I Was Rear-Ended In Missouri And Injured—What Are The Next Steps?

Sansone & Lauber | November 6, 2025 | Car Accidents

If you were rear-ended in Missouri and injured, call 911, get medical care immediately, photograph the scene and vehicles, exchange insurance and driver info, collect witness contacts, avoid recorded statements, and call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500 for a free case evaluation before you speak to any insurer.

Why Rear-End Crashes in Missouri Cause Serious Injuries (Even at Low Speeds)

Rear-end collisions are among the most common crashes in Missouri because they usually happen in everyday traffic: stop-and-go on I-64 or I-44, slowing for lane changes on I-270, creeping at red lights on Olive or Gravois, or queueing behind construction near the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Even at 10–15 mph, your body can be jolted forward and backward—leading to whiplash, concussion/mild TBI, disc herniations, shoulder and knee trauma, and soft-tissue injuries that can worsen over days or weeks. At higher speeds or with a truck or commercial vehicle, the force skyrockets, often causing fractures, spinal cord injuries, or complex multi-system trauma.

You didn’t choose this. But you can control what you do next. The steps below protect your health, your evidence, and your claim.

The 10 Critical Steps to Take After a Rear-End Crash in Missouri

1) Call 911 and Get a Police Report

Missouri law expects drivers to stop and exchange info. A 911 call brings police and EMS to document what happened, who was involved, and whether tickets were issued. The police report anchors your claim and often includes the at-fault driver’s statements and witness names. If no officer responds, use the online crash reporting process later—but if you’re injured, insist on an on-scene report whenever possible.

2) Get Medical Care Immediately (Even if You “Feel Okay”)

Adrenaline masks pain. Same-day care—ER, urgent care, or your primary doctor—creates a medical record that links your injuries to the crash. Delays give insurers an excuse to argue your injuries came from something else. Report all symptoms: neck pain, headaches, dizziness, tingling, shoulder or back pain, memory or focus problems, nausea, or sleep changes. Follow through with diagnostic imaging, PT, and specialist referrals.

3) Photograph Everything

Use your phone to capture:

Vehicle damage (close-ups + wide shots)
License plates, insurance cards, and driver’s licenses
Skid marks, debris, road conditions, weather, construction zones
Airbag deployment, child seats, cargo intrusions
Visible injuries (bruising, swelling, lacerations)

4) Gather Witnesses and Nearby Video

Get names and numbers of anyone who saw the crash. Ask nearby businesses (gas stations, restaurants, apartments) if their security cameras captured the incident; video often auto-deletes in days. Our team can send preservation letters to secure footage.

5) Do Not Give a Recorded Statement to the Other Insurer

The at-fault driver’s insurer doesn’t work for you. A recorded statement can be twisted to minimize your injuries or shift blame. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with Sansone & Lauber (314-863-0500). If your own policy requires cooperation, we’ll guide that process to protect your rights.

6) Notify Your Own Insurer (Briefly)

Report the crash as required under your policy, but keep it short and factual. Don’t speculate about fault or your injuries. If you’re unsure what to say, we’ll do it with you.

7) Track Your Symptoms, Time Off, and Expenses

Create a simple log of:

Pain levels, headaches, dizziness, mobility limits
Missed work, reduced hours, lost gigs or tips
Out-of-pocket expenses (copays, prescriptions, devices, travel to treatment)
Impact on daily life (sleep, childcare, chores, hobbies, exercise)

8) Get Your Car Assessed the Right Way

Don’t downplay the damage because it “looks minor.” Modern bumpers hide expensive energy-absorbing components. Ask for frame and undercarriage inspections and keep all repair estimates, invoices, and photos.

9) See the Right Specialists

Rear-end trauma often benefits from orthopedics, neurology, pain management, physical therapy, chiropractic, and concussion/TBI clinics. We coordinate referrals so you heal fully and your records accurately reflect the harm you suffered.

