See a range of injury payouts for rear-end collisions in Louisiana. Look for accidents similar to yours.

Almost 30 percent of all car accidents in the U.S. are rear-end collisions. These accidents are responsible for approximately 30 percent of all auto injuries.¹

The average settlement for a moderate rear-end collision in Louisiana is $19,836. Actual payout amounts ranged from $6,154 for minor soft-tissue injuries to $281,922 for more serious injuries.

Average Payouts for Louisiana Rear-End Collisions

To calculate average payout amounts, we collected and analyzed a group of Louisiana injury lawsuits arising from rear-end accidents. The cases include a variety of personal injuries, from minor to severe.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$6,680
Moderate Injury	$19,836
Severe Injury	$108,356
Payout Range by Type of Injury
Neck and Back Injuries	$6,152 - $281,922
Head Injuries	$6,152 - $26,847

The majority of injuries in rear-end accidents are to the neck and back, although some victims also suffer some type of head injury, including headaches and facial lacerations.

Factors Affecting Louisiana Rear-End Settlements

The extent and cost of the victim’s injuries are the prime factors in estimating settlement value. You can estimate the value of a rear-end claim by adding up medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Then add one to three times the total to account for “general” damages, like inconvenience, physical pain, and loss of enjoyment of life during recovery.

Severe injury cases and wrongful death claims should be evaluated by an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine fair compensation.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Louisiana include:

• Injury Severity – Insurance adjusters won’t pay as much for a minor whiplash as they will for medically verified disc damage.
• Shared Fault – Louisiana is a pure comparative fault state. If you are proven to have contributed to causing your injuries, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Auto Policy Limits – Louisiana law requires drivers to carry liability auto insurance of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident bodily injury liability, and $25,000 property damage liability. The minimum coverage limits may not be enough to fully compensate for your damages.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Louisiana requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage (UM) equal to the policy’s liability limits. The policyholder can sign a form to reduce the amount of UM coverage. Your UM coverage will help pay for damages caused by a driver with no insurance or not enough insurance.
• Multiple Claimants – The liability limits carried by the at-fault driver may not be enough to go around when multiple people are injured in the same accident.
• Venue and Jurisdiction – The at-fault driver’s insurer may offer more to settle your claim when you’re in a jurisdiction with a history of large personal injury awards.
• Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer for egregious conduct. In Louisiana car accidents, punitive damages are usually limited to cases of severe injury or death caused by an impaired driver.

Minor Injury Case Examples

Common minor rear-end crash injuries are muscle soreness and stiffness, bumps, bruises, and other general soft-tissue injuries. After the initial medical evaluation, most minor injury victims recover after a few days of rest and over-the-counter pain medication. The injured person may miss a few days from work.

Rear-End Accident Neck and Back Sprains, Headache

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Lumbar sprain; Other- headaches and neck pain
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,152
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped to make a left turn into a business parking lot when Defendant rear-ended his motor vehicle and backed up into another third-party vehicle. Plaintiff sustained a lumbar strain/sprain, neck pain and headaches. Plaintiff sued defendant for negligence, seeking damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages. Defendant admitted that an accident occurred but denied that Plaintiff sustained any injuries, claiming that the only physical damages sustained in the accident were between his and third party’s vehicles. The judge ruled in favor of Plaintiff.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Craig v. Corban, 512080

Rear-End Crash Victim Award for Thoracic Back Pain

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Neck and Back pain
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,211
Case Summary: Defendant lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the rear end of plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff suffered neck and back pain at the T-12 through L1 region of his spine. Plaintiff sued defendant for failure to maintain control of his vehicle and observe traffic conditions. Plaintiff sought damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and disability. Defendants denied liability and asserted that plaintiff was comparatively negligent and that he failed to mitigate his damages. The judge ruled in favor of Plaintiff, awarding $5,000 in general damages and $1,211 in past medical expenses.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: R.D. v. Johnson, 517365

Rear-End Crash Injuries Challenged by Defendant

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical and Lumbar strain and sprain, Herniated cervical and lumbar discs, Nerve root impingement.
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,678
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant when plaintiff stopped to make a right turn into the parking lot. Plaintiff sustained cervical and lumbar sprain, herniated disk and nervous system injuries. Plaintiff sued defendant and his insurer alleging defendant drove negligently. Plaintiff sought damages for injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, diminishing earning capacity and medical expenses. Defendants denied liability and asserted plaintiff injuries resulted from a prior accident. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: Folsom, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Huffman v. Junker, 2004-15295

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate rear-end collision injuries include more extensive soft-tissue injuries, particularly to the neck and back, pinched or herniated discs, concussions, and simple fractures. Victims will take longer to heal, and may need physical therapy. The residual effects may keep the victim out of work for weeks or months, depending on the physical demands of their employment.

