get your free consultation
I got rear-ended, how much money will I get? It’s a question many clients ask after the shock of a collision fades and the reality of medical bills and lost income sets in. At Goldblatt + Singer, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a rear-end accident can be. That’s why we break down what your case could be worth—and how to position yourself for the strongest possible recovery.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents in Missouri. But even minor accidents can cause significant injuries, and every case is unique. The amount you may recover depends on a range of legal and factual details that only an experienced attorney can properly evaluate.
Below, we’ll cover the factors that affect compensation, the types of damages you may claim, Missouri law on time limits, and steps you can take to increase your payout.
There is no one-size-fits-all number. Payouts can range from a few thousand dollars for soft tissue injuries to hundreds of thousands or more for serious traumas, such as spinal injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
Your compensation is determined by the severity of your injuries, medical treatment, impact on your life, and available insurance coverage. For instance:
The clearest way to understand your potential compensation is to consult with a car accident attorney who can review your medical records, accident details, and insurance policies.
Several key factors influence how much money you can recover in a rear-end accident claim:
Even mild injuries can worsen over time, requiring extended treatment and significantly affecting your ability to function or work.
Future expenses like surgeries, medications, and long-term therapy must also be factored in to ensure you’re fully compensated.
Reduced hours, job changes, or early retirement can all impact your financial future and should be considered in your total compensation demand.
Missouri law takes hit-and-run accidents seriously. According to Section 577.060 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or property damage is a criminal offense, which could elevate the seriousness of your claim.
If the driver’s policy is insufficient, your own coverage may become critical. Policy limits, exclusions, and the insurer’s willingness to negotiate all directly affect your potential payout.
This includes physical discomfort, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment, anxiety, depression, and the overall disruption to your sense of normalcy and independence. These effects are deeply personal yet legally compensable.
In a car accident case, your damages are the measurable and compensable losses you’ve suffered. These include:
These refer to the direct financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of the accident. They include costs such as emergency room treatment, ongoing medical expenses, and prescription medications. If your injuries forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn a living, those lost wages and diminished earning capacity are also part of your economic damages.
Additionally, property damage, such as vehicle repairs or replacement, is typically included when calculating your total financial loss.
These are more subjective and address the emotional and personal toll an accident has on your life. This can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and a loss of enjoyment in activities you once valued. If your injuries caused visible scarring or disfigurement, that too can justify a higher payout.
In more serious cases, you may also be entitled to compensation for losing companionship or support from a loved one, particularly when the injuries affect close personal relationships.
Punitive damages are not awarded in every case. They are intended to punish especially reckless or dangerous behavior and deter future misconduct. Missouri limits these awards under Missouri Revised Statutes Section 510.265, capping them at the greater of $500,000 or five times the actual damages awarded.
These damages typically apply to cases involving aggravated conduct like drunk driving, drug-impaired driving, or serious hit-and-run crashes.
There are practical steps you can take immediately after a rear-end collision that significantly impact your final settlement. These include:
Even if you feel okay after a rear-end accident, it’s essential to get checked out by a medical professional as soon as possible. Injuries like whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue trauma often don’t present symptoms right away, but they can worsen quickly. Immediate medical attention also creates a documented record that links your injuries directly to the crash, which is critical in proving your case and negotiating with insurance companies.
Thorough documentation strengthens your claim. Start by taking detailed photos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the overall scene of the accident. If there were witnesses, try to get their names and contact information. Beyond visuals, it’s helpful to maintain a personal injury journal. Recording how your injuries affect your daily life, physically, emotionally, and professionally, adds valuable context to non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
The official accident report can be one of the most persuasive evidence in a rear-end collision case. It includes details such as time, location, witness accounts, and the officer’s assessment of fault. Insurers rely on this document heavily, and it can support your version of events if the other driver disputes responsibility.
Insurance adjusters may seem helpful at first, but their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. They might ask leading questions or try to get you to admit fault. Anything you say can be used against you later. To avoid jeopardizing your claim, refer all communication to your attorney.
The sooner you involve legal representation, the stronger your case will be. An attorney will gather evidence, communicate with all parties, protect your rights, and advocate for the maximum compensation available. Early legal support can also prevent costly missteps, such as signing away your rights in a lowball settlement.
Keep a file of every bill, receipt, or statement related to your accident. This includes doctor visits, medications, assistive equipment, lost wages, travel expenses, and even over-the-counter treatments. These costs are recoverable—but only if you have clear documentation to support your claim.
Missouri gives you five years to file most personal injury claims, including car accidents. This deadline is legally defined in Missouri Revised Statutes Section 516.120.
Failing to file within this timeframe typically bars your right to recover compensation. Exceptions may apply, such as delayed discovery of injury, but those are rare. Filing early ensures:
Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Insurance companies are aware of the statute of limitations and may delay negotiations, hoping you’ll miss your window.
Rear-end collisions can be more complicated than they seem. While fault may appear obvious, insurance companies often argue over damages, pre-existing conditions, or whether you contributed to your injuries.
Hiring an attorney means:
We’ve recovered millions for injured drivers in Missouri. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain or life-altering trauma, we take every case seriously. Our role is to help you confidently navigate the claims process and recover the compensation you deserve.
If you’re wondering, how much money will I get if I get rear-ended? Don’t leave the answer to chance or to the insurance company. At Goldblatt + Singer, we’ve helped thousands of car accident victims in St. Louis and throughout Missouri recover meaningful compensation after rear-end crashes.
Let our experience work for you. Call us at (314) 231-4100 or contact us online for a free consultation today. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next step toward recovery.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
call us at (314) 936-3434