St. Louis Rear End Accidents

One second you are stationary in traffic, and the next, your vehicle is lurched forward as someone hits you from behind. Rear-end accidents are almost always avoidable, and when someone’s negligence causes you harm, you deserve to be fairly compensated. You can learn more about your right to compensation when you call our St. Louis car accident lawyers at (314) 408-5708.

How Common Are Rear-End Accidents?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end crashes are the most common type of collision. They are responsible for approximately 29% of all motor vehicle accidents and injuries. Despite often occurring at slower speeds, rear-end collisions result in a significant number of fatalities and injuries.

Common Injuries Associated with Rear-End Accidents

In a rear-end collision, the vehicle transfers some of its force when it collides with the vehicle in front of it. This force often causes the following types of injuries:

• Whiplash – The sudden jolting involved in these types of accidents can cause painful whiplash injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries – The brunt of the impact in an accident is on the spine, so it is possible for rear-end accident victims to suffer debilitating spinal cord injuries.
• Traumatic brain injuries – The force of the accident can cause vehicle occupants to thrust forward, potentially making contact with a hard surface like the dashboard, steering wheel, or a window.
• Soft tissue injuries – Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues can be injured in a rear-end collision.

Common Reasons for Rear-End Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that a failure or delay in responding to a vehicle that is stopped or decelerating is generally due to distractions. It found that about 87% of rear-end crashes in which a trailing vehicle struck the lead vehicle included some type or degree of distraction. The NHTSA identified many different types of distracted driving activities that contributed to rear-end collisions, including:

• Texting
• Use of wireless devices
• Checking mirrors
• Looking out windows
• Reaching for an object
• Tending to a child or animal in the vehicle
• Talking to passengers
• Smoking
• Grooming
• Adjusting controls in the vehicle
• Eating or drinking
• Daydreaming

Other negligent driving behaviors that can contribute to rear-end collisions include:

• Speeding
• Aggressive driving
• Making unsafe lane changes
• Drowsy driving
• Impaired driving

If you were hurt in a car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can investigate the crash and determine how it occurred.

Is the Driver in the Rear Always at Fault?

The driver in the rear is usually at fault for a rear-end collision because drivers are supposed to keep a safe distance from other vehicles so they can stop in time to avoid a collision, even if the vehicle in front of them suddenly stops. However, there are instances when the driver in front may be found at fault, such as when the front driver:

• Reverses or backs into the vehicle behind them
• Changes lanes in a space that is already occupied by another driver
• Suddenly stops because of a mechanical failure
• Intentionally causes a crash by “brake checking”
• Has a broken brake light that prevented other drivers from knowing the vehicle was stopping

Rear-end accidents can be complicated. An experienced attorney can investigate your case and determine how the accident occurred and who is at fault.

Were You Hurt in a Rear-End Collision? Call Miller & Hine for Help

Miller & Hine has over 50 years of combined experience that we are ready to put to use to fight for the compensation you deserve. To discuss your case with one of our St. Louis car accident lawyers, contact us today for a free case review.