Rear-end collisions vary widely in form and severity, making it difficult to determine an “average” settlement value. However, many claims fall within the five-figure range ($10,000 to $99,000). Some cases may settle for significantly less, while others may result in substantially higher compensation. The amount you receive, if any, will depend on the specific circumstances of your case, including the extent of your injuries, liability factors, and available insurance coverage.
Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Following is only a sample of some of the most common causes of rear-end collisions. Causes include:
- Sudden braking by the leading driver, sometimes due to a third party, such as a pedestrian darting into the street.
- Chain reaction accidents, often occurring in thick fog or smoke that limits visibility, especially on high-speed roadways like interstates.
- Distracted driving by the trailing driver, such as texting, eating, or even grooming while driving.
- Intoxicated driving, particularly by the trailing driver, impairing reaction time and judgment.
- Tailgating, especially by impatient drivers, which is a frequent cause of truck accidents.
- Driver fatigue, where the trailing driver falls asleep at the wheel.
- Brake failure in the trailing vehicle, which may be due to mechanical defects, poor maintenance, or manufacturer negligence.
- Hazardous road conditions, like large potholes that force sudden stops, potentially leading to government liability.
- Inexperienced or visually impaired drivers who misjudge stopping distances and fail to react in time.
There are dozens more possible causes of rear-end collisions.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Most Common in Rear-End Collisions?
The most common injuries caused by rear-end collisions include:
- Whiplash: A neck injury resulting from sudden acceleration or deceleration, causing the neck to snap back and forth.
- Soft tissue injuries: Strains and sprains affecting the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): Often occur if airbags fail or the impact is severe.
- Herniated discs: Damage to the spine that can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.
- Back sprains and strains: Can result from the sudden jolt of impact.
- Broken ribs: Caused by seatbelt pressure or striking the steering wheel.
- Fractured vertebrae: Potentially leading to long-term mobility issues.
- Spinal cord injuries: In severe cases, these can result in nerve damage or even paralysis.
- Psychological trauma: Conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the accident.
This list only scratches the surface of possible injuries caused by rear-end collisions.
What Damages Are Available in Rear-End Collision Cases?
Missouri recognizes two types of compensatory damages–economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages may include the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Diminished earning capacity
Non-economic damages, on the other hand, might include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
These are not the only components. It is the amount associated with each component, more than anything else, that determines the amount of your payout. You might also qualify for punitive damages on top of all the types of damages listed above if the driver who hit you acted in a particularly culpable manner.
Filing a Lawsuit to Force a Settlement
A claim is different from a lawsuit. Most rear-end accident claims never even make it to court. Among those that do, only a few reach trial. There are several reasons, however, why you might want to file a lawsuit over a rear-end collision even though you still prefer an out-of-court settlement:
- You seek to pressure the defendant into settling;
- You seek to gain access to the pretrial discovery evidence-gathering process or
- You need to beat the Missouri statute of limitations deadline.
The last of these is seldom a motivation for a lawsuit since Missouri gives plaintiffs until five years after the accident to file a lawsuit. Since Missouri’s statute of limitations includes exceptions, some plaintiffs have even more than five years. It’s not a good idea to delay, however, because evidence tends to grow stale over time (witness memories fade, for example).
Do You Need a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney?
Depending on the seriousness of your rear-end collision, you may or may not need the assistance of an attorney. In case you do, Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers is an aggressive St. Louis, MO, personal injury law firm that knows when to fight and when to settle. We have won hundreds of millions in compensation for our personal injury and wrongful death clients. Get in touch today for a free consultation.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
For more information, contact the attorneys at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
