Auto Accident Injury in Springfield, MO

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Springfield? 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 and around Springfield, MO that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Springfield, Missouri

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. The Department of Transportation in Missouri reported that fatal traffic accidents increased 12% last year.

In addition, the Missouri Highway Patrol reported 47,977 crashes during the last year with available data. For Springfield specifically, the police department chronicled 6,123 accidents in 2020. Speeding violations were the most common violation in the city and likely the cause of a significant number of 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 report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

You can file your first and supplemental reports through the Springfield Police website. A member of the department will review the information and assign any next steps. You’re expected to report an auto accident within 30 days of its occurrence. Failure to act promptly may not result in successful civil actions or otherwise. It’s natural to want to see the other party’s report, but law enforcement should keep that information confidential.

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, your 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:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

The CDC collected data that shows motor vehicle deaths cost $11 million in medical costs and 1.3 billion dollars in lost wages. In fact, in 2018 alone, these costs in Missouri almost reached the amounts reported in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas combined. Shockingly, PBS cites a federal study that shows that all types of accidents in the U.S. cost an average of $814 billion annually. If you live in Springfield, MO and experienced costly damages to your property and person, you’re certainly not alone. An experienced lawyer in your area can best assist you with obtaining the compensation you deserve.

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 Springfield

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.

While a significant number of states have adopted “no-fault” legislation, Missouri does not have this type of law. The state does take degrees of fault into account when adjudicating auto accident cases. Additionally, the responsible party’s insurance pays for the damages incurred by the other driver. With that in mind, it’s also possible for a plaintiff to become held for a percentage of the fault under comparative negligence laws. In some cases, the plaintiff may be held responsible for a portion of the accident in Springfield.

Statute of Limitations in Springfield

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.

Current statutes passed by the Missouri General Assembly give you up to five years after a car accident to sue for damages. These laws apply whether you were a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian in Springfield.

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 Near Springfield, MO

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 Missouri!

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