Authored by: Spencer E. Farris

Rear-end collisions are among the most common car accidents in Missouri. Although many appear minor, these crashes frequently result in serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, lost wages, and long-term pain. At The S.E. Farris Law Firm, we help injured Missourians understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.

What Causes Most Rear-End Accidents?

  • Distracted driving
  • Following too closely
  • Speeding
  • Impaired driving
  • Fatigue
  • Aggressive driving
  • Poor weather
  • Mechanical failures

Who Is Usually at Fault?

In many cases, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault because motorists are expected to maintain a safe following distance. However, liability is not automatic and depends on the evidence.

Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rule

In many cases, the rear driver is presumed to be at fault because motorists are expected to maintain a safe following distance. However, liability is not automatic and depends on the evidence.

Common Injuries

  • Whiplash
  • Herniated discs
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Shoulder and knee injuries

What Should You Do After an Accident?

  • Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Call law enforcement.
  • Photograph the scene and vehicle damage.
  • Collect witness information.
  • Notify your insurer.
  • Speak with a personal injury attorney before accepting a settlement.

What Compensation May Be Available?

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical care
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Permanent disability

Why Working With The S.E. Farris Law Firm Matters

Rear-end accident claims often seem straightforward, but insurance companies frequently dispute liability or minimize injuries. The S.E. Farris Law Firm investigates the crash, preserves evidence, negotiates with insurers, and fights for full compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is usually at fault in a rear-end accident in Missouri?

Every case is unique. Speaking with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Every case is unique. Speaking with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Every case is unique. Speaking with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Every case is unique. Speaking with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

Do I need a lawyer after being rear-ended?

Every case is unique. Speaking with an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.

The S.E. Farris Law Firm Is Here to Help

If you have been injured in a rear-end collision because of someone else’s negligence, contact The S.E. Farris Law Firm to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Title: Founder | Trial Attorney | Advocate for Injury Victims

Bio: For more than three decades, Spencer E. Farris has dedicated his career to helping injured people stand up to insurance companies, large corporations, and powerful institutions. As the founder of The S.E. Farris Law Firm, he has built a reputation throughout Missouri and Illinois for thoughtful advocacy, courtroom skill, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Spencer believes the law is more than a profession. It is a public trust. That belief has guided every stage of his career, from his education at Washington University School of Law to his decades representing individuals and families whose lives have been changed by serious injuries, unsafe products, workplace accidents, medical negligence, denied insurance claims, and wrongful conduct. A nationally recognized trial attorney, Spencer is Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of practicing attorneys. He is also a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College and has been selected to Super Lawyers year after year for his work on behalf of injury victims. Beyond the courtroom, Spencer has helped shape the legal profession itself. He has served on the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys Board of Governors and held leadership roles as both associate editor and editor of the organization's magazine. Throughout his career, he has remained actively involved in advancing trial advocacy and protecting access to justice for everyday people. What clients often appreciate most about Spencer is his approachability. He understands that most people contact a lawyer during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. They are facing uncertainty, mounting bills, physical pain, and pressure from insurance companies. Spencer's goal is not simply to win cases. It is to help clients regain stability, confidence, and control over their futures. Unlike firms that measure success by volume, Spencer intentionally maintains a practice focused on personal attention and meaningful client relationships. Every case receives the preparation, strategy, and advocacy it deserves. Because when someone's future is on the line, they should never feel like just another file on a desk. Today, Spencer continues to represent individuals and families throughout Missouri and Illinois in complex personal injury, car accident, trucking accident, workplace injury, and catastrophic injury matters. His mission remains the same as it was when he opened his firm: to provide skilled legal representation, honest counsel, and relentless advocacy for those who need it most. Spencer's Practice Focus Throughout his career, Spencer has represented clients in cases involving:

  • Serious motor vehicle collisions
  • Commercial trucking accidents
  • Catastrophic and life-altering injuries
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Dangerous and defective products
  • Workplace and construction site injuries
  • Insurance disputes and bad faith claims
  • Complex personal injury litigation
Serving Clients Throughout Missouri and Illinois Based in St. Louis, Spencer represents injury victims and their families throughout Missouri and Illinois, including clients facing serious injuries from automobile accidents, trucking collisions, workplace incidents, defective products, and other acts of negligence.