Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents in Missouri, but they aren’t always as simple as they seem.
People tend to assume the rear driver is always at fault, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes both drivers share responsibility, and other times, the front driver may have caused the situation by stopping suddenly or failing to use a turn signal.
Missouri law doesn’t automatically blame the back driver, and fault usually depends on the facts. If you’ve been in one of these crashes, it’s worth talking to an experienced lawyer who can look at what happened and help figure out who’s actually responsible.
Liability in Rear-End Collisions in Missouri
As we mentioned, figuring out who’s at fault in a rear-end collision in Missouri isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem.
When the Rear Driver Is at Fault
Most of the time, the driver who hits another vehicle from behind is found responsible. That’s usually because they were following too closely or tailgating, driving too fast, or distracted. Missouri drivers are expected to leave enough space to stop safely, so rear drivers are often presumed to have failed in that duty.
When the Front Driver Is Responsible
There are times when the person in front causes the crash. That could be due to brake checking, broken brake lights, cutting into a lane without warning, or backing up suddenly without checking behind them. If the driver in front created an unsafe situation, they could be found at fault—or at least share some of it.
Shared Fault or Outside Factors
Missouri uses a comparative fault system. If both drivers did something wrong, the percentage of fault gets divided. Compensation is then reduced based on each person’s share. Sometimes, a third party might be responsible—for example, if a road hazard wasn’t marked or the vehicle had a brake defect.
Chain Reaction Accidents
In multi-car pileups or chain reaction accidents involving three or more cars, middle drivers often aren’t to blame. If your car was pushed into another by someone behind you, that could shift fault to the driver who started the chain.
Scenarios Where the Rear Driver May Not Be at Fault
There are specific situations where the rear driver may not be held responsible under Missouri law:
- Sudden, unsignaled stops by the lead driver that leave no time to react.
- Faulty or broken brake lights on the vehicle ahead, making it impossible to know they were slowing down.
- The front driver reverses suddenly into your vehicle, such as backing out into traffic.
- Improper lane changes, like cutting in too closely without signaling or failing to maintain speed after merging.
- Lead driver operating recklessly, including speeding, weaving through traffic, or driving while impaired.
- Hazardous road conditions, such as black ice, standing water, or fog that made it hard to stop in time despite careful driving.
- Sudden obstacles, like a deer or object in the road, forcing emergency braking.
- Mechanical failure in your vehicle, such as brake failure or a tire blowout, if it wasn’t due to poor maintenance.
- Improperly marked construction zones, where missing or confusing signage caused a sudden stop.
- Middle vehicle in a chain-reaction crash, where your car was pushed forward into another and you didn’t initiate the contact.
In each of these situations, fault depends on what can be proven. Evidence like dashcam footage, photos, or eyewitness accounts can make the difference.
Shared Fault Claims in Missouri
After a car accident, figuring out who was at fault isn’t always straightforward. In some cases, both drivers played a role. According to Missouri’s pure comparative fault system, even if you were partly to blame, you can still recover compensation—just not the full amount.
Under Missouri § 537.765, any damages you’re awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 25% responsible and your total damages are $40,000, your recovery would be $30,000. This rule applies even if you were mostly at fault—as long as someone else shares some of the blame.
What matters in these claims is:
- How fault is divided between everyone involved.
- Whether your actions contributed to the crash in any way.
- The strength of the evidence you have to back up your side.
In cases with shared fault, insurers may try to shift a higher percentage of blame onto you to lower their payout. Even a small shift in fault can make a big difference in how much you recover.
That’s why it’s important to have someone on your side who understands how to fight back. Our award winning Missouri car accident lawyers can help gather evidence, explain how Missouri’s fault laws apply to your case, and negotiate with the insurance company to keep things fair.
You don’t have to be completely blameless to pursue a claim. If the other driver was even partly at fault, you may still have a case. If you have questions and would like to speak to one of our skilled attorneys at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, call 314.207.9996 now.
Preventing Rear-End Car Collisions in Missouri
Rear-end crashes can often be avoided by keeping a safe following distance, being aware of your surroundings, and driving predictably. Here are a few simple ways to help reduce the risk:
Use the Three-Second Rule
To avoid following too closely, use the three-second rule. Pick a fixed object ahead—like a pole or sign—and start counting once the car in front of you passes it. Say “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three.” If you reach the object before you finish, you’re too close. Back off and leave more room.
Keep a Safe Distance Behind You
It’s not just about the car in front. You should also make it easier for drivers behind you to keep their distance. Signal early when you’re slowing down or turning. Keep a steady speed and avoid sudden stops whenever possible.
If you’re pulling over to pick someone up, choose a safe spot off the road. When parallel parking with traffic behind you, signal early and let vehicles pass before backing in.
Handle Tailgaters the Right Way
If someone is following you too closely, don’t brake suddenly to “teach them a lesson.” That can make things worse. Instead, if there’s a right lane, move over and let them pass. If there isn’t, ease off the gas slowly. This may encourage them to go around you when it’s safe.
Driving calmly and giving others space can go a long way in avoiding rear-end collisions.
Skilled Missouri Rear-End Accident Lawyers
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we focus on helping people injured in car crashes across the state. Rear-end accidents can be more complicated than they seem, especially when there’s confusion about who caused the collision.
Our team understands the details that can shift liability and how to prove what really happened when the insurance company tries to point the finger at you.
Whether you were hit from behind or being blamed unfairly, we’ll dig into the facts, collect the evidence, and stand up for your rights every step of the way. We’ll deal with the insurance companies so you don’t have to, and we won’t settle for less than what you deserve.
If you’ve been hurt in a rear-end accident in Missouri, contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us help you move forward.
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