Were you recently hit from behind while driving your vehicle? Being involved in a rear end collision can be distressing, even if you’re not the one who ran into someone else’s car. It’s not uncommon for the stress of a situation like this to take a major toll.
However, you’re not alone, and help is available. Why not reach out to a rear end collision lawyer in Gladstone instead? At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we have 45 years of combined experience.
In that time, our attorneys have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for people just like you. As your car accident lawyers in Gladstone, we will help you feel supported and confident as we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable for the harm they caused you.
Injuries Resulting from Rear End Collisions
Rear end collisions can cause a wide array of injuries, ranging from minor bruises to major trauma. Whiplash is a very common injury that victims of these car crashes often endure. This occurs when your head and your neck are suddenly jerked forward, then backward.
Whiplash typically leaves behind chronic neck pain, intense headaches, and limited mobility as side effects. Other injuries include fractures, sprains, and dislocations, as well as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries.
A personal injury lawyer in Gladstone often works with clients who are actively going through these conditions. When you hire rear end collision attorneys in Gladstone, your legal counsel can help you pursue financial compensation based on the extent of your injuries.
Common Causes of Rear End Collisions
Several factors contribute to car crashes that involve you being hit from behind. A very frequent cause of this type of collision is inattention or distraction on the part of the at-fault driver.
These behaviors can divert attention away from the road and result in collisions caused by delayed reaction times:
- Texting behind the wheel
- Talking on a cell phone
- Eating while driving
- Interacting with passengers
Other contributing factors include:
- Speeding: When a driver follows another vehicle too closely while traveling at high speeds, they may be unable to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially in cases where the car in front of them brakes suddenly.
- Tailgating: Missouri state laws emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe following distance. This is one way to account for speed limits, traffic levels, and roadway conditions.
- Adverse weather and road conditions: Rain, ice, fog, or snow can reduce visibility and traction, all of which can make it far more difficult for you to stop quickly. Furthermore, when mechanical issues contribute to a car crash, liability may extend beyond the driver, meaning other parties may be included.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
Property Damage Considerations
In addition to personal injuries, rear end collisions often cause property damage. Vehicle repairs can be costly, particularly if the accident results in structural damage, bent frames, or airbag deployment.
Missouri state laws allow victims to pursue compensation for the repair or replacement of their vehicle, as well as any additional property of theirs that was damaged in the crash.
Insurance Considerations
Insurance claims are an important aspect involved in rear end collisions. Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. This provides compensation for injuries or damages that are caused to others.
Victims of rear end collisions can then file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This is often done to obtain reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Insurance companies can also attempt to minimize payouts.
The two common ways by which they do so are by disputing liability and downplaying the severity of the injuries sustained by the victims. However, a Gladstone rear end collision lawyer with experience handling cases of this nature will know how to protect you from this behavior.
Comparative Fault and Partial Responsibility
Missouri’s comparative fault system means that compensation may be reduced if the injured party shares responsibility for the accident. For instance, let’s say a driver strikes another car while distracted, but the lead driver also failed to signal that they were changing lanes.
In that case, the court might decide to assign a percentage of fault to each involved party. As a result, the amount of compensation everyone can recover will be adjusted accordingly. You can trust your rear end collision lawyers in Gladstone to handle the liability side of things for you.
Contact Our Gladstone Rear End Collision Law Firm Today to Speak With Attorneys Who Can Help You
If you’ve been hurt after getting hit from behind by another driver’s car, you’re not alone. No matter how expensive the medical bills become or how much time you have to take away from work, Foster Wallace rear end collision lawyers in Gladstone can help you from here on out.
Our Gladstone rear end collision attorneys have what it takes to represent you, recover compensation on your behalf, and protect your rights every step of the way. When you need someone to guide you through every step of the legal process, we’re the ones to call.