10) Call Sansone & Lauber Early

The sooner we get involved, the more evidence we can preserve—scene photos, dashcam or business surveillance, ECM/telematics from a commercial truck, and witnesses. Call 314-863-0500 for a free consultation. You pay nothing up front and no fee unless we win. Our Missouri car accident lawyers will help get you compensated.

Understanding Fault, Insurance, and Your Rights in Missouri

Missouri Is a Fault (Tort) State

The driver who caused the crash (and their insurer) is responsible for your damages. In rear-end cases, fault often lies with the trailing driver for following too closely or inattention, but Missouri recognizes pure comparative fault—meaning your compensation can be reduced if you’re partially at fault (e.g., sudden stop without functioning brake lights). We push back hard when insurers overreach on blame.

Statute of Limitations

For most Missouri personal injury claims, you generally have five years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Wrongful death has a shorter deadline. Evidence ages fast—don’t wait to get counsel involved.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Missouri drivers must carry UM coverage; UIM is commonly available but not always included. If the at-fault driver has no or too little insurance, your UM/UIM may step in. We analyze all available policies—liability, UM/UIM, med-pay, and umbrella—to expand recovery.

Med-Pay (Medical Payments Coverage)

Many Missouri policies include optional med-pay (often $1,000–$10,000+) that can help pay initial medical bills regardless of fault and without affecting your bodily injury claim. We’ll help you use it strategically.

Commercial Vehicles and Trucks

If you were rear-ended by a semi-truck, delivery van, or rideshare vehicle, additional rules and evidence apply:

Driver logs and hours-of-service compliance
ECM/EDR (black box) speed/brake data
Dashcams, fleet telematics, maintenance and brake records
Corporate safety policies and prior violations
Rapid preservation is critical; our legal team sends spoliation letters immediately.

The Damages You Can Claim After a Rear-End Crash

Medical Expenses: ER, imaging, specialists, PT/chiro, injections, surgery, devices.
Future Care & Expenses: Ongoing therapy, procedures, and supplies.
Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Time off, reduced hours, missed bonuses, diminished future earnings.
Property Damage: Repair costs, total loss value, diminished value, rental car.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: Copays, medication, mileage, home help.
Pain & Suffering: Physical pain, loss of enjoyment of life, sleep disturbance.
Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD-like symptoms.
Scarring/Disfigurement & Disability: Life-altering changes.
Loss of Consortium: Impact on family relationships (where applicable).
Punitive Damages: Reserved for egregious conduct (e.g., intoxication), when supported by Missouri law and evidence.

We build documented proof—not just numbers on a page—linking each category to the crash with medical evidence, wage records, and expert opinions.

What If I Might Be “Partly at Fault”?

Missouri’s pure comparative fault system allows you to recover compensation even if you share some responsibility. The insurer may try to inflate your “percentage” by citing:

Sudden stops without functioning brake lights
Lane changes without signaling
Failure to secure a load or close a tailgate
We fight these tactics with forensic analysis, witness statements, vehicle data, and human factors experts when needed.

The Timeline: From First Call to Final Check

Free Case Evaluation (Day 0–2): You call 314-863-0500; we listen, answer questions, and map your plan.
Evidence Lockdown (Week 1): Scene photos, repair estimates, witness interviews, preservation letters, and truck/ride-share data requests if applicable.
Medical Care Plan (Weeks 1–4): We help coordinate care with reputable providers; you focus on healing.
Ongoing Documentation (Weeks 2–12): Collect bills, records, wage proof, and a daily recovery log.
Demand Package (When Medically Appropriate): Once your condition stabilizes or we have a clear future-care picture, we prepare a comprehensive demand.
Negotiations (30–90 days typical after demand): Strategic counteroffers, structured settlements, and mediation if helpful.
Filing Suit (If Needed): If the insurer lowballs or denies, we’ll file in the appropriate Missouri court.
Litigation & Discovery: Depositions, expert reports, and motion practice.
Resolution: Settlement or verdict. You pay nothing unless we win.

Every case is unique. Some resolve quickly; others require litigation to achieve full value. Our job is to maximize your net recovery.

