Rear-end collisions happen every day on Springfield roads. These crashes occur at stoplights, in heavy traffic on Kansas Expressway, and during rush hour on Highway 60.
While some are minor fender-benders, others cause serious injuries that require extensive medical treatment.
Missouri law typically holds rear driver responsible, but insurance companies still look for ways to minimize your claim. They might argue you stopped suddenly or that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claim. This resistance can make recovering fair compensation more difficult than it should be.
Our experienced Springfield rear-end accident lawyers have over 35 years experience representing clients in auto accident claims. Our exclusive focus on auto accidents means we know exactly how to counter insurance company tactics and build strong cases for our clients.
When you work with us, you get attorneys who understand both the law and the real impact these crashes have on your life.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, our rear-end accident attorneys in Springfield, Missouri, understand the stress you’re facing right now. We are Missouri’s only law firm that handles exclusively auto accident cases, giving us deep knowledge of exactly what you’re going through.
Why Choose Our Springfield Rear-End Collision Attorneys?
We’ve been fighting for rear-end accident victims since 1990. Our family-run firm fights for strong results for clients across Missouri, and we treat every client like family.
No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when you do.
Missouri Auto Accident Focus: We don’t handle divorces or criminal cases. Our entire practice centers on Missouri car accidents, making us experts in this specific area of law.
Direct Attorney Access: You work with Paul or John Beck personally, not a paralegal or assistant. Your case gets the attention it deserves from experienced attorneys.
Immediate Property Damage Help: We know you need your car fixed now. We handle rental cars and repairs right away so you’re not stranded.
24/7 Availability: Real people answer our phones around the clock when you need help most.
Who Pays After a Rear-End Crash in Missouri?
Missouri uses an at-fault insurance system. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
In rear-end crashes, the driver who hit you from behind typically pays through their liability insurance. Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for injuries.
Your medical bills and other damages often exceed these minimums quickly. Our Springfield rear-end accident lawyers identify all available insurance policies, including umbrella coverage and commercial policies, to maximize your recovery.
What If I Was Partly at Fault or My Brake Lights Were Out?
You can still recover money even if you share some blame for the accident. Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules.
Your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 30% at fault, you can still recover 70% of your total damages.
Insurance companies try to shift blame to you for various reasons:
- Sudden stops: They claim you stopped without warning
- Brake light issues: They argue your lights weren’t working properly
- Lane changes: They say you cut in front of the other driver
- Backing up: They claim you reversed unexpectedly
We fight these tactics and protect you from unfair blame. Most rear-end crashes are clearly the fault of the driver who wasn’t paying attention.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Rear-End Collision?
Missouri law allows you to recover money for all losses caused by the accident. This includes both your financial costs and the physical and emotional impact on your life.
Medical Bills and Future Care
You can recover money for all accident-related medical treatment. This covers emergency room visits, doctor appointments, surgery, physical therapy, and medications.
We work with your doctors to document future medical needs. If you’ll need ongoing treatment, we include those costs in your claim so you’re not stuck with future bills.
We also negotiate with hospitals and medical providers to reduce liens against your settlement. This puts more money directly in your pocket.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
Missing work while you recover costs you money. We document your lost income using pay stubs and employer letters.
If your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or earning the same income, we pursue compensation for diminished earning capacity. This covers the difference between what you used to earn and what you can earn now.
Pain and Suffering
Physical pain and emotional distress from the accident deserve compensation. Missouri doesn’t cap these damages in car accident cases.
The value depends on how severe your injuries are and how long they last. We use proven methods to calculate fair compensation for your pain and suffering.
Vehicle Repair and Rental
We handle your property damage claim immediately. You shouldn’t wait weeks for your car to get fixed or struggle without transportation.
For newer vehicles, we can pursue diminished value claims. This compensates you for the loss in your car’s resale value after being in an accident.
What Injuries Are Common in Rear-End Accidents?
Even low-speed rear-end crashes can cause serious injuries. The sudden impact forces your body in ways it’s not designed to move.
Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, making you think you’re fine when you’re actually hurt.
Whiplash and Soft-Tissue Injuries
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by your head snapping back and forth during impact. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
These injuries are real despite what insurance companies claim. Whiplash can cause lasting problems if not treated properly.
