Rear End Car Accident Lawyers in St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois

How Common Are Rear End Accidents in St. Louis, Missouri and Illinois?

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear end accidents account for 29 percent of all auto accidents, or over 2.5 million accidents a year. Rear end accidents cause 6.8 percent of all fatal crashes.

According to data from the Missouri Traffic Safety Compendium, in Missouri in 2021 there were 8,943 "front to rear" crashes that resulted in personal injury (36.58 percent of the total), and 67 that resulted in death (17.22 percent of the total).

According to the 2020 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics, the state had 58,332 total "front to rear" crashes, 12,131 of which caused injury and 72 of which caused death.

How Do I Get Compensation For My Rear End Accident Injuries in St. Louis?

Your path to getting maximum compensation starts immediately after your accident. The most important thing after any accident is to make sure everyone is safe, and to call 911 if anybody is severely injured. If your injuries do not require immediate medical care, take the following steps to ensure your claim goes as successfully as possible:

• Get evidence at the scene — It is imperative to document the scene as best you can. Take pictures or videos of the damage to both cars and the surrounding areas, including how the vehicles are positioned. If there are any eyewitnesses, get their names and contact info so they can corroborate your story if the other driver does not take responsibility for the accident. Note if there are any cameras in the area; your St. Louis car accident lawyer may be able to get access to them for more evidence.
• Call the police — If no one was severely injured, call a non-emergency police number and have them come to the scene. They will evaluate the scene and take statements in an effort to determine fault in the accident. A police report is a key piece of evidence in car accident claims.
• Exchange information with the other driver — Get their contact info and their insurance information. You do not have to be confrontational; you are not trying to get anyone in trouble, you are just doing what you need to after any car accident.
• Make a claim with the other driver's insurance company, and notify yours — Call their insurance company to make a claim as soon as possible. They will give you a claim number, and assign an adjuster to your case. Do not give a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first. You should also notify your insurance company, even if you will not be making a claim through them.
• Get the full medical treatment you need — If your injuries do not require a trip to the emergency room, you should still go to your doctor to get checked out within a day or two of the accident. Make sure to get all the medical treatment a doctor recommends; whether that means follow-up appointments, a chiropractor, physical therapy, using crutches or a neck brace for a while or surgeries for more severe injuries. In order to get compensation for your injuries, you will need documentation of all your medical bills.
• Keep records of your other damages — You can keep a journal describing how your injuries impact your daily life to help make a claim for your pain and suffering damage. Keep a record of the days you missed off work, and make sure to compile your W2s and pay stubs for your lost wages claim. Also keep receipts and detailed records of the out-of-pocket expenses related to your injuries.
• Hire an experienced car accident lawyer — If the insurance adjuster is not being fair, speak to a lawyer in order to understand the full value of your claim. You are legally owed compensation for:
  • Economic damages, such as your medical bills, property damage, lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses
  • Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish

  An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer will be able to gather evidence and work with experts to full calculate your damages. On your behalf, they will fight against the insurance company, negotiate for the best possible settlement and take your case to trial for if they have to.

You only have one shot to get full compensation for your injuries. Inquire about a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident attorney today at (314) 500-HURT.