St. Louis Rear-End Collision Attorney
Rear-end car accidents can cause massive damage to both your vehicle and the passengers inside.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common motor vehicle accidents and often cause serious injuries. The National Transportation Safety Board estimates that more than 2.5 million rear-end collisions happen annually in the United States. The effect of a rear-end collision while standing still can be much more severe on the muscles and bones than any other type of car accident.
This attorney is very smart, very experienced, returns phone calls and knows the answers when asked. One call and I knew this was a great law firm for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Our law firm appreciates this. This is a comment we get from so many people who call…”none of the lawyers we called told me all the things that you did.” Whether we take a car accident case or not, helping people is a good thing.
5 Star Lawyer for sure! Best you will find in Saint Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the 5 Star Rating. Reviews like this are great. Injury victims quickly figure out the TV advertisers are not good. We work hard at being the best we can be and it reflects in our representation of car accident victims.
Watch this lawyer in action. Was way better than all the others. Get this lawyer for an automobile accident for sure.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the recommendation. Besides doing cases, our attorneys train for this. Hard work, case knowledge and technique is key to success in car accident litigation.
Very pleased with The Hoffmann Law Firm. Lawyers are attentive, friendly and go the distance to force the settlement you want. The TV lawyers recommend low offers. This law firm gets the maximum.
Response from the owner: We get calls from car accident victims that had to fire the TV lawyers that they hired. They give the same two reasons: 1) they never spoke to a lawyer at the Big TV law firms, only a paralegal, and 2) the paralegal recommended they accept a low offer. At our law firm, you only talk to the lawyer and if an offer is low we tell you to sue. Thanks!
You will love this car accident lawyer.
Response from the owner: You are the best! Thanks for the review. Our attorneys work hard but it all starts with a great client.
Several lawyers said to call this lawyer because he is the best. You will appreciate this law firm. Helped with the injury and property claims. Attentive and knowledgeable. Great reputation in St Louis.
Response from the owner: Thanks Lexi. Our #1 source of cases is other lawyers referring us cases that are too big for them to handle.
Would use this accident law firm. Best in Saint Louis. Highly rated and it shows. After one phone call, you just know this attorney is better. 5 Stars!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our lawyers in St Louis. There is a major difference in lawyers as you well know.
Great law firm thanks Leah for the referral
Response from the owner: Appreciate you recommending our law firm. Car accident litigation is all we do and specializing allows us to focus.
Car accident lawyers on tv are not good . Get this attorney ! He is a pro !!
Response from the owner: Thanks Nathan. TV lawyers market for car accidents, use paralegals instead of lawyers and give their employees settlement quotas hence forcing cheap settlements. At our law firm, you get a lawyer who keeps pushing forward for more.
A+ attorney. Smart. Helpful. Great for automobile accident cases. Located in saint louis, missouri. Use him!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Car accident cases are difficult without the right attorney and great clients. Much appreciated.
Quality lawyer. Best law firm for a car accident. Advice was way better than other lawyers I called in St. Louis. Helped with property and injury.
Response from the owner: Thanks. The TV lawyer advertisers are just car accident settlement mills. As soon as people call a real attorney, they always tell us how much better and more helpful we were. Appreciate this.
Get this lawyer if you have an automobile accident. Simply the best!
Response from the owner: Thanks Lizzy. Recommendations from other is the best way to find a car accident attorney.
This lawyer is big time. Smooth. The other lawyers on the other side were not nearly as good as this attorney. I recommend friends in St Louis to him for accident injuries and they all say the same thing…”that lawyer is great.”
Response from the owner: Very nice of you to say. Our lawyers work hard on auto accident cases.
Family used this car accident attorney after a crash. Located in St Louis. This lawyer answers the phone and will walk you through the process. Knows his stuff!
Response from the owner: Taking calls, going over the car accident injury and property process is important. Clients that call always say we are the only lawyers that explained everything. Much appreciated.
