Rear-end collisions are the most common type of vehicle collision, accounting for nearly 30% of all automobile wrecks nationwide. However, they are no less dangerous than other types of collisions. In fact, 7.5% of all fatal wrecks on American roads involve a rear-end car accident.
If you’ve been injured in a rear-end vehicle collision in Kansas City, Missouri, you may be entitled to seek damages. However, the settlement you receive will depend on a variety of factors.
How much compensation can you expect in case of a rear-end accident in Kansas City, MO?
Typically, compensation ranges between $5,000 and $50,000, but the actual amount can vary significantly.
For example, if the collision was minor and you sustained only a few bruises with a damaged car, the claim amount could be less than $5,000. However, if the wreck caused whiplash or a bone fracture, compensation could fall between $10,000 and $40,000.
How do you calculate the value of a rear-end accident claim?
In Missouri, as in other states, you can seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. In some cases, punitive damages may also be included.
Economic Damages – These refer to actual monetary losses, including:
- Medical expenses for hospital stays, surgery, medication, physical therapy, and long-term care.
- Lost wages, covering both current and future income loss.
- Property damage, including automobile repair or replacement (if necessary) and rental car expenses.
Non-Economic Damages – These cover intangible factors, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental trauma
- Loss of quality of life
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in auto collision claims in Missouri and are capped at five times the total compensatory damages (the sum of both economic and non-economic damages).
Whose fault is it anyway and does it matter?
Missouri follows the rear-end collision doctrine, which presumes that the motorist in the rear vehicle is likely at fault. This presumption takes away the need to prove a specific act of negligence on the part of the rear-vehicle driver.
But this certainly does not mean that the other side cannot question your role in the collision. For instance, if you hit the brakes suddenly and the motorist right behind you rear-ends your vehicle, both drivers will be considered at fault, and this will reduce the compensation you receive.
What factors influence the value of a rear-end collision claim?
Apart from the severity of your injuries and fault, three other factors will significantly impact the settlement you receive.
- Evidence: The stronger the evidence, the harder it will be for the other driver’s insurance company to refute it, and the greater your chances of securing the compensation you deserve. Key pieces of evidence include:
- Police reports
- Dashcam footage
- Eyewitness statements
- Expert testimony
- Insurance Policy Limits: Missouri has mandatory auto insurance requirements, which include:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per collision for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
If the other driver only has the minimum coverage and your damages exceed these limits, you may need to rely on your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or consider filing a lawsuit.
3. Quality of Legal Representation: Last but certainly not least is the experience of your Kansas City personal injury attorney, which will significantly impact your compensation. If you have been injured in a rear-end vehicle collision, give us a call at 816-999-9999 today. Our experienced attorneys have helped hundreds of victims get fair compensation and we’ll do the same for you.