What You Must Know About Rear-End Car Accidents in Kansas City, Missouri

Rear-End Car Accident Attorney in Kansas City

 

Most often, the driver who collided into the rear of the front vehicle is considered to be at fault under both Missouri and Kansas law.  This is based on the assumption that they were following too closely from behind or that they were distracted and did not see the car in front.

 

In both Kansas and Missouri, there are exceptions to this rule, which are detailed below. As a result, who is liable for a rear end collision can be disputed and become the subject of a lawsuit.

 

If you’ve suffered damage or injuries from a rear end or other type of car accident, or you know someone who has, please contact our Kansas City car accident law firm by calling (816) 203-0143 or using the form below.  We’ll be happy to answer your questions for free, and there is no obligation to hire our firm. 

Top Reasons for Rear-end Car Accidents in Kansas & Missouri

Here are some of the top causes of rear end accidents: 

• Tailgating: Drivers in Kansas and Missouri are encouraged to practice the three-second rule whenever they’re behind another car. The three-second rule means that drivers should ensure that there’s a three-second gap in between them and the vehicle in front of them. This is easily determined by picking a certain marker like a light post, and by count for three seconds as soon as the car in front of you passes it. If you get to that marker before three seconds, odds are you’re too close to the front car. 
• Dangerous lane changes: Rear end accidents can occur if you cut in front of another vehicle without leaving enough space between both cars. This can leave little or no time for the other driver to brake and avoid a rear end accident. 
• Driver stops short: If the driver in front stops suddenly to avoid another obstacle, a rear end accident can happen, especially if the driver at the rear is following too closely or is not paying enough attention. 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs:  Being intoxicated slows down a driver’s reaction time considerably, and this can lead to a rear-end collision with the vehicle in front. 
• Distracted driving: This is an increasingly common problem.  Texting, talking on the phone, monitoring kids or eating are some of the actions that can take your focus off the road and result in a rear end accident. 
• Auto defects or maintenance failures: Airbag failures, seatbelt defects and faulty brakes are common examples of defects or maintenance failures that can result in a rear end accident.

Injuries from Rear-end Accidents in Missouri & Kansas 

Below are some of the common injuries sustained in rear-end accidents:

• Whiplash, spine or back injuries: You can strain your ligaments and muscles in your neck during the back-and-forth motion from the crash.  This can stress your cervical spine and cause chronic pain known as whiplash. In addition, the compression on your spine caused by the impact can cause disc herniation, fractures and other serious injuries. 
• Burns and lacerations from airbags: While airbags exist for our safety, they can also lead to face burns or lacerations.
• Broken bones: Rear end collisions can result in a variety of bone fractures, including broken ribs, hands, arms, collarbone or other shoulder injuries. 
• Knee injuries:  Knee injuries are common in rear-end crashes because the force from getting hit from behind can force your body, including your knees into your dashboard or other surface in your car.
• Brain injuries: A person can suffer a brain injury from a rear-end accident with or without losing consciousness. Head injuries in rear-end collisions may occur if one's head is violently shaken or strikes the dashboard, steering wheel or other solid surface. 

Who’s At Fault for a Rear-End Accident in Kansas City? 

In Kansas and Missouri, any of the drivers can be negligent in a car accident if do not act with a reasonable level of care in the circumstances. Safe drivers will anticipate certain hazards and maintain a safe distance that gives them enough time to stop or slow down to avoid colliding with other vehicles. The driver in the rear is most often at fault, but this is not always the case. For example, if the driver in front reverses suddenly, does not have functioning brake lights, suddenly stops to turn without actually turning, the driver in front may be at least partially responsible for the crash.

If you did not cause the rear end accident but were injured, you should file a claim with the other party’s insurer. To do so, you will need to get the other party’s name, contact info and insurance information after the crash. If the other insurance company disputes fault or if you’re finding it difficult to get settlement, it may be necessary to file suit against the party at fault. 

Should I Hire an Attorney After a Rear-End Car Accident?

After a rear end accident, you may be wondering if you need to hire a car accident attorney.  It may surprise you that an attorney is not necessary for every car accident claim.  However, it is highly recommended that you at least consult with an attorney to understand your legal options and protect your rights before you make any statement to an insurance adjuster or sign any forms. 

This particularly important if your injuries are difficult to prove, liability is disputed or your damages are substantial. There are many things that you need to prove to succeed in an injury lawsuit, including who is at fault and how their actions or failure to act caused you injuries and damages. There are many benefits to hiring an experienced car accident attorney, including all the things he or she will do for your case like conduct a full and thorough investigation, gather evidence to support your claim, and (if necessary) navigate your case through the court system. 

Damages for Kansas City Rear-end Accidents

In addition, you might not be aware of all the damages available to you. Here are some of the types of damages available in car accident cases in Kansas and Missouri:

• Medical expenses
• Loss of future earnings
• Loss of wages
• Suffering and pain
• Future medical treatment
• Permanent disfigurement and more.

The insurance companies for the at-fault party is not your friend.  Our Kansas City car accident attorney can make sure you are treated fairly and help you avoid common mistakes that can wreck your claim. 

Contact Our Kansas City Car Accident Attorney

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with our Kansas City car accident attorney if you or a loved one is involved in a rear end car accident in the Kansas City area, or in Kansas or Missouri. Our personal injury law firm is dedicated to helping people who have been injured in auto accidents recover the compensation they deserve.

If you have questions about a rear-end collision or other type of car accident, please contact our Kansas City car accident attorney by calling (816) 203-0143 or using the form below.  We’ll be happy to provide a free, confidential consultation or just answer your questions.  

You may also want to download a free copy of our book, Crash Course: An Insider's Guide to Accident & Injury Law in Missouri & Kansas. This guide is packed with information to help you maximize your recovery, including the 9 mistakes you must avoid. Regardless of what you decide, take action today to protect your legal rights.