St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyers

Rear-end car accidents often happen at relatively low speeds, but the consequences can be severe.

By their nature, these motor vehicle accidents always come as a surprise. A person might be waiting at a light or stop sign, and all of a sudden they’re hit with a jolt when a careless driver hits them from behind. This can result in serious injuries like whiplash, concussions and broken bones that can disrupt your life and keep you from getting to work.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a rear-end collision, call the experienced St. Louis rear-end accident lawyers at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse right away. We understand how these accidents can turn your life upside down and we are here to help. Call (314) 350-1900 for a free case review.

What is a rear-end collision?

A rear-end collision happens when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle. This type of accident is usually caused by driver negligence or poor road conditions.

These collisions are often low speed. This leads to the perception that they aren’t dangerous. However, it’s possible for serious injuries to occur when one vehicle is going as slow as 8 mph.

Common injuries from rear-end accidents

Rear-end accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor soft tissue damage to serious head and spinal cord trauma. 

Some common rear-end car accident injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Back strain or sprain
• Headaches
• Concussions or other brain injuries
• Fractured bones
• Cuts and bruises
• Internal bleeding
• Psychological trauma

If you’ve been in a rear-end collision, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Even if you feel fine, these injuries sometimes aren’t immediately apparent, so you should get checked out even if you don’t think anything is wrong.

This can save you some trouble down the line. The insurance company can sometimes point to the delay between the car accident and when the victim received medical care to argue that the victim’s injuries weren’t caused by the collision.

What Steps Should I Take Following a Rear-End Accident in Missouri?

After experiencing a rear-end collision in Missouri, it's crucial to take specific steps to protect your well-being and legal rights. 

Here’s a clear guide to follow:

1. Ensure Safety: Move to a secure location if possible and check for injuries among all parties involved.
2. Contact Authorities: Immediately report the accident to local authorities to aid in proper documentation.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photos of the vehicles, any visible injuries, and the surrounding area. Collect contact information from witnesses and exchange details with the other driver, including insurance information.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if no injuries are immediately apparent, seek medical attention promptly, as injuries can manifest later. Medical records are crucial for any future claims.
5. Notify Insurance: Inform your insurance company about the accident. Be cautious with the details you share and consider consulting a lawyer before making any detailed statements.
6. Consult with a Lawyer: An experienced car accident attorney in St. Louis can guide you through the insurance claims process and ensure your rights are protected. Legal advice is invaluable in securing fair compensation for damages and injuries sustained in the collision.

Following these steps will help safeguard your health and legal interests.

Injured in a car accident? Contact a skilled rear-end accident lawyer in St. Louis from NGK Law Firm. Contact us online or call (314) 350-1900.

Common causes of rear-end car accidents

Rear-end collisions are often caused by driver negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Texting or talking on the phone while driving
• Failing to leave enough space between vehicles
• Speeding and not paying attention to traffic patterns
• Cars, tractor trailers or buses following too closely (tailgating)
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Fatigue and drowsy driving

Rear-end accidents are also sometimes caused by hazardous road conditions. This can include:

• Snowy or icy roads
• Potholes
• Uneven pavement
• Lack of traffic signs and signals
• Poorly designed roads

No matter what caused your rear-end collision, you deserve to be compensated for all medical bills, repairs, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Who is at fault for a rear-end collision in Missouri?

Missouri is an “at fault” insurance system. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying any damages.

In rear-end accidents, the driver who hit the back of the other vehicle is presumed to be at fault under the “rear-end collision doctrine.” In short, this doctrine states that it’s the responsibility of the following driver to pay attention, leave enough space and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Generally speaking, the weather and driving conditions are irrelevant. It’s the responsibility of the following driver to leave enough space between their car and the car ahead of them to travel safely, no matter if it’s raining, snowing or sunny.

If you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision, call the St. Louis car accident attorneys at NGK Law today to discuss your case. Our team of legal professionals will work tirelessly to get you the maximum possible settlement for your losses. Call (314) 350-1900 now for a free consultation.

How much is the typical settlement for a rear-end collision in St. Louis?

The settlement amount for a rear-end accident in St. Louis will depend on the value of the damaged property, the severity of the victim’s injuries and how much medical care was needed.

Settlement amounts for car accidents are not capped in Missouri, meaning that car accident victims can receive compensation for the value of the economic and non-economic damages they incurred:

• Economic damages – Medical bills, lost wages and property damage
• Non-economic damages – Pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life

For a simple car accident case with no bodily injuries, the compensation will typically recover repairs for damaged property. This ranges between $1,000 and $15,000.

However, in cases where the victim sustains an injury, settlement amounts can range much higher. They can exceed $50,000 or even $100,000, depending on the facts of the case.

What Is the Time Limit on Filing a Rear-End Collision Claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of a rear-end collision to file a personal injury claim. This period is known as the statute of limitations. It's essential to act promptly to ensure your legal rights are protected. Delaying your claim can lead to challenges in gathering evidence and witness testimonies, which are crucial for building a strong case. For personalized guidance and to preserve your right to compensation, contact NGK Law Firm as soon as possible after the accident.

Secure a consultation with a St. Louis rear-end collision attorney as soon as possible. Contact us or call (314) 350-1900.

How a St. Louis car accident attorney can help after a rear-end car accident

The weeks and months after a car accident can be very stressful. Your vehicle may be damaged, you may have severe injuries and you’re almost certainly facing medical bills and lost wages. The last thing you want to deal with is an insurance company that isn’t paying you the cash settlement you deserve.

A knowledgeable St. Louis car accident lawyer will work tirelessly to get you the maximum possible settlement, quickly. They’ll handle:

• Investigating the crash scene and gathering evidence
• Interviewing witnesses
• Collecting accident reports and other necessary documentation
• Negotiating with the insurance companies
• Filing a personal injury lawsuit if needed

Your attorney can handle the heavy lifting in your case, so you can focus on healing and getting back to your life.

Work with a skilled St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

As we mentioned above, the weeks and months following a rear-end car accident can be anxious. The insurance company can be difficult to deal with, and your bills may continue to pile up.

That’s why it’s important to work with experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers. The personal injury lawyers at NGK Law know how the process works and will fight hard to get you the settlement that you deserve. Call today – (314) 350-1900.