St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyers – Free Consultation
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:
- Ensure Safety: Move to a secure location if possible and check for injuries among all parties involved.
- Contact Authorities: Immediately report the accident to local authorities to aid in proper documentation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Have Questions?
We have answers!
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How do I calculate damages in a car accident case?
Calculating economic damages tends to be straightforward as they are based on actual financial losses. You add up medical bills, property damage receipts, proof of lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can vary greatly. These are often calculated using a "multiplier" method, which involves multiplying the economic damages by a number (the multiplier) that represents the severity of the injuries. The multiplier can range typically from 1.5 to 5, or even higher for extremely severe or life-altering injuries.
Factors that can influence compensation include:
- Severity of injuries: The more severe the injuries, the higher the medical costs and potential for long-term impacts, which can lead to a higher overall compensation.
- The extent of property damage: Greater property damage can result in higher repair or replacement costs, increasing the total compensation.
- Impact on quality of life: If the accident has significantly affected your quality of life (e.g., inability to perform previous activities, requiring ongoing medical care), this can increase the compensation.
- Fault: As we mentioned above, Missouri's pure comparative fault system reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if you're found to be 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can only recover $70,000.
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Does Missouri cap the amount of damages you can seek in personal injury claims?
Missouri does not cap the amount of economic damages or non-economic damages that a car accident victim can recover. However, punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or five times the net amount of the judgment, whichever is greater.
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How much compensation can car accident victims recover?
As we mentioned above, every case is different, and as a result, car accident settlements can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the accident.
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How Does Missouri Handle Car Accident Claims?
Before we get into the subject of compensation amounts, it's first important to understand how Missouri law handles motor vehicle accidents.
Missouri uses an "at-fault" system to handle car accident claims. This means that the driver whose actions were responsible for causing the accident will be responsible for compensating any other parties involved for their damages. These damages could include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering (we'll explain more below). The at-fault driver's insurance company typically covers these expenses up to the policy's limit.
Determining fault in a car accident involves investigating the accident circumstances, examining evidence, and applying traffic laws to understand who caused the accident. Police reports, witness statements, photos from the scene, and professional reconstructions can all play a part in determining fault.
Comparative Negligence When Both Parties Are At Fault
Missouri uses a "pure comparative negligence" rule in car accident cases. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident and suffered $10,000 in damages, you would only be eligible to recover 80% of that amount, or $8,000.
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What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim?
In Missouri, a car accident victim has five years to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for a car accident injury. In the event of a lethal crash, surviving family members have three years to file a wrongful death suit.
It's important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is different from filing a car insurance claim. While the statute of limitations on a lawsuit stemming from a car accident is years, any insurance company will require you to make an insurance claim or give notice that a claim will soon be filed "within a reasonable amount of time," which typically means a few days to a few weeks.
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What should I avoid doing after a car accident?
Avoid admitting fault, providing speculative statements, or signing any documents from insurance companies without consulting your attorney. Additionally, refrain from discussing your case on social media or with anyone other than your St. Louis car accident lawyers.
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How long does a car accident claim take to resolve?
The duration of a car accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Your attorney can provide an estimated timeline based on their experience with similar cases.
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Do I need a lawyer for my car accident claim?
While it’s not legally required, hiring a car accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights.
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Who is responsible for my medical bills after a car accident?Initially, you may have to cover your medical bills through your health insurance or out-of-pocket. However, if the other driver is at fault, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses through their insurance or by working with St. Louis car accident lawyers to file a personal injury claim.
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What if there is not much property damage to my car, do I still have a claim?Yes, your claim may be eligible. It’s never a good idea to shrug off an auto accident. Even if there is not much superficial damage, the crash might have damaged internal components on your car, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NGK Has A National Reputation for Helping the Injured Obtain the Compensation They Deserve
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"I highly recommend him as a lawyer."David Grebel has handled several cases for me, always professionally and with a positive outcome. I always felt in the loop. I felt like a person not a number.- Susie W.
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"Kindness, thoughtfulness and patience"I really appreciated Dave's kindness and thoughtfulness and especially his patience with me throughout my lawsuit.- Gladys R.
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"I only recommend NGK"Very responsive and they help you in any way they can. Michael Kruse has handled many cases for me and he is very professional and will fight for you every time.- Matthew G.
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"Helped me through the process"Initially, I was reluctant to bring a lawsuit, but Dave answered all my questions and helped me through the process. I really appreciate all he did to get me what I deserved.- Lou P.
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"I would highly recommend them."Absolute professionals of the highest caliber. There's no one else I would recommend to friends or family!- Robert K.
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"The best at what they do!!!"Dave Grebel is the go-to guy. He has handled cases for my friends and family, always with a positive outcome!- Bryan H.
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"2 for 2 batting 1000"Second time using NGK. Took care of me both times! Will use and recommend again! 5 stars!!- Tony B.
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