Rear-End Accident Award for Soft-Tissue Injury

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Muscle strains and sprains, Others- bruises, contusions, lacerations of muscles, tendons, ligaments
Award/Settlement Amount: $9,873
Case Summary: Plaintiff was stopped at a traffic light when she was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant. Plaintiff sustained bruises, contusions, laceration of muscles, tendons ligaments and other tissues. Plaintiff sued defendant and her insurer contending defendant failed to obey a red light. Plaintiff sought damages for mental anguish and distress, physical disability, damage to her vehicle and wage loss. Defendants denied liability asserting insufficient evidence. The judge found in favor of plaintiff, awarding $6,000 for pain and suffering and $3,872.53 for medical expenses.
Location: East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Colbert v. Burkett, 521189

Plaintiff Award for Injuries from Two Rear-End Accidents

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical strain, Lumbar sprain, Chronic low back pain and headaches, soft-tissue injury
Award/Settlement Amount: $11,600
Case Summary: On two separate occasions, plaintiff was involved in motor vehicle accidents. In the first accident, her vehicle was rear ended while in the second accident defendant’s vehicle brakes failed and he crashed into her vehicle. Plaintiff sustained back pain, headaches, lumbar sprain, cervical strain, and soft tissue injuries. Plaintiff sued defendants separately alleging in-attentive driving, failing to yield and operating vehicles in unsafe manner. The cases were consolidated for trial. Defendants denied all allegations. A bench trial resulted in a judgement in Plaintiffs favor.
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Malbreaux v. Broussard and Frazier, 2002-3970, 5372

Defendant Denies Liability for Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical strain, Lumbar strain; Chest Injury- Thoracic strain; Leg Injury- Left knee strain
Award/Settlement Amount: $14,460
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear-ended by the defendant. Plaintiff sustained cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and left knee strain. Plaintiff sued defendant and her insurer alleging defendant’s negligence was the sole cause of the collision. Plaintiff sought damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, mental anguish, and wage loss. Defendants denied liability, asserted plaintiff or third party caused the accident. The Judge entered judgment in favor of Plaintiff, awarding $10,000 in general damages, $3,658.04 for medical expenses, and $802.44 for lost wages.
Location: Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Hayden v. Roy, 2005-0002677

Rear-End Victim Awarded for Multiple Injuries

Type of Injury: Head Injury- Open head Injury; Back Injury- Low back pain; Leg Injury- Left leg bruises, Right leg numbness
Award/Settlement Amount: $20,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff had stopped due to congested traffic when her vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant. Plaintiff suffered headaches, left leg bruises, right leg numbness and back pain. Plaintiff received treatment after the accident and underwent a CT scan. Plaintiff sued defendant and his insurer, alleging injuries to her nervous system and mental stability. Plaintiff alleged the defendant failed to keep his vehicle under proper control and sought damages for disability, lost earning, loss of earning capacity and medical expenses. Defendants admitted liability.
Location: Parish of Calcasieu, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Lester v. Dobbs, 2002-002429

Judge Awards Damages to Passenger of At-Fault Rear-End Driver

Type of Injury: Back Injuries- Cervical strain, muscle spasms, Right upper extremity radicular symptoms
Award/Settlement Amount: $21,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was a passenger in defendant’s vehicle when the defendant failed to stop for a vehicle that was slowing for traffic lights and crashed into a car in front of them. Plaintiff sustained a cervical strain, muscle spasms, and neck strain. Plaintiff sued defendant and her insurer claiming defendant failed to stop in a timely manner and failed to properly control his vehicle. Plaintiff sought damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost income. Defendants denied liability asserting the fault rested with a third party (driver of the rear- ended car.) Eventually, the defendants stipulated to liability and the Judge assessed damages.
Location: Parish of Ascension, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Martinez v. LeBlanc, 75287

Jury Verdict for Rear-End Crash Victim, Defendant Denied Liability

Type of Injury: Back Injury; Cervical strain, Muscle spasms, Disc bulges at C5-6, Carpal tunnel syndrome, Other General Injuries; Head, Neck and Shoulder pain
Award/Settlement Amount: $26,847
Case Summary: Plaintiff had stopped for traffic when her vehicle was rear ended by the defendant. Plaintiff sustained a cervical strain, disk bulges at C5-C6, carpal tunnel syndrome, head, neck and shoulder injuries. Plaintiff sued defendant, his insurer, and her own insurer. Plaintiff alleged defendant operated his vehicle in careless manner, failed to maintain proper control and followed too closely. Plaintiff sought compensation for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage. Defendants denied liability asserting plaintiff was solely at fault for the accident. The jury returned a plaintiff verdict, assessing all damages against Defendant and his insurance.
Location: East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. Roberts, 527941

