🏆 $60M+ Recovered • Super Lawyers 2024-25 • 25+ Years Experience • No Fee Unless You Win
Rear end collisions are the most common type of car accident in St. Louis, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic crashes in Missouri. Whether you were stopped at a red light on Kingshighway, caught in slow traffic on I-270, or rear-ended while merging onto Highway 40, these “fender bender” accidents often cause more serious injuries than people realize.
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’ve spent over 25 years helping St. Louis rear end accident victims recover compensation for injuries that insurance companies often try to minimize or dismiss. Our experienced rear end accident lawyers understand that the sudden, unexpected impact of being struck from behind can cause whiplash, herniated discs, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious conditions that may not show symptoms immediately but can affect you for years to come.
We’re your neighbors in the St. Louis community, and we’ve recovered more than $60 million for clients who trusted us to fight for fair compensation when someone else’s negligence left them injured and struggling with mounting medical bills.
Rear end accidents occur when one vehicle strikes another from behind. While they might seem straightforward, these cases often involve complex issues of fault, insurance coverage, and injury causation that require experienced legal representation to navigate successfully.
Common Causes of Rear End Accidents:
Why These Accidents Are So Dangerous: The sudden impact of a rear end collision often catches victims completely off guard. Unlike head-on collisions where drivers can brace for impact, rear end accident victims typically have no warning, making them vulnerable to severe whiplash and other soft tissue injuries as their bodies are violently thrown forward and backward.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries: The rapid back-and-forth motion of the head and neck during a rear end collision commonly causes whiplash, cervical strain, and herniated discs in the neck. These injuries can cause chronic pain, headaches, and limited mobility that lasts months or years.
Back and Spinal Injuries: The force of impact can compress the spine, causing herniated or bulging discs, spinal fractures, and nerve damage. These injuries often require extensive physical therapy, injections, or surgery to treat.
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Even without hitting their head, rear end accident victims can suffer concussions and traumatic brain injuries from the violent shaking motion. Symptoms may not appear immediately but can include memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes.
Shoulder and Arm Injuries: Seat belt injuries and bracing against the steering wheel can cause rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, and fractures to the arms and wrists.
Psychological Trauma: Many rear end accident victims develop anxiety about driving, PTSD, and other psychological conditions that can significantly impact their quality of life and ability to work.
Immediate Investigation and Evidence Preservation: Our rear end accident lawyers begin working immediately to preserve crucial evidence, including police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and photographs of vehicle damage. We also work with accident reconstruction experts when necessary to establish exactly how the collision occurred.
Comprehensive Medical Documentation: We ensure you receive proper medical evaluation and treatment while working with your healthcare providers to thoroughly document all injuries, including those that may not manifest symptoms immediately after the accident.
Insurance Company Negotiations: Rear end accidents often involve disputes about fault, the extent of injuries, and the need for ongoing treatment. Our lawyers know how insurance companies operate and have the experience to counter their tactics to minimize your claim.
Proving Fault and Liability: While the rear driver is typically presumed at fault in Missouri, there are exceptions. We investigate all circumstances surrounding your accident to ensure fault is properly assigned and pursue all available sources of compensation.
Presumption of Fault: Missouri law generally presumes that the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is at fault for the accident. However, this presumption can be overcome if evidence shows the front driver was negligent (sudden lane changes, brake checking, etc.).
Comparative Fault: Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations: You have five years from the date of your rear end accident to file a lawsuit in Missouri, but it’s important to begin the claims process immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Minimum Insurance Requirements: Missouri drivers must carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in liability coverage, though these amounts are often insufficient to cover serious rear end accident injuries.
Following drivers have a duty to maintain a safe distance and speed that allows them to stop safely. Our rear end accident lawyers will investigate the circumstances and gather evidence to counter false claims about your driving.
Many rear end accident injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries and concussions, don’t show symptoms immediately. It’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly and monitor your condition closely in the days and weeks following the accident.
Absolutely. Being stopped in traffic doesn’t make you at fault for being rear-ended. The driver who hit you had a duty to control their vehicle and stop safely.
If the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage, we can explore your underinsured motorist coverage, as well as other potential sources of compensation depending on the circumstances of your accident.
The timeline varies depending on the severity of your injuries and complexity of your case. Simple cases may resolve in a few months, while cases involving serious injuries may take 12-18 months or longer to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Commercial vehicle accidents often involve higher insurance limits and additional liability considerations. These cases may require investigation into the driver’s commercial license, company safety records, and federal trucking regulations.
Generally, your rates shouldn’t increase for an accident that wasn’t your fault, but policies vary. We can help you understand your coverage and rights under your specific policy.
Police reports can contain errors. Our rear end accident lawyers know how to challenge inaccurate reports and present additional evidence to insurance companies and courts about what actually occurred.
High-Traffic Intersections:
Highway Merge Points and Construction Zones:
School Zones and Shopping Areas:
“Minor Impact” Arguments: Insurance companies often claim that minimal vehicle damage means minimal injuries. Our rear end accident lawyers work with medical experts and biomechanical specialists to demonstrate how even low-speed collisions can cause serious injuries.
Pre-Existing Condition Claims: Insurers frequently argue that your injuries were pre-existing rather than caused by the accident. We work with your medical providers to clearly establish the relationship between the collision and your current symptoms.
Delayed Treatment Disputes: Insurance companies may question the severity of your injuries if you didn’t seek immediate medical attention. We help explain legitimate reasons for delayed treatment and work to establish the connection between your accident and later-developing symptoms.
Quick Settlement Pressure: Adjusters often pressure rear end accident victims to settle quickly before the full extent of their injuries is known. Our lawyers ensure you don’t accept inadequate compensation for injuries that may require ongoing treatment.
Immediate Medical Expenses:
Ongoing Treatment Costs:
Lost Income and Productivity:
Long-Term Life Impact:
Our rear end accident lawyers represent injury victims throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, including:
St. Louis County: Clayton, University City, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Florissant, Hazelwood, Maryland Heights, Creve Coeur, Ballwin, Chesterfield, and surrounding communities
St. Charles County: St. Charles, O’Fallon, Wentzville, St. Peters, and Lake Saint Louis
Jefferson County: Arnold, Festus, Hillsboro, and Imperial
St. Louis City: Downtown, Central West End, Tower Grove, Soulard, and all city neighborhoods
Illinois Metro East: Belleville, O’Fallon, Collinsville, Edwardsville, and Alton
Our team has over 25 years of experience handling rear end accident cases throughout the St. Louis area. We understand the unique challenges these cases present, from proving the full extent of soft tissue injuries to countering insurance company arguments about fault and causation.
We work exclusively on a contingency fee basis—no fee unless we win—ensuring that quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation. Our deep roots in the St. Louis community mean we understand the local factors that impact your case and have established relationships with medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals who can strengthen your claim.
Rear end accident cases involve time-sensitive evidence and strict deadlines that can impact your ability to recover compensation. The sooner our rear end accident lawyers can begin working on your case, the better we can protect your interests and maximize your recovery.
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your rear end accident injuries or pressure you into accepting inadequate compensation. Contact The Dixon Injury Firm today for a free consultation about your case.
Your neighbors at The Dixon Injury Firm are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Because when someone rear-ends you in St. Louis, we’re here to help you move forward.
Many personal injury law factories get as many clients in the door as possible, hoping one will be the jackpot. Not us. At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’re highly selective about our cases because we devote considerable time and attention to each client.
