St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyers

St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyer. If you were injured in a rear-end collision, it is important to seek medical help if you are experiencing any pain, as well as, the guidance of a seasoned lawyer who can assess and determine the best action plan for your claim. Burger Law is a full-service auto accident law firm that serves people injured in any type of car accident with high-quality support while fighting for their recovery. To start your free case evaluation, call Burger Law now at [dynamic-phone-number] or complete our online contact form.

If you were injured in a rear end accident in St. Louis, or anywhere in Missouri or Illinois, see how much your claim may be worth by using our free personal injury calculator.

Why Should I Choose to Pursue My Rear-End Accident Case?

A rear-end accident can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burden. Many victims may wonder whether pursuing a legal claim is right for them. Pursuing your rear-end accident case can provide a sense of justice and financial relief for your losses. Here are some reasons to consider moving forward with a rear-end collision case in St. Louis:

• Recover financial losses. Rear-end accidents often result in significant financial strain, from medical bills to car repairs. 

• Address long-term injuries. Injuries from rear-end accidents can sometimes have long-lasting effects that require ongoing treatment. A personal injury claim can help cover the cost of long-term care, rehabilitation, and any lost earning capacity if you are unable to return to work as a result of the injury.

• Hold the responsible party accountable. When another driver’s negligence causes harm, pursuing your case ensures they are held accountable. Your rear-end accident attorney has to establish that their negligence caused the crash to be able to file a claim against them. 

• Maximize compensation with legal representation. Insurance companies are notorious for offering low settlements. Without legal guidance, you could end up settling for far less than you deserve. 

Hire a St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyer at Burger Law

The rear-ended accident lawyers at Burger Law are dedicated to assisting the injured in the St Louis area to recover from accidents. We know that collision injuries can be damaging to a person’s physical and financial health, and we are ready to fight for your recovery. We have recovered over $180 million in verdicts and settlements for individuals and families injured in car accidents, and we offer the highest standard of support and guidance for our St Louis clients.

Burger Law stands firmly by our belief that when a person is injured as a result of another individual’s negligent acts, they should not be required to pay for representation to receive fair compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, and we do not expect you to pay any expenses unless we win your case.

How Much Is the Typical Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in St. Louis?

The value of a settlement after a rear-end collision in St. Louis is majorly based on a unique evaluation of the facts of the case. However, some factors that often affect the settlement amount include:

• The cost of medical treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments, will play a significant role in determining the settlement.
• If you missed work for an extended period due to your injuries, your compensation will include recovery for lost wages and future lost earning potential.
• The intensity of the pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life you experienced following the rear-end accident.
• The value of replacing or repairing the damaged property is also a key factor in the settlement.

Depending on case-to-case evaluation, we have noted that rear-end accident settlements in Missouri can range anywhere from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars. Your attorney knows how to evaluate the impact of the accident on your life and push for a reasonable settlement.

How Do I Get Compensation For My Rear End Accident Injuries in St. Louis?

Your path to getting maximum compensation starts immediately after your accident. The most important thing after any accident is to make sure everyone is safe, and to call 911 if anybody is severely injured. If your injuries do not require immediate medical care, take the following steps to ensure your claim goes as successfully as possible:

Get evidence at the scene

It is imperative to document the scene as best you can. Take pictures or videos of the damage to both cars and the surrounding areas, including how the vehicles are positioned. If there are any eyewitnesses, get their names and contact info so they can corroborate your story if the other driver does not take responsibility for the accident. Note if there are any cameras in the area; your St. Louis car accident lawyer may be able to get access to them for more evidence.

Call the police

If no one was severely injured, call a non-emergency police number and have them come to the scene. They will evaluate the scene and take statements in an effort to determine fault in the accident. A police report is a key piece of evidence in car accident claims.

Exchange information with the other driver

Get their contact info and their insurance information. You do not have to be confrontational; you are not trying to get anyone in trouble; you are just doing what you need to after any car accident.

Make a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, and notify yours

Call their insurance company to make a claim as soon as possible. They will give you a claim number and assign an adjuster to your case. Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. You should also notify your insurance company, even if you will not be making a claim through them.

Get the full medical treatment you need

If your injuries do not require a trip to the emergency room, you should still go to your doctor to get checked out within a day or two of the accident. Make sure to get all the medical treatment a doctor recommends; whether that means follow-up appointments, a chiropractor, physical therapy, using crutches or a neck brace for a while or surgeries for more severe injuries. In order to get compensation for your injuries, you will need documentation of all your medical bills.

Keep records of your other damages

You can keep a journal describing how your injuries impact your daily life to help make a claim for your pain and suffering damage. Keep a record of the days you missed off work, and make sure to compile your W2s and pay stubs for your lost wages claim. Also keep receipts and detailed records of the out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries.

Hire an experienced car accident lawyer

If the insurance adjuster is not being fair, speak to a lawyer in order to understand the full value of your claim. You are legally owed compensation for:

• Economic damages, such as your medical bills, property damage, lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses
• Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish

An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer will be able to gather evidence and work with experts to full calculate your damages. On your behalf, they will fight against the insurance company, negotiate for the best possible settlement and take your case to trial for if they have to.

