Were You Rear Ended in a Car Accident?

Average rear end collision settlements vary significantly based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Here are typical ranges: Minor whiplash cases settle for $10,000-$25,000. Moderate injuries requiring ongoing treatment average $25,000-$75,000. Serious injuries like herniated discs typically settle for $75,000-$200,000. Severe TBI or permanent disability cases can exceed $500,000-$2,000,000+. Our rear end accident attorneys have recovered over $500 million for clients.

After being rear ended, follow these critical steps: 1) Check yourself and passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. 2) Move to a safe location if possible. 3) Call police to file an official accident report - this is crucial evidence. 4) Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver. 5) Document the scene extensively with photos of damage, skid marks, road conditions, and all vehicles involved. 6) Get contact info from any witnesses. 7) Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine - many rear end collision injuries like whiplash have delayed symptoms. 8) Do not admit fault or apologize. 9) Contact a rear end collision lawyer before giving any recorded statements to insurance companies.

In California, you have 2 years from the date of your rear end collision to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is called the statute of limitations. However, there are important exceptions: For claims against government entities (city buses, government vehicles, state employees), you must file an administrative claim within just 6 months. If the victim is a minor, the deadline may be extended. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your claim, so contact our rear end collision attorneys immediately to protect your legal rights.

Yes, you can absolutely sue for whiplash from a rear end collision. Whiplash is the most common rear end collision injury, occurring when the neck is rapidly forced back and forth during impact. Victims can recover compensation for: all medical bills including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, and physical therapy; lost wages if you missed work; pain and suffering for physical discomfort and mental anguish; diminished quality of life; and future medical treatment needs. Whiplash settlements typically range from $15,000 to $150,000 or more depending on severity and long-term effects.

No - you should almost never accept the insurance company's first settlement offer. Here's why: Initial offers are typically 2-3 times lower than the actual value of your rear end collision case. Insurance adjusters are professionally trained to minimize payouts and close claims quickly before the full extent of injuries is known. Many rear end collision injuries like whiplash have delayed symptoms that may not fully manifest for weeks or months. Once you accept a settlement, you cannot ask for more money, even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought. Our rear end collision lawyers typically recover 3-4 times more than unrepresented victims receive.

Most rear end collision lawyers, including our firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means: You pay absolutely nothing upfront - no retainer, no hourly fees. We only get paid if we win your case. The typical contingency fee is 33-40% of the settlement or verdict amount. We also advance all case costs (filing fees, expert witnesses, medical records) which are only repaid from your settlement. This arrangement means there is zero financial risk to you, and it ensures our interests are aligned with yours - we're motivated to get you the maximum possible compensation.

Absolutely yes - you should always see a doctor immediately after a rear end collision, even if you feel completely fine. Here's why this is critical: Adrenaline naturally masks pain, so you may not feel injuries for hours or days. Many serious rear end collision injuries have delayed symptoms appearing 24-72 hours or even weeks later, including whiplash, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and herniated discs. Immediate medical documentation creates crucial evidence directly linking your injuries to the accident - this is essential for your claim. Without prompt medical records, insurance companies will argue your injuries were pre-existing or caused by something else.

Rear end collisions cause a wide range of injuries, often serious ones: Whiplash and neck injuries are the most common, caused by rapid back-and-forth neck movement. Herniated and bulging discs occur when spinal discs rupture from impact force. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) result from head impact or violent head movement. Back and spinal cord injuries can cause chronic pain or paralysis. Soft tissue damage includes muscle strains, ligament tears, and joint injuries. PTSD and anxiety from the traumatic experience are also compensable injuries. Many of these injuries have delayed symptoms and can require months or years of treatment.

The timeline for a rear end collision settlement varies based on several factors. Simple cases with minor injuries and clear liability can settle in 3-6 months. Moderate cases requiring ongoing treatment typically take 6-12 months, as we wait for maximum medical improvement to know the full extent of injuries. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take 1-2 years or longer. If the case goes to trial, add 6-12 months. Our rear end collision attorneys work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation - we never rush a settlement that could shortchange you.