Tried the lawyers on TV. They were not good. Hired this car accident lawyer instead because he had great reviews. The reviews are correct. This attorney is as good as they get. He does big injury cases that need to be litigated.
Response from the owner: Car accident lawyers on TV do not litigate cases. It is mass production. They have quotas. Local attorneys are best on auto accidents.
Very very good at injury claims for car wrecks. Use this St Louis attorney. Two thumbs up!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the review! All we do is accidents. When you specialize, your knowledge base and practice skills grow. Thanks!
Used this attorney for an auto accident. Highly recommend this lawyer in St. Louis. Communicates well.
Response from the owner: Communicating with clients is essential. Taking the client though the car accident claims process is important otherwise major mistakes can occur. It is an effort that we make. Thanks!
Best for car accidents in St Louis. Use this attorney.
Response from the owner: Thanks. Great clients make for great cases!
This lawyer is great for car accident injury claims. Did an uninsured motorist case. Very good attorney.
Response from the owner: Car accidents can be insured or uninsured. The claims are much different. Thanks for the review.
Great lawyer if you are in an auto accident. I recommend this attorneys office.
Response from the owner: Thanks J. Glad we got your auto accident case completed and that for telling others about our lawyers.
Very good car accident attorney. Did my and my relatives claims and paperwork. Highly recommend.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our law firm on car accident cases.
Fantastic law firm, I would recommend! Received free consultation related to an auto accident when my parked car was damaged by a baseball. Very supportive advice, these guys are good!
Response from the owner: Thank you!
Recommend this attorney for auto accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks for recommending our attorneys for an automobile accident.
Best St Louis lawyer for car accidents.
Response from the owner: Thanks Tana. Appreciate this!
Great Lawyer!!
Response from the owner: Thank you
I was in a car accident in St.Louis and hired Chris as my lawyer. He was amazing!!! He helped me every step of the way and was able to get me a great settlement!!!Highly, highly, highly recommend him!
Response from the owner: Each step is important in a car accident. Thanks for recommending us for car accidents injury claims.
If you have an auto accident and need an attorney in St Louis, I recommend Mr Hoffmann.
Response from the owner: Appreciate this James and you did great as well. Car accident claims always start with a good client.
Great car accident lawyer. Did a very good job on my injury case. Thanks!
Response from the owner: Thanks. Appreciate the compliment. All we do is car accident litigation.
Very accomplished accident attorney in Saint Louis. 5 stars for sure!
Response from the owner: Thanks
A car accident lawyer I would recommend to anyone.
Response from the owner: Thanks. That is great of you to say about our lawyers.
Great car accident attorney!!
Response from the owner: Thanks
When I had my accident he was very professional, honest and caring to me and my family it wasn't about the money it was about the care, he made sure me and my kids were took care of and I really appreciate it this is a gexcellant law firm also his secretary is the best,so I would like to say thank you chris for everything melinda .
Response from the owner: Thank you
Great car accident lawyer in St. Louis. This is a very good car accident lawyer in St. Lious. Takes phone calls. Listens. Experienced in injury litigation.
Response from the owner: Thanks Maddie. Our law firm brings experience to the table on car accident cases.
Great people, helped me through a situation over the phone. His words and advice eventually helped me in my case.
Response from the owner: Glad to hear!
Although Mr. Hoffman did not represent me in my case he was willing to take the time to get me in touch with someone who specializes in the type of incident I needed legal representation with. Attorney's such as Mr. Hoffman are difficult to find. He took personal time to keep in touch with me and give me sound legal advice and guidance. I highly recommend speaking with Mr. Hoffman if you require his services. I truly believe he is the type of person who cares and will make sure the job gets done RIGHT. Do not hesitate to contact him
Response from the owner: Anytime!
In an auto accident in St. Louis, the other car pulled out and hit us. The collision was very bad. We were all injured and used this attorney. He is very experienced in handling injury claims and got a great settlement after filing a lawsuit for us. 5 Stars!
