Rear-end accidents are one of the most common types of car collisions on Missouri roads, affecting countless drivers and passengers each year. These incidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to severe crashes, lead to a range of injuries and significant property damage. From distracted driving, speeding, and traffic conditions to harsh weather conditions and limited visibility, the lawyers of Goza & Honnold will help you determine the parties responsible for the damages you sustained.
Our legal team understands the aftermath of a rear-end collision can be overwhelming, especially if you need to focus on recovering from injuries. Our experienced lawyers will provide the support and guidance you need to increase your chances of a favorable resolution. With our focused knowledge, we meticulously analyze every aspect of your case, from the accident scene to medical records and beyond, ensuring that all responsible parties are held liable and you recover compensation for financial, emotional, and physical losses.
4 Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Missouri
Rear-end collisions occur for numerous reasons, including the following:
1. Distracted Driving
It’s easy for drivers to get distracted and lose focus on the road. Whether it’s texting, chatting on the phone, eating, fiddling with the radio, or being distracted by other passengers, these moments of inattention mean drivers might not notice when the car in front of them brakes suddenly or is stopped. Distracted driving is a major issue, contributing to nearly 15,000 rear-end accidents fatalities every year, as reported by the NHTSA.
2. Tailgating
This is when a driver follows another car too closely, not leaving enough space to stop safely if the car in front stops abruptly. A good rule of thumb for keeping a safe distance is the three-second rule. If you pass the same fixed point on the road less than three seconds after the car in front of you, you’re too close. Tailgating doesn’t give you enough time to react, making rear-end collisions much more likely.
3. Speeding
Driving too fast is another big factor in rear-end crashes. The NHTSA notes that speeding is involved in many of these accidents, making them more severe because there’s less time to slow down before hitting the car in front. Especially under bad weather conditions or when visibility is poor, driving too fast for the conditions can easily lead to a crash.
4. Reckless Driving
Some drivers take risks that put everyone on the road in danger. This includes speeding well over the limit, zigzagging through traffic, following too closely, cutting other drivers off, not yielding when they should, and brake checking. Reckless or aggressive driving increases the risk of slamming into the back of another car, either by not noticing the car has stopped or slowed down, or even as part of road rage incidents where collisions are caused on purpose.
Recoverable Damages in a Rear-End Accident Claim
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may recover the following:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs for emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care related to injuries sustained in the accident. Documentation from healthcare providers is key to proving these expenses.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injuries have forced you to take time off work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. If the accident impacts your ability to earn money in the future, you may also be entitled to damages for lost earning capacity.
- Property Damage: The financial losses related to repairing or replacing a vehicle and any personal property destroyed in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: These damages compensate you for the physical pain and psychological trauma you’ve suffered because of the accident. Although these are non-economic damages and harder to quantify, they are a significant part of what you can claim.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If injuries prevent you from enjoying hobbies, exercise, and other life pleasures you once participated in, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Emotional Distress: Separate from pain and suffering, emotional distress covers anxiety, depression, insomnia, and other psychological effects resulting from the accident.
Consulting with a personal injury lawyer of Goza & Honnold can help you identify all potential areas of compensation and ensure that your rights are fully protected. We handle the negotiation process with insurance companies, aiming to secure a settlement that fully addresses the financial and emotional burdens the accident has imposed on you.
Speak With the Rear End Accident Lawyers of Goza & Honnold
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision as a result of negligence, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. The skilled personal injury lawyers of Goza & Honnold will meticulously investigate your case, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance entities to ensure you recover compensation for damages incurred.
Contact our legal team for a free consultation today by calling (913) 451-3433 or filling out our contact form.