Albuquerque rear-end accident lawyer explains how much your claim is worth
One of the most common types of car crashes is a rear-end accident. An estimated 1.7 million rear-end crashes happen each year on average, according to car accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s approximately 28 percent of all car accidents.
But while such accidents are common, there’s often a lot of confusion – and a lot of debate – about how much such accidents are worth. That’s why it’s important to understand how the compensation process works for rear-end accidents.
How rear-end crashes happen
In most cases, rear-end collisions occur because the driver behind you did something they should not have done. Examples of such reckless or negligent behavior include:
- Texting while driving and hitting the car in front.
- Speeding and driving too close to the car in front, resulting in a rear-end crash.
- Drunk drivers unaware of other vehicles on the road.
- Drivers who fall asleep at the wheel and crash into the car in front.
How much is my rear-end accident worth?
So how much money can you receive for your rear-end crash? The short answer – it depends on the total financial impact of your accident. Sometimes, this might be a few thousand dollars. Other times, it might be a lot more money. But getting full compensation is difficult. Insurance companies only want to pay for short-term expenses related to your accident — if even that much. But you should be paid for the full cost of the accident. Even if some crash-related expenses happen years after your accident, your injury settlement or lawsuit should take such expenses into account.
Common rear-end accident expenses you should be compensated for often include:
- All medical care related to your accident, including future anticipated medical expenses.
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs.
- Replacement income if you cannot work while you’re recovering from your accident.
Who’s responsible for paying for my accident?
Like most states, New Mexico has an at-fault car insurance system. This means the at-fault party is responsible for paying for your rear-end accident-related expenses. Usually, this means the driver of the rear vehicle — and by extension, their insurance company — has to pay.
Even so, be prepared for a fierce battle to get the money you deserve. Often, it’s because insurance companies raise a lot of questions about expenses for rear-end crashes. They might claim that you’re not really injured or that you were somehow to blame. Either way, you need an experienced lawyer who can make sure your best interests get the attention they deserve.
How is fault determined in a rear-end accident?
When one car hits another from behind, there is a strong presumption that the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault. However, there are some circumstances where a different party could be at fault, so a full investigation is still important to determine who caused your collision. Relevant evidence can cover a wide range, from driver cellphone records and statements from eyewitnesses to video camera footage of your rear-end accident.
Insurance companies often conduct in-depth investigations in order to gather evidence and determine who was at fault. Your lawyer can do the same. That’s why you need an attorney who knows how to investigate rear-end collisions and knows what evidence to look for.
Should I file a rear-end accident lawsuit?
Many times, the best way to get the money you rightfully deserve for your injury-related expenses is to file a rear-end accident lawsuit. This is especially true if the at-fault driver’s insurance company denies your injury claim or makes a lowball settlement offer.
Filing a lawsuit is a complicated process and an important legal decision that should not be taken lightly. There are also specific deadlines (known as statute of limitations) for taking legal action. In New Mexico, the deadline to file a rear-end accident lawsuit is usually 3 years, but different deadlines can apply in some circumstances.
Why should I hire a rear-end accident attorney?
You only have one opportunity to get the money you deserve for your injury-related expenses. Make sure you make your case count. Albuquerque rear-end accident lawyer Andras Szantho and his dedicated legal team at the Szantho Law Firm, P.C. have years of experience handling such complex legal cases.
Contact our law firm and schedule a free case evaluation with a New Mexico rear-end accident attorney you can trust. Our Albuquerque office is conveniently located on Prospect Avenue. We also have an office located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Best of all, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay us if we obtain a financial settlement or verdict for you.