Car Accident Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO

Guiding Injured Clients Through the Process of Filing an Auto Accident Claim

Recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ranks Missouri as the state with the third highest car accident rate in the nation, with an average of 15.45 fatal accidents per 100,000 people, while the national average is 9.12 deaths per 100,000 people. Every year, hundreds are fatally injured on Missouri highways, and thousands more sustain serious and even life-altering injuries due to car accidents.

Unfortunately, many of these car accidents were likely caused by the negligent behavior of one or more parties involved in the crash. The car accident attorneys at Mid-America Law Practice LLC explain how car accident claims work in Missouri and the steps you should take to recover compensation for your injuries. If you have questions about your case, contact the car accident attorneys at Mid-America Law Practice LLC at 314-866-9556.

What Causes the Majority of Car Accidents in Missouri?

Common factors that often lead to car accidents in Missouri include speeding, aggressive or reckless driving, distracted driving, and driving  under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Other factors, such as bad weather or mechanical issues, also result in a number of car accident cases in the Show-Me state.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, intoxication by alcohol or drugs and speeding were the two highest probable contributing circumstances in deadly car accidents in the state in 2019. Of all motor vehicle accident cases that took place during that year, 34.4% were likely caused by excessive speed, and 23.6% were likely due to driving while intoxicated. Inclement weather is likely to have contributed to 19.4% of all accidents.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

The first thing you should do after being involved in a car accident is to check if you or anyone else involved in the accident appears to have sustained serious injuries. If so, seek medical attention immediately. Even if you don’t think you’re hurt, be sure to get examined by a doctor as soon as possible, as some injuries may not present symptoms until several hours or even days after the accident.

You will also want to contact law enforcement and report the accident. This is crucial for documenting the details of the accident, as the police report can be used as evidence in a potential claim. If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene and the damage to all vehicles involved. In addition, you will also want to write down the contact information of the other driver as well as any witnesses to the crash. Finally, contact a car accident attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of filing a car accident claim and ensure that your rights are protected.

What Happens if the Car Accident Was Someone Else’s Fault?

If your accident was a result of someone else’s negligence, you could be eligible for compensation for your damaged vehicle as well as your injuries and resulting damages. In many cases, the first option to obtain compensation from the at-fault driver is to file an insurance claim against their auto insurance company. If all goes well and your claim is accepted, you may receive a settlement check just a few weeks after submitting your claim. However, the process of filing a car accident claim does not always go as it should.

In many cases, claimants may find that their claims have been unfairly denied or that the insurance company is trying to pressure them to accept a low settlement offer that does not adequately cover all of their damages. In some cases, the other driver may not carry enough insurance coverage to make up for all of the claimant’s losses, or worse – the driver is completely uninsured. This is when the help of a skilled car accident attorney can really turn the case around. An attorney can advise you on whether you may have valid reasons to initiate a personal injury lawsuit and seek damages compensation through a civil court.

If your lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for your economic damages (such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage) and non-economic damages (such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress resulting from the accident and injury). In some cases where the other driver’s conduct can be considered gross negligence, you may also be able to recover punitive damages in addition to standard damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault party for their behavior and discourage them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Consult your car accident attorney to determine what type of damages may be available for your case.

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney for My Case?

If you were hurt in a car accident caused by someone else, hiring an experienced car accident attorney can truly make all the difference in your case. Your attorney can assist you with the process of filing an insurance claim while making sure the insurance company is treating you fairly.

Insurance companies are notorious for trying to find ways to reduce the value of your claim or deny it altogether. If you have an attorney representing you through the claim process, your attorney can handle all negotiations and advocate for your best interests to make sure you receive fair compensation. If you need to take your case to the courtroom, an attorney can help you build your case, gather the evidence you need to prove the other driver’s negligence and represent you in the courtroom. At Mid-America Law Practice LLC, our attorneys are committed to helping Chesterfield car accident victims protect their rights to fair compensation. Contact our legal team at 314-866-9556 to schedule a free consultation.