Soft tissue injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout your body. They’re often painful and can limit your daily activities for months.
Back and Disc Injuries
The force of a rear-end collision can herniate discs in your spine, causing serious spinal cord injuries. This happens when the soft center of a disc pushes through the tough outer layer.
Compression fractures occur when vertebrae collapse under pressure. Lower back strain is also common and can be extremely painful.
These injuries often require injections, surgery, or lifelong pain management. They can prevent you from working and enjoying activities you used to love.
Concussions and Headaches
You can suffer a concussion, a type of traumatic brain injury, even without hitting your head. The rapid movement during a rear-end crash can cause your brain to bounce inside your skull.
Concussion symptoms include confusion, memory problems, sensitivity to light, and persistent headaches. These symptoms can last for months or longer.
A proper neurological evaluation is essential. Brain injuries are serious and require specialized treatment.
Aggravation of Preexisting Conditions
If you had previous injuries or medical conditions, a rear-end crash can make them much worse. Missouri’s eggshell plaintiff rule protects you in this situation.
The at-fault driver is responsible for all harm they cause, even if you were more likely to get injured than someone else. You don’t have to be in perfect health to deserve full compensation.
What Evidence Helps Prove a Rear-End Claim?
Building a strong case requires gathering evidence quickly before it disappears. We handle this entire process for you.
Police Report and 911 Records
Under Missouri law, drivers must file police reports for crashes involving injuries or more than $500 in property damage. The report contains crucial details about how the accident happened.
911 call recordings capture what people said immediately after the crash. These statements are often more reliable than what people remember later.
Dashcam and Traffic Camera Footage
Video evidence is powerful in rear-end cases. We immediately request footage from nearby businesses, city traffic cameras, and other vehicles.
This footage can be lost if it isn’t preserved promptly. Acting quickly is essential to preserve this critical evidence.
Vehicle EDR Data and Photos
Modern cars have Event Data Recorders that capture information like speed and braking in the seconds before a crash. This data can prove the other driver wasn’t paying attention.
Our car accident attorneys in Springfield take extensive photos of vehicle damage and the accident scene. These images help reconstruct exactly what happened.
Cell Phone Records and Witnesses
If we suspect the other driver was distracted, we can obtain their cell phone records. These records can prove they were texting or talking when they hit you.
We locate and interview all witnesses to get unbiased accounts of the accident. Independent witnesses are often the most credible.
What To Do After a Rear-End Accident in Springfield
The actions you take immediately after a crash protect both your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:
Call 911 and Get Medical Care
Always call police even if the accident seems minor. The police report creates an official record of what happened.
Accept medical attention at the scene. Paramedics can identify injuries you might not feel yet due to adrenaline.
Never refuse treatment thinking you’ll save money. This can hurt your case later when insurance companies claim you weren’t really injured.
Document the Scene and Vehicles
Take photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles. Photograph skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
Get pictures of the other driver’s license and insurance card. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information.
Avoid Recorded Statements
You’re not required to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. These conversations are designed to get you to say something that hurts your claim.
Politely decline and tell them your attorney will contact them. Insurance adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize your claim.
Call Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Immediately
Contact us right away for immediate guidance. We can meet you at the hospital if needed and start protecting your rights immediately.
The sooner we get involved, the better we can preserve evidence and handle insurance companies for you.
How We Handle Your Rear-End Claim From Start to Finish
We use a proven system to maximize your compensation while minimizing your stress. You focus on getting better while we handle everything else.
We Investigate and Preserve Evidence
Our team sends legal preservation notices to secure video footage and other evidence. We hire accident reconstruction experts when needed to prove exactly how the crash happened.
We work with investigators to gather all available evidence before it disappears. This thorough approach strengthens your case significantly.
We Manage Insurance and Property Damage
You don’t deal with insurance adjusters. We handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
We arrange for your vehicle repairs and rental car so you’re not left without transportation. This happens quickly, often within days of your accident.
We Coordinate Medical Care and Liens
If you need help finding doctors, we connect you with medical providers who will wait for payment until your case resolves. This ensures you get proper treatment without upfront costs.