Response from the owner: Thanks Ms. Santoni. Side impact car accidents are some of the worst our lawyers see. We have to file lawsuits on nearly every case because insurance companies deny almost every claim, but I am glad we got yours resolved. I appreciate you recommending our lawyers and giving us a 5 Star rating.
My daughter and I were in an car accident. We for both injured badly. After I finally got out of the hospital, I started looking for lawyers in Saint Louis and found this attorney who does accident and injury claims. It said their attorney would answer 24 hours a day. I called their law firm at 10 p.m. and a injury lawyer answered. He was polite, knowledgeable, and advised me of what needed to be done for myself and my daughter regarding the car accident. I hired them to do or auto accident case. They kept me well informed during the car accident case in Saint Louis County Court. I was well prepared for depositions. He help with everything. I got a good settlement as did my daughter for our injuries. Although the car accident was scary, it was bearable having a good helpful attorney on our side. I highly recommend this Saint Louis car accident law firm. Their attorneys and lawyers are great. Highly recommended
Response from the owner: Happy to help.
The Chris Hoffman law firm takesgreat care of all my legal needs. They are caring and personal and will fight for what you need. I highly recommend them. You will be very satisfied and know he got you the best deal available.
Response from the owner: Great cleints are the start to pursuing any legal case and you are the best! Thanks for the recommendation Barbara!
A true professional in terms of car accident cases. I definitely recommend this lawyer for any injury after a St. Louis accident. Very good at what these attorneys do!
Response from the owner: Thank you very much for such a great review. Our attorneys work hard at providing great service. Car accident cases are fought by insurance companies from the property damage through the personal injury claim. This forces people to get local lawyers to do their claims. Missouri and Saint Louis, in particular, is known for accident claim denial even against your own insurance carrier. Thanks again!
You will not find better attorneys for a car accident in St. Louis. Very experienced. These attorneys know all the facets of an accident case and have great advice when problems come up during the injury claim.
Response from the owner: Thanks Jack. Our attorneys appreciate a great review like this. It helps car accident victims know who are the real lawyers in St. Louis who do this work versus the mere advertisers who refer victims to lawyers they have never met for a kickback. Much appreciated!
Thanks for helping with my car accident case. These lawyers are best in St. Louis.
Response from the owner: You are welcome and thanks for the review! A lot of car accident victims read these and find it helpful in choosing a lawyer for their case. Great cases always start with great clients!
great lawyer for auto accident cases . I thought this law firm did great work .Very happy with their services. I would recommend them to others.
Response from the owner: It was very nice of you to leave a review. Thanks Brenda! A good case always starts with a great client. We appreciated the recommendation. It is good to hear back from clients and have them refer us to other injury victims after a car accident. Wish you well!
This is the best choice for a car accident attorney. These lawyers get great settlements.I was recommended to them from some people I know and was happy to get a great recommendation.
Response from the owner: Our attorneys appreciate the compliment! It is great to hear we are doing well. It means a lot when you recommend our lawyers to other car accident victims. Thanks again!
Glad I switched to this auto accident lawyer. These lawyers fight hard for their injury clients. I highly recommend these lawyers.
Response from the owner: We are happy you switched as well. Good clients are the basis for a good case. Fighting to protect your rights after an accidental injury is our sole focus. Your recommendation means a lot. Thanks again for the review.
If you are injured in a car accident you should hire this attorney. This is the best legal representation. These attorneys are very professional.
Response from the owner: Thank you for reviewing our law firm and recommending our lawyers. Attorneys appreciate feedback on whether they are doing well on cases and reviews are one of the best means for this.
ST.LOUIS AUTO ACCIDENT? I RECOMMEND THIS LAWYER FOR ANY ACCIDENT CASE INVOLVING INJURIES. VERY GOOD LAWYERS!
Response from the owner: Appreciate the Good Words! SInce our law firm started focusing exclusively on car and auto accidents, the focus had increased our knowledge and the learning curve has greatly benefited out settlement results. Specializing is key for any lawyers! All benefit from this. Thanks again for the review!