Rear-End Crash Victim Award for Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Neck and back strain and anterior subluxation of C4 in relation to C5
Award/Settlement Amount: $35,073
Case Summary: Plaintiff stopped for a line of traffic when a vehicle operated by the defendant rear- ended her vehicle. Plaintiff sustained neck and back strain and anterior subluxation of C4 in relation to C5. Plaintiff sued defendant, contending defendant failed to yield and did not apply her brakes in time. Plaintiff sought damages for medical expenses, mental distress and lost wages. Defendant admitted liability but termed the accident as minor and the parties couldn’t agree on a settlement sum. The court assessed damages, awarding $4,742.00 for past medical expenses, $12,331.00 for future medical expenses and $18,000.00 for general damages.
Location: East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Schilf v. Keller, 512078

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe injuries from a rear-end crash can result in short-term or long-term disability, with residual effects that impact the person’s mobility. The victim will require more medical care, and possibly surgery for neck and back damage, complex fractures, or internal injuries. The victim may also suffer head or brain injuries.

Rear-End Crash Victim Awarded Judgment for Injuries

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Cervical and Lumbar Strain, Disc protrusion, disc bulge; Other; Leg injury-assomoid fracture of right foot
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Defendant pulled out of a parking lot in front of Plaintiff, causing Plaintiff to crash into the rear-end of his vehicle. Plaintiff sustained cervical and lumbar sprain, disk protrusion, disk bulge at C-5-6 and C6-7 and facet joint arthropathy at L4-5. Plaintiff sued defendant and his insurer. Plaintiff claimed defendant failed to maintain proper vehicle control and sought damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage and loss of use of her vehicle. Defendants denied liability asserting plaintiff was the sole cause of the accident as they failed to take evasive action to avoid hitting defendant’s vehicle. The court passed judgement in favor of plaintiff after a bench trial.
Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: White v. Ables, 97940

Rear-End Crash Injuries with Loss of Earning Capacity

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Injury to lower back at L4-5 and numbness in legs
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff was involved in a motor vehicle accident when a car driven by defendant struck her vehicle from behind. Plaintiff sustained lower back injuries at L4-5 and numbness in legs. Plaintiff sued defendant and her insurer contending defendant failed to keep her vehicle under proper control. Plaintiff sought damages for medical expenses, lost wage and loss of earning capacity. Defendant denied liability and claimed plaintiff’s injuries resulted from prior back surgery. The judge ruled in favor of plaintiff.
Location: Parish of Orleans, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: McCarter v. Sanchez, 98-20012

At-Fault Rear End Driver Argues Victim’s Injuries Pre-Existing

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Lumbosacral strain; sprain and strain of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine; thoracic outlet syndrome
Award/Settlement Amount: $51,500
Case Summary: Plaintiffs, was rear ended by a vehicle operated by the defendant and owned by the co-defendant. Plaintiff sustained lumbar sacral strain, cervical strain, thoracic and lumbar spine strain, and thoracic outlet syndrome. Plaintiff sued defendant and codefendant for negligence. Defendants admitted liability and the case proceeded to trial on damages only. Defendants asserted that plaintiff had been involved in prior accidents and the injuries were pre-existing. The judge found in favor of the plaintiff.
Location: Parish of Natchitoches, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Bernard v. Dove, 72,987-A

Rear-End Accident Victim Suffers Disabling Back Injury

Type of Injury: Back Injury- Injuries to lower back in L5-S1
Award/Settlement Amount: $281,922
Case Summary: Plaintiff’s vehicle was rear ended by a vehicle driven by the defendant. Plaintiff sustained injuries to lower back in L5-S1, requiring disc replacement surgery. Plaintiff sued defendants, contending defendant failed to keep a proper look out. Plaintiff sought damages for personal injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages. Defendants denied all liability. The judge found in favor of plaintiff, awarding $50,000 for pain and suffering, $147,922.23 for medical expenses, $30,000 for disability, $34,000 for lost wages, and $20,000 for lost enjoyment of life.
Location: Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Case Name and Docket Number: Arnold v. Hill, 480840

Methodology

We focused on Louisiana car accident lawsuits resulting from rear-end collisions. Cases were resolved by out-of-court settlements, jury trial, or bench trial. This case group does not include wrongful death claims or cases that did not result in a payout to the injured victim.

Payouts reflect any reduction made because of shared fault. Final amounts reflect the payout to an individual claimant. Payouts in cases with more than one plaintiff reflect the highest portion awarded to one of the plaintiffs.

Averages are calculated by adding all the payouts in a group of cases and dividing the total by the number of cases in the group.