After your case settles, we negotiate your medical bills down. This maximizes the money you receive from your settlement.
We Negotiate and Go to Trial if Needed
Most cases settle without going to court because we prepare every case for trial. This preparation leads to better settlement offers from insurance companies.
If the insurance company won’t offer fair compensation, we’re ready to take your case to trial. Our willingness to fight in court gets results.
What If the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Driving for Work?
Some rear-end cases involve special circumstances that require additional legal strategies.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, you can file a claim through your own Uninsured Motorist coverage. Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum UM coverage of $25,000.
This coverage acts like the other driver’s insurance would have. You can recover the same types of damages through your own policy.
Crashes With Delivery or Commercial Vehicles
When the driver who hit you was working for a company, their employer can be held liable. This includes delivery drivers for Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other businesses.
Commercial policies often have much higher insurance limits. This is crucial in cases involving serious injuries where medical bills are substantial.
What Is the Deadline To File a Claim in Missouri?
Missouri gives you five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. While this seems like plenty of time, you should act quickly.
Evidence disappears over time. Witnesses move away or forget details. Security camera footage gets erased.
If police did not file a report at the scene, you have only 30 days to file Form 1140 with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Missing this deadline can affect your driving privileges.
Which Springfield Roads See Frequent Rear-End Crashes?
Certain areas in Springfield see more rear-end accidents due to traffic patterns and road design.
Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street
This intersection consistently ranks among Springfield’s most dangerous. Heavy traffic and multiple lanes increase rear-end collision risks.
The complex traffic patterns and frequent lane changes create situations where drivers don’t have enough time to stop safely.
Glenstone Avenue and Chestnut Expressway
Multiple retail entrances along this corridor cause sudden stops. Drivers following too closely can’t react in time when traffic slows unexpectedly.
The mix of local and through traffic creates speed differences that contribute to rear-end crashes.
James River Freeway Hot Spots
Highway speeds make rear-end crashes more severe on this route. Construction zones and on-ramps create bottlenecks where traffic backs up quickly.
Distracted drivers at highway speeds cause devastating rear-end collisions when they don’t notice stopped or slow traffic ahead.
Rear-End Accident FAQs
Do I need to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
No, you have no legal obligation to provide a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. These statements almost always hurt your claim because adjusters ask leading questions designed to minimize your injuries and the company’s liability.
What is the average settlement amount for rear-end accidents in Springfield?
Settlement values vary widely based on your specific injuries, medical treatment, and how the accident affects your life. Rear-end cases often result in favorable settlements because fault is usually clear, but each case is unique.
Can I still recover money if my brake lights were broken?
Yes, you can still recover compensation even if your brake lights weren’t working. Missouri’s comparative fault law allows recovery even when you share some blame, though your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Who pays for my rental car while my vehicle is being repaired?
The at-fault driver’s property damage insurance should cover your rental car costs. We can often arrange this through your own insurance policy for faster service, then seek reimbursement from the other driver’s insurer.
How long do rear-end accident cases typically take to resolve?
Rear-end accident cases are often resolved shortly after you complete medical treatment. Cases involving serious injuries may take longer to ensure you receive full compensation for all future needs.
What if the driver who hit me was texting or using their phone?
Cell phone use while driving strengthens your case significantly. We can obtain phone records to prove the other driver was a distracted driver, which often leads to higher settlement amounts and may support punitive damages.
Can I get compensation if the rear-end crash made my existing back problems worse?
Yes, Missouri’s eggshell plaintiff rule means the at-fault driver is responsible for all injuries they cause, even if you were more susceptible to injury due to preexisting conditions.
What should I do if I feel fine immediately after being rear-ended?
Seek medical attention anyway. Adrenaline can mask injury symptoms for hours or days after an accident. Having immediate medical documentation protects your health and strengthens any future claim.
Call Our Springfield Rear-End Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Don’t face the insurance companies alone after being rear-ended. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we focus exclusively on Missouri auto accidents and know exactly how to handle your case.
We’re available 24/7 to take your call and provide immediate guidance. Your consultation is completely free, and you never pay us unless we win your case.
We advance all costs needed to build your case, from medical record fees to expert witness costs. You can focus on your recovery while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
