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.
"Of all the lawyers I have met, this one is a true professional. This attorney goes against the biggest law firms and wins!"
Response from the owner:The compliment is much appreciated. Like every profession, it all starts with training our lawyers to be the best at every aspect of car accident cases. But the foundation of a great case is a great client. Thanks!
I'd say this lawyer is in the top three of the best you'll ever see. Add this attorney to the interview list if you ever get in an automobile accident. This Law Firm is on another level.
Response from the owner:Much appreciated. Techniques that an attorney or any professional uses are paramount for success. This is part of our lawyers training and preparation. It leads to success. Thank you!
People say this is the best car accident lawyer in St.Louis. Yep! Seeing this attorney in action is incredible.
Response from the owner:Great compliment. We work hard to be the best. Our lawyers also work very hard to help other lawyers in our profession. Not matter what, a cases is only as good as the client is. Thanks!
Response from the owner:Thanks! Referrals and recommendations from prior car accident clients is our #1 source of cases. People who grew to trust us send family and friends.
The Hoffman law firm is truly professional. After hiring them I was truly relieved and knew I was in good hands. Highly recommend!
Response from the owner:Being in good hands is important. Many lawyers take cases with little experience and little resources. Our firm specialized decades ago. We are focused exclusively on accident cases.
The lawyers on tv just dont compare for auto accident injury cases. Mr.Hoffmann is as good as they get.
Response from the owner:Thank you. The TV attorneys are just settlement mills. People are hiring a paralegal, not a lawyer. Our law firm is different. You are represented by an attorney and we do not have settlement quotas.
I would describe this lawyer as highly educated, sharp, and top of his game. Explains the car accident process and treatment options well. The lawyer said if they don’t pay you, we will have the jury take it from the insurance company. Great lawyer. Dynamic person.
Interviewed all the TV car accident lawyers and decided to call this law firm that had great reviews. So happy I did. What a difference!
Response from the owner:TV car accident lawyers are just mass production. This is not a good fit for litigated cases. Paralegals instead of lawyers. Monthly quotas for settlements. Car accident victims end up in a cattle call with the lawyers on TV.
Love my car accident lawyer. This law firm is a step above.
Response from the owner:Our lawyers train and track the best approaches on cases. Whether litigation in cases or the practicalities of certain treatment, the growth of our lawyers over time is paramount. Always staying ahead of and setting practice trends. Thank you.
Serious family member have a car accident injury? Look no further. This litigator is for real. Always two steps ahead of the other lawyer.
Response from the owner:This is a sad reality for car accident lawyers. The #1 passenger in an auto accident is a relative. Helping a family make it through this and putting the family back together is one of the most rewarding things I do as an automobile accident attorney.
This lawyer handles really big accident cases in St Louis. He is a lawyer, accountant and has his masters in tax so he gets the injury cases for individuals that can never go back to work or individuals own a business and cannot run it due to injury. He specializes in valuations of massive loss. Thank goodness a firm like this exists.
Response from the owner:Thank you. When accident are severe and you lose the ability to work or to continue a business, having an accounting and tax background is key. Valuing large losses are second nature for us.
Asked a trauma surgeon who operates on car accident victims who are the best injury lawyers that have taken his deposition. He said “by far” it was Mr Hoffmann. Interviewed several attorneys and this was a correct assessment. In a league of his own!
Response from the owner:Our attorney have deposed nearly all the trauma surgeons at every Level 1 Trauma Center in Saint Louis. These doctors save lives after a car accident. Whether controlling bleeding or reestablishing blood flow or bone structures, they are life savers.
Few lawyers in St. Louis can handle the biggest injury cases! This is one of them!
Response from the owner:Our law firm has made great efforts in terms of training to handle life changing injury cases. Whether in depth knowledge of the medical, loss of income and earning capacity, or lifetime medical care plans, our clients feel confident and know their case is in good hands. Thank you for the compliment.
Cannot say enough about this lawyer. Call if in an accident. This attorney handles the biggest car accidents in St Louis.
Response from the owner:Thanks Ash! Our biggest source of cases is our clients. Our second biggest referral source is defense lawyers telling their relatives to call us. Few lawyers can handle the largest cases. Our law firm welcomes and has trained for this. We don’t do mass production settlement like the lawyers on TV. Our clients can never go back to work. Their cases need massive focus and effort and often long fought litigation.
So glad I called attorney Hoffmann. This time I got it right! So glad I hired the Hoffmann Law Firm - professional, reliable and available.