Injuries Resulting From a Rear-End Collision
The occupants of a rear-ended car often experience whiplash, causing the neck and the head to snap forward and backward at high speed. This whiplashing can cause damage to the spine and the disc of the vertebral column in the neck area. The injury can be extremely painful and may take years to resolve or last a lifetime. After a rear-end collision, the most important thing to do is to visit a hospital for a complete check-up. It may happen that you do not feel any pain immediately after the injury and may feel that you are alright; however, most of the symptoms of a ruptured disc are felt after some time. Immediate medical help should be sought to avoid any permanent damage.
How the Swedish Study Was Conducted
Using motion sensors that are now standard equipment on most cars, Swedish researchers focused on rear-end collisions and the extent of damage they caused. The motion sensors told them how fast and in which direction each car was going during the crash. They could also determine whether the cars were speeding up, braking, traveling at a consistent rate, or a complete stop at the time of impact.
What the Research Found
After examining the data and comparing it to the car accident victim’s medical reports, the researchers discovered a direct correlation between speed and the severity of a whiplash injury. More importantly, it showed that if the car driver in the back was pressing on the gas at impact, the risk of a permanent neck injury dramatically increased. Life-long whiplash symptoms were much lower when both cars traveled simultaneously, regardless of how fast that was.
What is Whiplash?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents. The tendons and ligaments that support the neck are strained far past their standard capacity due to the trauma of a sudden and intense movement to the head. When hit by another car from behind, your body typically reacts by thrusting the head forward and then back violently. It is that violent movement that causes the strain.
For many people, the painful symptoms of whiplash will clear up in a few weeks with some moderate therapy, yet the pain may never dissipate for others. It might even spread to the shoulders or cause debilitating headaches. This range of symptoms has perplexed doctors, who often have a difficult time making a prognosis for whiplash as a result.
Rear-End Car Accident Lawyer
Rear-end car accidents can cause massive damage to both your vehicle and the passengers inside. At our law firm, we are quick to thoroughly investigate the scene of your accident to properly uncover all of the critical evidence you will need to build a solid case against all negligent parties. We will work with you to recover the maximum compensation so you can pay your medical bills, property damage, and other losses you have incurred.
Who Is at Fault?
This past August, in the western district of the Missouri Court of Appeals, a verdict was upheld that favored the trailing vehicle in a rear-end collision case. The ruling was based on the defendant’s admission to hitting the lead vehicle, but the circumstances did not allow any other course of action. As the driver topped the hill, she could not see that the car in front of her stopped, nor was there any way for her to know that there would be stopped vehicles at the bottom since there were no stop signs or signals on the two-lane road. The plaintiff’s attorney quickly disproved all possible means of avoiding the accident. An oncoming car and no shoulder did not allow the trailing vehicle to veer out of the way. State trooper testimony stated that the hill obstructed the driver’s line of sight and that skid marks prove that she stepped on the brake as soon as she crested the hill and could see the cars stopped in front of her.
There is a rule while driving that is referred to as the ACDA rule, or assured clear distance ahead. Careful drivers know to give themselves ample space from the car in front of them and follow the 3-second rule. There should always be at least 3 seconds between you and the vehicle ahead, or more if poor road conditions exist, such as ice. This should ensure plenty of time to stop if the car in front of you were to brake suddenly.
However, there are instances where the lead car could be found at fault. For example, they may weave suddenly into your lane on a highway or enter a road directly in front of you without first checking to ensure ample space. In cases such as this, the driver of the trailing car should seek the advice of a Missouri car accident attorney. They would better help you determine who is truly at fault.
Other factors to consider when assigning blame in these cases are obscured vision caused by darkness or fog, being tired or ill while driving, or taking certain medications. Brake pads that have not been changed recently, driving a car that you are unfamiliar with, speeding, or being distracted are also common factors in rear-end collisions. All of these possibilities will be explored in a rear-end collision case. That is why it is essential to let your Missouri car accident attorney know of any mitigating factors when you present your
What To Do if You’ve Been Rear-Ended
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision in St. Louis, you should take a few important steps to protect your legal rights.
