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When you meet in a car accident, it's as life-changing as it can be life-threatening. The course your life takes next may largely depend on your being able to come out on the other side of a car accident case with a settlement that helps to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs.
Understandably, you may not know how to navigate car accident settlements, but the good news is that you don't need to. That's why you can retain the services of an experienced personal injury attorney at Powell Law Firm.
With a specialization in personal injury law, you get a passionate attorney who represents your interests well, communicates with the negligent driver's insurance company on your behalf, and aims to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call Powell Law Firm at (314) 470-1374 now for a free consultation to help you determine the best way forward.
Most Common Types of Auto Accident Claims in St. Charles, MO
Unfortunately, car accidents are quite common in Missouri, and they often leave those involved nursing serious injuries. A personal injury claim typically zeroes in on the preventable elements of car crashes, which are often the direct result of negligence.
Statistically, these are some of the most common types of car accident claims in St. Charles, MO:
Head-on collision
Speeding
Impaired driving (drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs)
Distracted driving
Vehicle rollover
Even if you don't see the kind of car crash you were in listed here, you are likely still entitled to compensation if another driver has caused you injuries or property damage.
Types of Compensation
Typically, auto accident lawyers aim to recover compensation for you in one or more forms. The major classifications for these are economic and non-economic damages.
The former speaks to items that can be objectively assigned a monetary value thanks to documentation such as receipts. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, don't have the same advantage so auto accident attorneys must use their expertise to claim for an appropriate value.
Some of the most common redress claims that fall under either category are:
Lost wages - personal injury lawyers aim to recoup earnings that were not possible because the car crash left the victim unable to work.
Pain and suffering - Physical or mental anguish that follows car crashes that may cause the victim a reduced quality of life.
Medical expenses - Using medical records, car accident lawyers aim to get the negligent party to cover the victim's paid and ongoing bills.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in St. Charles, MO
If you want to remain within your legal rights after having been in an auto accident, you want to be sure you respect the statute of limitations. This is a principle that speaks to how long you have to report a specific type of incident.
For example, motor vehicle accidents have a five-year statute of limitations under Missouri law. That's because they fall under the personal injury lawsuit category, which has a prescribed five-year time limit.
This does not necessarily mean any car accident case that isn't reported within that time for a claim is going to be thrown out. Certain extenuating circumstances can yield an exception.
Speak to your personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to find out where you stand.
Steps to Take After Auto Accidents
After a car accident, you may not know how to proceed to ensure that your auto accident claim is as secure as possible. St Louis car accident attorneys can ensure you get started correctly when filing a claim. Of course, the negligent party's insurance company tries to use this opportunity to lock you into low auto accident settlements, sometimes even before you've gotten a doctor's help.
Decline to comment during any conversations with an insurance company without your auto accident lawyer present. Even if you're yet to seek legal assistance, it gives you time to secure a proper attorney.
Collect Evidence
If you're injured but still somewhat functional, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene, as it can help to bolster your claim. Get pictures of the car collision site, car wrecks, visible injuries, etc. Any other helpful picture or video evidence is also welcome.
You also want to get the contact and registration details of any other driver or anyone else involved in the accident. If there are eyewitnesses, ask what they saw, and request their contact details for testimony if needed.
Get Medical Attention
This should technically be your first order of business. If you've been injured in a vehicle-related accident, you often can't gauge how damaged you are without medical treatment. Seeking healthcare achieves three things:
Assessing how injured you are and providing a report
Addressing your injuries
Providing an accurate indication of paid costs and medical debt that may have arisen out of the motor vehicle accident
File a Police Report
Whether trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, or car accident cases, a police report often comes in handy when your personal injury lawyer is attempting to build your case. At the base level, it indicates that the injured person had a situation that necessitated a report to the police.
In most serious crash cases, a police officer is going to be called to the scene and should take a statement from all parties who can give one.
If this was not the case for you, be sure you visit your local station and make the report as soon as possible.
Retain a Car Accident Attorney
St. Charles personal injury lawyers are well versed in personal injury law and can support their clients through accident cases effectively. There are typically no upfront costs for this kind of legal representation, as the arrangement is on a contingency fee basis.
In other words, the requirement to pay is based solely on winning your case and is calculated as a portion of your winnings. It's why you have nothing to lose really when pursuing these kinds of personal injury lawsuits.
The section below covers how an experienced attorney delivers value in motor vehicle accident cases.
How Auto Accident Attorneys Help with Personal Injury Claims
Evidence Collation
Evidence is a big part of car accident case settlement proceedings, especially when the intention is to secure fair compensation. Experienced St. Charles, MO attorneys from reputable law firms know how to direct their clients to ensure that all the relevant details are collated to build as strong a case as possible.
Independently, the auto accident lawyer also works tirelessly to gather other pieces of information from the relevant entities. These details provide insights into other drivers' insurance coverage, reckless driving records, etc.
Legal Expertise
This is arguably the big est reason for retaining auto accident lawyers after an incident. There are many statutes and clauses that can influence your ability to file a claim successfully, even where there's lost income, medical malpractice, ongoing pain, etc.
It's never straightforward to seek justice, and insurance companies know this. They do everything in their power to avoid compensating you fairly. However, the legal representation provided by top-tier auto accident lawyers prevents this and allows you to focus only on your recovery.
Settlement Negotiation
When car accidents happen, settlement negotiation can be a daunting task. Of course, this is left to the experienced attorney providing you with legal representation. The first compensation request put forward is often not the one that is taken.
Accident attorneys are then often in a tug of war situation with insurance companies to get them to agree to a reasonable figure. The intention is usually to reach an agreement without the case needing to go to trial.
As a general rule, the stronger the case the lawyer can build, the better your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
If the matter is brought to court, then your accident lawyer aims to ensure that the proceedings end with your getting the payout you're eligible for.
Other St. Charles Practice Areas
Call One of the Best St. Charles Personal Injury Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation
The crash is often not the most difficult part of auto accidents. The aftermath is often where the real trouble lies, as different entities get involved, care for injuries is required, expenses mount, and a legal battle is likely going on as well.
Unfortunately, insurance companies don't care enough to support you adequately, even after an unprecedented accident that has left you in dire need of financial aid from the other party just to return to as close to normalcy as possible.
That's why you need a highly rated accident attorney to fight for the compensation you deserve. Let the experts handle the legal process, while they advise you every step of the way.
If you're in St. Charles, MO, and have suffered from an accident where someone else was at fault, let Powell Law Firm help you recover what you deserve. There's no need to negotiate on your own.
For a free case review with an outstanding personal injury lawyer, call (314) 470-1374 as soon as possible so an experienced and qualified professional can discuss your situation and options with you.