a Car Accident in Ohio? Contact Us Today
Attorney Aaron Bensinger of Bensinger Law examines all required documents, medical reports, and police reports to analyze the facts behind your rear-end collision. Proving fault in a rear-end collision is difficult.
Aaron Bensinger works to provide effective personal injury services to victims of negligence. Bensinger Law takes an aggressive stance with insurance companies.
We aren’t afraid to take your case to court to defend your rights. We pride ourselves on the compassionate, personalized support we provide our clients.
Contact our office online or call (419) 455-1410 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Average Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in Ohio: Your Questions Answered
If you were rear-ended, you likely want to know what your claim may be worth. These answers cover common questions about the average settlement for a rear-end collision in Ohio.
What is the average settlement for a rear-end collision in Ohio?
There is no reliable average, because every rear-end collision claim depends on its own facts. Property damage, the severity of your injuries, ongoing medical costs, noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering, and any shared fault all affect the value. A lawyer can help estimate a fair settlement after reviewing your case.
What injuries are common in rear-end collisions?
Common rear-end collision injuries include concussions, back injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or complete paralysis. Some people walk away with minor injuries, but medical costs for others can continue for months, so it is important to monitor your symptoms closely.
Can my settlement be reduced if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Ohio uses comparative negligence, so if your actions contributed to the crash, your damages are reduced in proportion to your share of fault. If you were not at fault at all, you can pursue full compensation. Insurance companies often dispute fault in rear-end crashes to reduce what they pay.
What are noneconomic damages in a rear-end accident claim?
Noneconomic damages cover intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the effect your injuries have on family life and companionship. They are harder to calculate than medical bills, but in many rear-end cases they make up a large part of the settlement.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.