A rear end collision is the most common type of accident and it involves a scenario in which a vehicle crashes or collides into the vehicle in front of it. Statistics indicate that approximately 40 percent of reported accidents are rear end collisions; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in their most recent study that the percentage of accidents works out to almost 6,000 rear end collisions each day in the United States.1 The common causes of rear-end collisions include speeding, tailgating, inattention caused by the distraction of eating, talking, or texting, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, unsafe lane changes, weather conditions, or general road conditions.2 The consequences of these rear end collisions can result in significant property damage and serious physical injury both of which can be the responsibility of the party who caused the accident.3
Pursuing a Rear-End Accident Lawsuit in Missouri or Illinois
Personal injury cases, especially rear end collision cases, usually are resolved in a settlement. The reason why the settlement process is a much more simplistic matter in many rear end collision cases is that liability is often more straightforward since the order of impact is more obvious.4 The tailing driver is more often than not responsible for the collision and the determination to be made is only about the amount of damage.5 There are complications that can effect a driver’s liability. An additional complication could arise if a third vehicle is involved in the accident, because a driver was driven into the rear of your car by another car, then the direct cause of your accident is actually the initial car that caused impact.6 If you cutoff a vehicle or abruptly stop during a lane change the front driver could be found to have contributory negligence which could minimize the amount of a claim.7 Other ways in which the following car may not be solely responsible for the accident is if a driver who is under the influence of road rage slams on his or her brakes to retaliate against a tailgater or if a vehicle backs into another unseen vehicle causing rear end damage.8
Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Even if the process towards recovery may be long and require gathering evidence and proving fault in another driver, pursuing a lawsuit is the ideal option to protect your legal right to compensation for injuries and costs.9 If you have been involved in a rear-end accident it is important to discuss the circumstances of your collision with an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you to determine what claims should be filed and protect your legal rights and interests. To contact an auto accident attorney for a free consultation please feel free to call the The Bruning Law Firm trial attorneys at 314-735-8100.
LET US GET STARTED ON YOUR ST. LOUIS CAR ACCIDENT CASE TODAY
If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in an auto accident, contact The Bruning Law Firm today. We provide the comprehensive, professional legal representation you deserve at a time when you need it most.
Call or contact our office online today to schedule a free consultation.
References:
- http://settleyourclaimyourself.com/rear-end-collisions/
- http://www.injuryclaimcoach.com/rear-end-auto-accident.html
