Auto Accident Injury in Missouri

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Missouri? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in MO that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Missouri

The frequency of auto accidents and the injuries from these are considered a burning issue in Missouri. The Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2020 reported that 131,390 car accidents occurred in the state, which is a decrease from 157,038 on record in 2019, mostly because of relatively low traffic during the pandemic. However, in 2021, the number of fatalities increased by 12%, registering the state’s report as more than 1,015 deaths. Speeding was a big contribution to more than 40% of these fatal accidents. Besides, 47,894 people were found injured in road accidents in 2020, and ill weather conditions almost exacerbated up to 21,000 incidents.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked-for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police reports. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol explains that if you have an auto accident, you must report it right away if anyone suffers an injury or if there is a death. Also, you must report any property damage over $500 immediately. For other accidents where law enforcement does not make a report, you have 30 days to make one yourself.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number, and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number, and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, vehicle, and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Missouri

Liability Laws for MO

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Missouri follows the tort system when it comes to responsibility for motor vehicle accidents, which means the at-fault driver pays for the damages. However, the state also allows both drivers to have some fault. This means that if the court determines you were 40% at fault, then you can only collect 60% of the damages.

Statute of Limitations in MO

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. The statute of limitations in Missouri is five years for personal injury claims. This includes injuries and other damages from an auto accident. If someone dies in an accident, then his or her family has the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit. The statute of limitations for wrongful death in the state is three years.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Missouri

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in MO!

If you still have some urgent questions about your situation, take a look at another area of Missouri law.

Bankruptcy

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Eviction Law

Foreclosure Defense

Identity Theft

Immigration Law

Insurance Claims

Lemon Law

Medical Malpractice

Nursing Home Abuse

Patent Law

Personal Injury Law

Power of Attorney

Probate Law

Property Disputes

Real Estate Law

Social Security Disability

Tax Law

Traffic Law

Vaccination Injury

Workers Compensation

Workplace Discrimination

Wrongful Termination

Wills and Trusts

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