You only have one shot to get full compensation for your injuries. Inquire about a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident attorney today at [dynamic-phone-number].

How Much Time Do I Have To File a Claim After a Rear-End Collision in Missouri?

In Missouri, it is not enough to prove that you have a case, but time is of the essence. The statute of limitations sets the timeframe for when you can file your lawsuit. For personal injury claims, you have five years from the date of the accident to file your claim (RSMo. §516.120). Family members have only three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit if the rear-end collision is fatal. 

However, certain circumstances can alter this deadline. For instance, some injuries might not be observed immediately following an accident. If you discover an injury later, the statute of limitations may be extended to account for the time of discovery.

What Are the Most Common Injuries in Rear-End Car Accidents?

Rear-end accidents are prevalent and may result in a wide range of injuries. Some injuries are minor and easily treatable, while others can have severe, long-term consequences. Common injuries resulting from these accidents include:

• Whiplash. One of the most well-known injuries associated with rear-end accidents is whiplash. This occurs when the force of the impact causes the neck to jerk violently, resulting in muscle strains, ligament damage and sometimes chronic pain.
• Head injuries. Depending on the severity of the crash, head injuries can range from mild concussions to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Even if no external injury is visible, the brain may suffer damage from the force of the impact.
• Back injuries. The sudden jolt of a rear-end collision can put immense strain on the spinal column, leading to herniated discs, fractures, or chronic back pain. These injuries may require long-term care or surgery.
• Broken bones. The impact of a rear-end accident can lead to broken bones, especially in the hands, arms, or ribs, as victims often brace for impact.
• Soft tissue injuries. Less serious crashes may result in sprains, strains and other soft tissue injuries. These injuries are known to cause pain and mobility issues for weeks or even months.

Gathering and showing clear evidence of injuries and their extent can boost the chances of reaching a fair settlement.

Common Causes of Rear-End Car Accidents

According to NHTSA reports, distracted driving is the leading cause of rear-end crashes. Common distractions include the following: 

• Texting
• Adjusting the radio
• Eating
• Reaching for objects
• Talking over the phone

These distractions caused the driver to be unable to properly control their vehicle. Distracted drivers cannot react quickly, making it hard to react to situations on the road. Other common causes of rear-end crashes include:

• Tailgating
• Speeding
• Weather conditions
• Impaired driving
• Sudden stops
• Interacting with passengers

While there are myriad causes of rear-end crashes, St. Louis rear-end car accident lawyers have extensive resources to investigate the causes to determine liability.

How Common Are Rear End Accidents in St. Louis, Missouri?

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear end accidents account for 29 percent of all auto accidents, or over 2.5 million accidents a year. Rear-end accidents cause 6.8 percent of all fatal crashes.

According to data from the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, in Missouri in 2021 there were 8,943 “front to rear” crashes that resulted in personal injury (36.58 percent of the total), and 67 that resulted in death (17.22 percent of the total)

If I Rear Ended Someone in St. Louis, Am I Automatically At Fault?

Missouri law presumes the rear driver to be at fault in a rear end accident. In Doggendorf v. St. Louis Public Service Company 333 S.W.2d 302 (1960), the St. Louis Court of Appeals ruled that:

if one person has his vehicle in a portion of the highway where he should have it or is entitled to have it in view of the course in which he is proceeding, and some other person traveling behind him in the same direction overtakes him and permits his vehicle to run into the rear of the one ahead, the proof of a collision under such circumstances makes out a prima facie case of specific negligence against such other person in charge of the overtaking vehicle.

In simple terms, prima facie means that if you hit the rear of someone else’s car, it is assumed that you are at fault. But that does not mean you and your St. Louis car crash attorneys cannot fight back if the other person really was at fault. Some examples of the driver in front being at fault include:

• If their vehicle had broken tail or brake lights
• If they merged onto the street or changed lanes too suddenly for you to react
• They slammed on the brakes for no legitimate reason
• The lead driver backed into you while you were not moving
• They were driving erratically due to being impaired or reckless driving

Comparative Negligence in a Rear-End Accident

Of course, there may be some combination of factors that cause a rear-end accident, and both drivers may share some fault. Under the doctrine of comparative negligence, if more than one person is at fault, each party is liable for the amount of fault they share for the accident. Meaning, if your damages total $100,000, but you were 30 percent at fault, you would be able to make a $70,000 recovery. In Missouri, you can still recover compensation if you were 99 percent at fault. In Illinois, you are not eligible for compensation if you were 50 percent at fault or more.

Speak to a St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyer Today

The St. Louis rear-ended accident lawyers at Burger Law offer legal services throughout Missouri. If you’d like to learn about what to do after a rear-end collision, seeking medical treatment for rear-end accident injuries, or anything in between, contact the Burger Law firm today. We look forward to providing you with the highest standard of legal advocacy. Call us today at [dynamic-phone-number] or fill out our online contact form.

• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Hit and Run
• Drunk Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Texting and Driving
• Speeding Accidents
• Fatal Car Crash
• Head-On Collisions
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents
• Intersection Accidents
• Road Construction Accidents
• Carpool Accidents
• Backup Accident
• Whiplash Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injuries
• Uninsured Motorist Claims
• Phantom Motorist Claims

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