Have you been injured in a rear-end collision that wasn’t your fault? You’re not alone. Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of car crashes in Missouri, and they can result in serious, life-altering injuries even at low speeds.
At Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience representing car accident victims throughout Columbia, Moberly, Fulton, Boonville, and surrounding areas. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.
What Is a Rear-End Collision?
A rear-end collision occurs when a vehicle in motion strikes the back end of the vehicle in front of it. These accidents happen frequently on Missouri roads and highways, often when traffic slows suddenly or comes to a complete stop. While some rear-end crashes result in minor damage, many cause devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
What makes these accidents particularly dangerous is that drivers and passengers rarely see them coming. Without time to brace for impact, your body absorbs the full force of the collision, increasing the risk of severe injury.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Understanding what causes rear-end accidents is crucial to determining fault and building a strong legal case. The most common contributing factors include:
- Speeding:Â When drivers travel too fast, they may misjudge stopping distance and collide with the vehicle ahead. At high speeds, even a minor miscalculation can result in deadly consequences, especially when one car is completely stopped.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, emailing, web surfing, cell phone use, and other distractions divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to a serious rear-end crash.
- Following Too Closely: Drivers who tailgate don’t leave themselves enough time to react and stop safely, making rear-end collisions almost inevitable when traffic slows.
Common Injuries from Rear-End Collisions
Research has shown that cars traveling as slowly as 5 mph can cause significant injuries in a rear-end collision. The sudden impact forces your body forward and backward rapidly, straining muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions
- Vertebrae fractures and disc herniation, bulges, and ruptures
- Strain of tendons, muscles, and ligaments of the neck and back
- Head and spinal injuries
- Rib fractures
- Shoulder separations, dislocations, and rotator cuff injuries
- Internal organ injuries of the spleen, liver, kidneys, and heart
Many of these injuries are so severe that they result in permanent disability or chronic pain. You may face a lifetime of medical treatment, physical therapy, and reduced quality of life.
Why Choose Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, for Help With Rear-End Collisions in Columbia, MO?
When you’re injured in a rear-end collision, insurance companies often try to minimize your claim or deny it altogether. You need aggressive legal representation from attorneys who understand the complexities of these cases.
At Holder Susan Slusher, LLC, our attorneys have protected clients’ legal rights for more than 20 years. We know how to determine the true value of your claim and build your most compelling case. We’ve also recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for rear-end collision victims throughout Missouri.
Let Us Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a rear-end collision and can’t get the insurance company to take you seriously, we can help. Our lawyers are trained in the complexities of these types of accidents and injuries and understand how to get you the justice you deserve.
Call us at 573-499-1700 or contact us online for your free, prompt consultation and case review.