If you suffered an injury from a rear-end collision, you understand the physical and emotional toll that happens with these accidents. Anyone who has been in a rear-end car accident in Brentwood knows the shock and surprise they cause. Drivers and passengers rarely see them coming. They are thrown forward and then jerked backward by the seatbelts and airbags. Depending on the rate of speed, these accidents may cause serious injuries and even death.
At OnderLaw, we understand the impact these crashes can have on you, and how to help you put the pieces back together. You may have the right to receive financial compensation for your injuries and the costs associated with the wreck; however, you must act quickly. Not only are there time limits for you to seek damages, but evidence that may support your claim must also be preserved right away. Our knowledgeable auto accident attorneys are willing to take on the insurance companies to protect your interests. We understand what you are going through, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
There are several important steps you should take after a rear-end car crash in Brentwood. The first step is to seek immediate medical attention. Other steps you or someone who is uninjured should take are:
Even if you feel you were not injured, it is important to seek medical care. Often injuries do not appear in the immediate aftermath of an accident. For example, whiplash, organ damage, and soft tissue injuries may not appear for several days.
Back-end car accidents fall under the umbrella of personal injury law and, in particular, negligence. If you file a negligence claim, you must prove four elements:
Proving that the other driver owed you a duty of care is relatively straightforward. All drivers owe this duty to all other persons sharing the road. In rear-end collisions, the trailing driver must maintain a safe distance from the automobile in front, pay attention to the road, and operate the car responsibly.
You must also demonstrate that the defendant breached their duty of care. In a rear-end crash, you can establish this by showing that the defendant failed to maintain a safe following distance, was driving at an excessive speed, or was distracted, among other factors.
You must establish causation between the defendant’s breach of duty and the injuries you sustained. This requires showing that the defendant’s negligence was the cause of the rear-end collision and the resulting harm. In short, you must show that the accident would not have occurred without the defendant’s negligence.
Finally, you must provide evidence of damages you incurred due to the rear-end crash. You can do this through medical records, bills, and/or expert testimony to establish the extent and nature of your injuries and any direct or indirect financial losses caused by them.
Missouri follows what’s called a “comparative fault” system. Under this system, you can be held responsible for all of part of the accident that caused your injuries. If you are found to be partially at fault, the court will likely reduce the overall compensation you receive from your claim. In short, your financial award could be reduced by the percentage of fault attributable to your actions. Even if you were not at fault, alleging you were is a common counterclaim that insurance companies use to try to reduce the money they have to pay you.
Rear-end collision claims in Brentwood can be complex. A trusted personal injury attorney can be critical. At OnderLaw, we don’t just take on cases; we take on causes. Let us fight for yours.
Speaking to a qualified personal injury lawyer is essential when you are hurt in a backside crash. You have limited time to file a legal claim following rear-end car accidents in Brentwood.
Our team of committed attorneys at OnderLaw has experience handling these cases and will fight to protect your rights, allowing you the time to recover from your injuries. Contact us today to get the dedicated legal representation you deserve.