- Seek Medical Care Immediately: Because rear-end car accidents involve a car slamming into each other at full force, injuries are common. Whiplash injuries to the spine, neck, and back often happen after a rear-end car accident injury. However, some injuries may not be apparent at the time. Regardless, it’s a good idea to seek medical care immediately.
- Document the Scene and Take Pictures: After the crash, you’ll want to exchange insurance information with the other driver and take pictures of the scene. Do not admit fault at the scene. Notify your insurance company and the police. If a police offer comes, he may ask you to make a statement about what happened at the scene. If there were witnesses, he might ask them as well. A police report can be valuable later for your attorney if the fault is disputed or you must prove to your insurance company that you weren’t at fault.
- Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer: If you have been involved in a rear-end collision, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Contact The Hoffman law firm for a free consultation.
Comparative Fault
Some states are what’s called “no-fault” states regarding car accidents. If one driver is found to be at fault in a no-fault state, they are 100% responsible for the accident and must pay all damages. Missouri is a comparative fault state.
Comparative fault makes things a little less black and white by assigning a percentage of blame for the crash. A judge might find you and the other driver were both 50% responsible for a crash and thus, you would each be entitled to only 50% of the damages you would normally collect. This accounts for the possibility that multiple people could cause an accident.
The Rear-End Collision Doctrine
In Missouri, there is a “rear-end collision doctrine.” The driver that rear-ends the other driver is generally assumed to have been negligent by default. The rear-end collision doctrine states that drivers must always control their vehicles and use the highest degree of care possible while driving. Rear-ending another driver is assumed to violate this doctrine. However, it isn’t necessarily a guarantee the rear-ending driver will be found at fault.
Fighting the Insurance Companies for You
After a rear-end car crash, very little damage may be done to your car. Insurance companies take this as a sign that no one was seriously hurt. This is far from the truth of what happens. Rear-end car accident injuries can take a long time to develop fully. That is why seeking medical attention and speaking with a knowledgeable attorney is critical. We have experience negotiating and litigating with insurance companies to get our clients the full recovery they deserve.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Call (314) 361-4242 or fill out our online contact form for dedicated legal assistance with your rear-end collision. We offer free consultations in all personal injury cases, and you never pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Free Consultation with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t talk to an insurance claims adjuster before speaking with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. We can help you avoid making statements that may affect the outcome of your case. The consultation is free; you don’t pay unless we get you money!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a rear-end collision in St. Louis?
Ensure your safety and the safety of others, then call 911 to report the accident. It’s crucial to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from witnesses. Then, consider consulting a St. Louis rear-end accident attorney to protect your rights.
How do I know if I have a case after a rear-end accident?
You likely have a case if you’ve been injured in a rear-end collision due to another driver’s negligence. Negligence may involve tailgating, distracted driving, or violating traffic laws. An experienced rear-end accident attorney can assess your situation to determine if you have a valid claim.
Can I still receive compensation if I was partially at fault for the rear-end accident?
Yes, Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you’re partly responsible for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. We can help you navigate these complexities to ensure a fair outcome.
What types of damages can I recover in a rear-end collision lawsuit?
You may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Our firm works diligently to maximize our client’s compensation.
How long must I file a claim after a rear-end accident in St. Louis?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically five years from the accident date. However, it’s important to act promptly, as delaying could hinder your ability to collect evidence and build a strong case.
Why should I choose The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., for my rear-end accident case?
Christopher Hoffmann has over 25 years of experience exclusively handling car accident claims in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. Our firm is dedicated to providing personalized, aggressive representation to secure the best possible outcome for our clients. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
How can I schedule a consultation with The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.?
You can schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling our office at (314) 361-4242 or filling out the contact form on our website. During the consultation, we’ll review your case, answer your questions, and discuss how we can assist you in achieving justice and compensation for your losses.
