Rear-end collisions are some of the most frequent crashes on St. Louis roads. While many people believe these accidents are just minor “fender benders,” that’s not always the case. Injuries from rear-end crashes can range from whiplash to serious, long-term conditions, and even straightforward claims can get complicated when insurance companies push back or fault is disputed.
Contact a St. Louis car accident attorney today to pursue financial compensation.
Why Rear-End Accidents Happen So Often
Collisions where one vehicle hits the back of another are incredibly common. Here are some of the reasons they happen:
Distracted Driving
Texting, using GPS, adjusting the radio, or anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, especially in traffic jams, often leads to missed brake lights or traffic slowdowns, causing rear-end crashes.
Tailgating and Aggressive Driving
Following another car too closely cuts reaction time to nearly zero. Aggressive moves in heavy or slow traffic instantly raise the risk of hitting the car ahead if traffic stops suddenly.
Sudden Stops in Heavy Traffic
Stop-and-go traffic, especially during rush hour, can create a chain reaction where a single quick stop can start a series of collisions.
Rear-end accidents might seem routine, but this doesn’t mean they’re always easy to handle.
Who Is at Fault in a Rear-End Accident in Missouri?
Understanding who is at fault in a rear-end accident is important for anyone who is injured in one. This determination allows you to obtain compensation from the appropriate party.
General Presumption That The Following Driver is at Fault
It’s generally assumed that the driver who hits another car from behind is responsible for the crash. This presumption stands because all drivers are legally required to maintain enough distance to stop safely if traffic slows or stops suddenly.
Exceptions to Rear-Driver Fault
There are important exceptions that could shift liability. Common ones include:
- Sudden, unexpected stops: If the lead car made an abrupt stop without a legitimate reason, fault could shift to them.
- Multi-car pileups: When there are three or more vehicles involved in an accident, determining who is responsible becomes much more difficult and doesn’t always fall to the person who rear-ends another vehicle.
- Mechanical failure: In rare instances where the rear car’s brakes or critical systems fail unexpectedly, this could shift liability to the manufacturer of the vehicle or those parts.
If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, getting legal guidance from a St. Louis injury attorney can be helpful, especially if the facts aren’t straightforward.
How Insurance Companies Handle Rear-End Accident Claims
After a rear-end crash, many people expect insurance companies to help right away. The reality is that adjusters often look for reasons to reduce claims or avoid paying entirely. Here’s how the process typically unfolds for victims.
Insurers Often Minimize Whiplash Claims
Whiplash is among the most common injuries a person suffers after a rear-end crash. Still, insurance companies may fight your claims and argue that a soft-tissue injury like this just isn’t that serious and you shouldn’t be compensated for it.
Quick Low Settlement Offers
It’s not unusual for insurers to reach out shortly after the accident and offer you a very low but very quick settlement offer. They do this to close out the case quickly and cheaply. However, you should never accept before determining what the true extent of your injuries are or you could be leaving significant money on the table.
Requesting Recorded Statements
Adjusters may ask if you’ll give them an official, on-the-record recorded statement. They do this to get your version of events set in stone and can argue against a payout if you say anything that is even slightly different in the future.
Denials Based on “Minimal Vehicle Damage”
If there isn’t much visible damage to your car after the crash, some insurers argue that you couldn’t really be hurt. This definitely isn’t the case, though.
Dealing with these tactics can be tiring, especially when you’re trying to recover. If you’re getting the runaround from an insurance company or want advice before you speak with them, we’re always here for you.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation