Missouri Law FAQ

When a person suffers repeated concussions, the trauma can lead to a severe long-term condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative disease that causes brain inflammation, and unfortunately, it can only be diagnosed at autopsy. As a result, experts are still trying to understand the extent of its repercussions, but it is associated with post-concussive syndrome, second impact syndrome, and the development of dementia. 

If you win a personal injury lawsuit, the court will award you damages for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, etc. In some cases, you may also be able to recover prejudgment interest. Prejudgment interest is additional compensation awarded for the time between when you were injured until the court entered the judgment. 

Liability for a rear-end accident usually falls on the rear car, but not always. It will depend on which driver’s negligence led to the collision. 

When the Leading Car Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision

Here are some examples of when actions taken by a leading driver may make them liable if a car rear-ends them: 

• Failing to yield the right of way
• Making an illegal turn 
• Making an abrupt lane change without warning so it is impossible for the rear driver to avoid a collision
• Driving with tail lights that are out or broken
• Backing up or out of a parking spot without looking
• Driving too slow for the current traffic conditions
• Braking suddenly for no valid reason
• Failing to pull over to the side of the road for a mechanical problem with their vehicle
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

A third party can also be liable in some accidents.

Missouri dram shop laws hold bars, restaurants, hotels, clubs, or other businesses that sell alcohol legally responsible for the resulting damages caused by serving an already intoxicated patron or a minor. As a result, if you are injured by a drunk driver, you may be able to sue the drunk driver and the establishment that served them as well.