Rear End Impact Causes Whiplash and Back Injury...

by Anonymous
(Fredericksburg, VA)

One day in February 2011 I was sitting at a stop light waiting for the light to change when I felt a rear end impact. I was hit from behind by someone driving approximately 35 to 40 mph. This vehicle hit me so hard that I hit the car in front of me.

I have a very bad case of whiplash, I sprang my back and I have micro tears in the muscles in my back, with $5,000 in damage to my car. I have been out of work for almost 2 months and have no income coming in. What do you think my settlement would be?

Disclaimer: Information provided in your response is not formal legal advice, it is generic legal information and is based on the very limited information given in your question. You should always get a formal case evaluation from a licensed attorney.

ANSWER for "Rear End Impact Causes Whiplash and Back Injury...":

First things first...

The damages to your vehicle will usually have nothing to do with the settlement for your injuries. So make sure you are paid for the damages to your vehicle. Once that's finished you can move on to the settlement for your injuries and out of pocket expenses.

The amount of your medical bills determines much of the amount of your settlement. In a normal case a good starting point for a settlement might be multiplying your medical bills, sometimes referred to as “Hard Costs,” by a factor of three. Add to that amount any lost wages and reasonable out of pocket expenses and you should be at a general settlement amount.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.

Best of luck,

Law Guy

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