The short answer is that it depends on how long it takes for your body to recover from the injuries in order for your case to settle after a rear-end accident. That usually becomes clear within the first 90 days after an accident. For example, a 20 year old female accident victim will likely recover faster than a 60-year female or even more rapidly than a 20-year-old male accident victim. A settlement means the insurance company representing the at-fault driver writes a settlement check to the injured person, who in turn signs a release giving up any future right to sue over the accident.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
The Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association reports that the average car accident settlement is $15,443. Of course, this depends on the injuries you sustained in the car accident. You might hear about cases that settle for millions of dollars. However, the average car accident settlement is much smaller than that as never case is a big case. Clearly, cases with serious injuries settle for higher amounts than cases with minor injuries.
What do I do after a rear-end auto accident?
- Take a deep breath, and don’t panic.
- Check for injuries. Seek medical attention for those injured. Urgent care may be the best option. It is cheaper, faster and better medical attention than most emergency rooms, especially for the price.
- Call the police and report the accident.
- Take pictures and document the positions of the vehicles.
- Get a copy of the accident report.
- Contact your insurance company to report your injuries.
- Contact the other insurance company for vehicle repair and obtain a rental vehicle.
Will my insurance go up if I am rear-ended?
Your insurance will not go up for an accident that you were not at-fault for so long as you did not file a collision claim or receive any citations. Likewise, your insurance rates could go up for matters unrelated to the rear-end accident. Your insurance will not increase for filing a medical claim; that’s what you pay for insurance! It’s like using your health insurance. Does your health insurance increase? No, it does not increase for a medical claim. However, if you are at-fault or filed numerous car insurance claims (even if they are not your fault), then expect an increase. If your vehicle is totaled and you purchase a newer motor vehicle, expect an increase.
Do I need to see a doctor after a car accident?
The answer is yes, injured (and seemingly uninjured) victims of car accidents should always see a doctor after a collision, even a minor one. We recommend for your health, safety, and well-being that if you feel different (in a negative way) than the day before, get checked out. We recommend doctor-owned facilities and provide 2 or 3 near your home or work. Listen to your body. You may feel out of wack or out of alignment and trust me, you may have whiplash.
If you have been injured in a Tampa car accident, call injury attorney Martin Hernandez at 813.755.9500.
