Car accidents are unexpected and often leave victims feeling confused, overwhelmed, and emotionally distressed. Dealing with the aftermath can be incredibly time-consuming, especially when you should be prioritizing your recovery and not worrying about your uncertain future. An experienced car accident attorney can help alleviate this burden and fight for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by another person’s negligence, Cooper Law Firm is ready to help.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Missouri
Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Missouri is crucial for both preventing collisions and addressing legal claims that may arise afterward. By recognizing these frequent factors, drivers can take proactive steps to avoid dangerous situations on the road. The most common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- DUI
- Reckless Driving
- Inclement Weather
Staying informed about these risks can help drivers make better choices behind the wheel. Safe driving not only protects you and others but also reduces the likelihood of being held legally liable in the event of an accident. If you are involved in a collision, understanding the potential causes can be vital when pursuing legal action or defending your rights.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Prioritizing everyone’s safety is the most important thing to do after a car accident. Immediately follow these steps after an accident:
- Check for Injuries: Check for any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Adrenaline can mask injuries initially. If you are able, check on the occupants of the other vehicle(s) involved. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately to request medical assistance.
- Move to Safety: If your car is drivable and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot to avoid further collisions. Activate your hazard lights to warn other drivers of the accident scene. If you have them, use flares or reflectors to further alert oncoming traffic, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions.
- Call the Authorities: Even if there are no injuries, it is important to call the police to report the accident. This creates an official record of the incident. Be prepared to provide the police with your name, contact information, driver's license number, and insurance information. Ask the police officer for a copy of the accident report, which will be helpful when filing insurance claims.
- Exchange Information: Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. Avoid discussing fault with the other driver(s) or anyone else at the scene. Let the police and insurance companies investigate and determine fault.
- Document the Scene: If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. If there were any witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Be prepared to provide your insurance company with all the details of the accident, including the date, time, location, and a description of what happened.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible for a thorough medical evaluation. Follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and follow-up care.
Additional tips to consider: Avoid admitting fault for the accident, even if you think you may have been partially responsible. Be careful about what you say to the other driver(s), witnesses, or anyone else at the scene. Keep all records related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company.
How Our Attorneys Help Maximize Your Compensation
Our experienced car accident attorneys at Cooper Law Firm can and will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather evidence, and build a strong case for your claim. Our attorneys will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. We are prepared to represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Our knowledge of car accident claims will strengthen your case to ensure you receive the compensation that you need.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
When pursuing a car accident claim, understanding the types of damages you may recover is essential to securing the compensation you deserve. These damages are designed to address the financial, physical, and emotional impact of the accident. The types of damages you can recover include:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses (past and future), lost wages (past and future), property damage, rental car expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium.
Navigating the claims process can be complex, and it’s critical to accurately evaluate your losses to build a strong case. Consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure you maximize your recovery and secure fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
Proving Liability in a Car Accident Case
Liability is typically based on driver negligence. To successfully obtain compensation for your injuries, you must prove that another driver caused your accident. Missouri has implemented a comparative fault system. This system is designed for accident victims to receive compensation even if they are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident. Even if you are partially at fault, you may still be able to recover a portion of your damages. Our attorneys can help you navigate this complex legal concept.
Why Choose Cooper Law Firm for Your Car Accident Case?
Recovering from a car accident is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Cooper Law Firm, we are deeply committed to guiding you through this challenging time with skilled and compassionate legal representation.
Our goal is to provide you with the justice and compensation you deserve, and here’s how we can help:
- Proven Experience You Can Rely On
- Personalized Support Every Step of the Way
- No Financial Risk to You
Our team of experienced attorneys have a strong track record of success. We understand the intricacies of personal injury claims and will leverage our experience into building a strong claim for you. We believe that cost should never be a barrier to justice, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us until we successfully secure compensation for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Car Accident Lawyer Today
Don't wait to seek legal help after a car accident. Contact Cooper Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for your rights.