Special Considerations: Rear-End Collisions Involving Trucks, Buses, or Rideshares

18-Wheelers & Delivery Fleets: Heavier vehicles increase stopping distance and crash force. We obtain brake/maintenance records, driver qualification files, and ELD hours data.
Buses & Transit: Public entity claims may include unique notice requirements—timing matters.
Uber/Lyft: Coverage depends on the driver’s app status (off, waiting, en route, with passenger). We trace the policy stack to access all available insurance.

Common Injuries We See After Rear-End Crashes

Neck/Back: Whiplash, cervical/lumbar strains, disc herniations, radiculopathy.
Head/Brain: Concussion/TBI, light sensitivity, memory/focus issues, balance problems.
Shoulder/Knee: Labral tears, rotator cuff strains, meniscus injuries.
Nerves/Soft Tissue: Brachial plexus irritation, myofascial pain, trigger points.
Psychological: Anxiety, driving phobia, sleep disturbance.
We take the time to document your full injury picture—not just what’s in the initial ER note.

Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Missouri Rear-End Claim

Delaying care or skipping follow-ups
Posting on social media about workouts, trips, or “feeling fine”
Gaps in treatment without a medical explanation
Handing over prior medical records without review
Settling too early before your condition stabilizes
Trusting the adjuster’s “friendly” guidance—remember who they work for

How Sansone & Lauber Builds Strong, Missouri-Ready Claims

Rapid Investigation & Preservation: We lock down evidence while it’s still fresh.
Medical Storytelling: We help providers chart your symptoms and causation clearly.
Policy & Coverage Mapping: We find every available dollar—liability, UM/UIM, med-pay, umbrella.
Valuation Strategy: We use verdict/settlement data, life-care planners, economists, and medical experts.
Trial-Ready Preparation: Insurers pay attention when they know we’ll try the case if needed.

Call 314-863-0500 or message us 24/7 for a free, no-pressure consultation. No fee unless we win.

Missouri Rear-End Crash FAQ (Plain-English Answers)

Q1: The other driver admitted fault at the scene. Is my case “automatic”?
Not automatic—helpful. We still prove negligence and your damages. Police reports and admissions help, but insurers may still dispute injuries or claim you stopped suddenly.

Q2: I felt fine at the scene but hurt the next day. Is that normal?
Yes. Many soft-tissue and concussion symptoms worsen over 24–72 hours. Seek care and follow referrals.

Q3: Can I choose my own body shop and doctors?
Yes. Don’t let an insurer steer you if you’re not comfortable. You are entitled to reasonable repairs and medical care.

Q4: What if the driver who hit me had no insurance?
We look to UM on your policy and any other household policies that may apply. We also investigate assets and third-party liability (e.g., employer of a working driver).

Q5: Will my rates go up if I use my own UM/med-pay?
Not usually for not-at-fault claims, but it’s policy-specific. We’ll review your coverage and strategy.

Q6: How long will my case take?
Depends on injury severity, treatment length, policy limits, and whether suit is necessary. We prioritize maximizing your net recovery, not just settling fast.

Q7: What if a truck rear-ended me?
Commercial policies are larger, but corporations fight harder. We secure ECM data, maintenance logs, and driver records immediately.

Q8: Can I recover for missed tips, overtime, or gig work?
Yes—bring prior pay stubs, 1099s, bank statements, and a manager or client letter if helpful.

Q9: The adjuster says I had “pre-existing” neck problems.
Missouri law allows recovery when a crash aggravates a pre-existing condition. Your medical records and physician opinions matter.

Q10: What if I was partially at fault?
Missouri’s pure comparative fault still allows recovery. We reduce any blame-shifting with evidence and experts.

Call Sansone & Lauber Right Now For Immediate Help

You didn’t ask to be rear-ended. But you can decide to protect your health, your finances, and your future.

Call Sansone & Lauber at 314-863-0500 or message us now.

We handle cases across St. Louis City & County, St. Charles, Jefferson County, Franklin County, Boone County (Columbia), Greene County (Springfield), Jackson County (Kansas City), Cape Girardeau, and throughout Missouri. No fee unless we win.