St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

Types of Car Accident Claims in Missouri

Car accidents often result in a variety of damages, including physical injuries, property damage, and emotional distress. Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of treatment for injuries sustained in the crash, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications.
• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned.
• Pain and Suffering: In addition to physical injuries, car accidents often result in emotional distress, pain, and suffering. Compensation for pain and suffering is intended to compensate the victim for these non-economic damages.
• Property Damage: This includes compensation for damage to your vehicle or other personal property in the accident.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: If your injuries result in permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one dies as a result of a car accident, their surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, medical bills, and damages for loss of companionship.

Missouri's Comparative Fault System

Missouri follows a comparative fault system for car accident claims. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the crash, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It is important to consult with a St. Louis car accident attorney who can assess the situation and ensure you receive fair compensation.

What is the Statute of Limitations to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations refers to the maximum time period that an individual has to initiate legal proceedings after an event occurs, such as a car accident. In the context of personal injury claims, including car accidents, the statute of limitations defines the time limit within which the injured party must file a lawsuit. If a lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, the injured party may lose the right to seek compensation for their damages.

In Missouri, for car accident claims, the statute of limitations is generally five years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, the statute of limitations is three years. It's important to consult with a St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the required time.

How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?

The time it takes to reach a settlement in a car accident case can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether there is a dispute over fault. On average, car accident settlements can take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer to finalize. Some cases settle quickly, especially if the liability is clear and the injuries are minor.

However, more complicated cases that involve severe injuries, multiple parties, or disputes about fault may take longer to resolve. Working with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can help expedite the process and ensure that your interests are well-represented throughout negotiations.

What Evidence You May Need To File a Claim?

To file a car accident claim and maximize the chances of securing compensation, it’s crucial to gather strong evidence that supports your case. Below are the key pieces of evidence you should collect after a car accident:

• Police Report: Essential for documenting the details of the accident, including fault and any citations.
• Photographs of the Accident Scene: Capture vehicle damage, road conditions, and accident evidence.
• Contact Information: Gather details of all involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses.
• Medical Records: Document injuries and treatments to support claims for compensation.
• Witness Statements: Obtain statements or contact info from witnesses to strengthen your case.
• Insurance Communications: Keep copies of correspondence with both your insurer and the other party’s insurer.
• Accident Reconstruction Expert Reports: Useful in complex cases to clarify the cause and fault of the accident.
• Repair Estimates or Bills: Document the cost of vehicle repairs to support your damage claim.
• Statement and Diary of Events: Record your account of the accident and its aftermath for reference.
• Evidence of Lost Wages: Provide documentation of income loss due to the accident.
• Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Records: Show the condition of your vehicle to rule out mechanical failure.
• Surveillance or Traffic Camera Footage: Video footage may help corroborate accounts of the accident.

Why You Should Pursue Fair Compensation?

Some car accident victims are hesitant to hire a personal injury attorney for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, they simply feel that the insurance company will issue them a settlement that fairly covers their medical expenses. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Insurance is a business, and there are adjusters on staff whose job is to save as much money as possible for their employer.

When you retain Hogan Law Group, we can help you determine how much money you will need to cover your medical expenses and property damage. Additionally, we can help you recover money to cover any lost income from time missed at work. While money won’t heal your physical injuries, it will go a long way toward giving you the peace of mind to focus on your recovery.