Response from the owner:Thanks Taylor. Our lawyers answer the phone day, night, weekends and even during lunch. Being professional means training to beat the best defense lawyers. Client rely on us to get results and we do.
Great lawyer. Cares about his clients, knows his stuff and goes the extra mile. I recommend this lawyer for car wreck injury claim. Every other lawyer on TV would not even help with my property claim. This attorney did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind words. Every case starts with a great client. You are correct the car accident lawyers on TV are mass production settlement mills. When injury clients fire them, we get their files and the cases are not worked up at all. Appreciate your confidence in us!
Major car accident injury in St Louis area for a family member. Four different lawyers we know said the same thing - call Chris Hoffmann. On another level.
Response from the owner:This is such a great compliment. Most of our cases come from prior client or lawyers that also do car accidents cases but the particular case is too large or too difficult. Being a lawyer and an accountant, we specialize in cases with total lost of income, earning capacity and/or often the inability to continue a family business. Evaluations such as these are second nature for our lawyers. Thanks.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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:Thanks Tana. Appreciate this!
Understanding Injuries From Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions often result in severe injuries, with whiplash being the most devastating. When your car is struck from behind, the impact can cause several serious injuries:
Severe spinal damage
Vertebral disc injuries
Long-term neck trauma
Chronic pain conditions
Nerve compression
Soft tissue damage
Many victims initially feel “fine” after the accident, but this can be misleading. Whiplash and spinal injuries often develop hours or days later, making immediate medical evaluation crucial for both your health and legal case.
Groundbreaking Research on Rear-End Collision Injuries
A comprehensive Swedish study using advanced motion sensor technology revealed critical findings about rear-end accidents. Researchers analyzed real-world crash data to understand how vehicles move during collisions, the role of impact speeds, and the relationship between driving behaviors and injury patterns.
Key Research Findings That Could Impact Your Case
The study uncovered two crucial facts that could affect your claim:
A direct correlation between impact speed and whiplash severity
There is a significantly higher risk of permanent neck injury when the rear driver accelerates at impact
Surprisingly, when both vehicles moved at similar speeds, victims experienced fewer long-term symptoms, regardless of velocity.
Understanding Whiplash: Beyond the Basics
Whiplash occurs when your neck’s supporting structures – tendons and ligaments – are violently stretched beyond their natural limits. The mechanics are brutal, with your head being thrust forward suddenly while your neck snaps backward forcefully, causing severe trauma to soft tissues and support structures.
Recovery varies significantly among victims, with some healing within weeks through therapy while others face chronic, lifelong complications. Common secondary conditions include:
Persistent shoulder pain
Severe headaches
Reduced mobility
Chronic pain syndromes
How Our Rear-End Accident Attorneys Fight For You
With decades of experience handling rear-end collision cases, we understand these injuries’ complex medical and legal challenges. Our comprehensive approach includes thorough accident scene investigation, evidence collection, and expert medical testimony to build your strongest possible case.
We aggressively pursue maximum compensation for:
Current and future medical expenses
Vehicle damage and property loss
Lost wages and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Long-term care needs
Don’t let insurance companies minimize your injuries. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
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.
Why Choose Us vs TV Lawyers?
Direct Attorney Access
Maximum Settlement Focus
Trial-Ready Cases
Paralegal Handling
Quick Settlement Push
Settlement-Only Focus
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!
What should I do immediately after a rear-end collision in St. Louis?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Do I Have to File a Rear-End Accident Claim in Missouri?
Under Missouri law (§516.120), you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim for a rear-end collision. However, there are important factors that affect this timeline:
Personal Injury Claims: 5 years from accident date
Wrongful Death Claims: 3 years from date of death
Property Damage Only: 5 years from accident date
While you have up to 5 years to file, it’s crucial to take action quickly because:
Evidence can disappear or deteriorate over time
Witness memories fade
Vehicle damage may be repaired or vehicles disposed of
Accident scene conditions change
Medical documentation is most valuable when created close to the incident
Important Legal Considerations:
Rear-End Doctrine: Missouri’s rear-end doctrine generally presumes the rear driver’s negligence, but evidence must be preserved to maintain this advantage
Insurance Claims: Insurance companies often have much shorter deadlines for filing claims
Economic Damages: Documentation of medical bills and lost wages should begin immediately
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering claims are stronger with prompt medical attention and documentation
While the law allows 5 years, we recommend contacting an attorney within days or weeks of your accident to ensure the strongest possible case and maximum compensation.
Why should I choose The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C., for my rear-end accident case?
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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.?
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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.
