Springfield Car Accident Lawyers
We are here to support car accident victims throughout Missouri
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
The unexpected jolt of being in a car accident can leave you disoriented. Once things calm down, it may become apparent that the accident could have been easily prevented if not for a driver's avoidable and unnecessary mistake. Driver error encompasses a wide range of errors, so it is important to examine the specific mistakes made by the other driver.
Here are some prevalent instances of driver error that can lead to car accidents:
- Distracted driving: It is crucial for drivers to remain fully focused on the road and the surrounding traffic. Even a few seconds of looking at a smartphone can result in a severe car accident.
- Drunk driving: Intoxicated drivers have long been a major cause of car accidents in Missouri. It is frustratingly simple for drivers to avoid drinking and driving. We can collaborate with local law enforcement to determine if the other driver was under the influence at the time of the collision.
- Poor roadway design: If you were involved in a single-vehicle accident caused by a road defect, let us know. We can investigate the road and consult civil engineers for further analysis. It may be possible to file a lawsuit against the city for negligence in road maintenance.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM): While all Missouri drivers are required to have sufficient and up-to-date auto insurance, not everyone complies. Approximately 12% of drivers are uninsured, and a significant percentage have inadequate coverage, leaving them unable to fully compensate for damages in an accident. Our attorneys specialize in handling complex UM/UIM accident cases to help you obtain maximum compensation.
- Failing to signal a lane change properly: Simple mistakes like neglecting to use a turn signal when changing lanes, turning, or merging can lead to catastrophic accidents. Negligent drivers cannot evade liability by claiming it was an "honest mistake."
- Tailgating: Following the vehicle in front too closely significantly increases the risk of a car accident. If you had to brake suddenly or come to an unexpected stop and a tailgating driver collided with your vehicle, inform us about the incident.
Why Choose Our Missouri Car Accident Lawyers?
At Rah Law, we offer more than just legal representation. By choosing our firm, you gain access to a dedicated team of professionals who will work tirelessly on your case. Additionally, you will benefit from the extensive support and resources provided by one of the leading trial practice firms specializing in personal injury litigation in Missouri.
There are many reasons to choose us to represent you:
- Since 1976, we have successfully recovered $7 billion for our clients.
- Our firm makes use of cutting-edge courtroom technology.
- Unlike claims mills, we believe in providing a personalized approach to every case we handle.
- We are proud to be recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in America®.
- $24,476,904 - Defective vehicle design
- $15,000,000 verdict – Bicyclist hit by motorist
- $13,027,000 settlement – Auto vs. truck accident
- $11,000,000 verdict – Defective Ford seat back
- $8,000,000 settlement – Car accident claim
- $6,900,000 settlement – Wreck caused paraplegia
Is It Worth Getting An Attorney For A Car Accident?
An attorney can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome for your case following an accident resulting in injuries. Our attorneys possess not only negotiation skills but also years of experience in seeking justice within the legal system and investigating car accident claims.
Furthermore, our team is well-versed in the car accident and negligence laws specific to Missouri. There are numerous pitfalls that car accident victims may encounter, and our team can provide you with the necessary information. For instance, car accident injuries differ from other injuries covered by personal injury law, as they often involve soft tissue injuries. These types of injuries affect tendons, ligaments, and muscles, such as whiplash. Similar to whiplash, these injuries typically worsen progressively over a few days or even weeks after the initial incident.
Consequently, many car injury victims unknowingly sign compensation agreements with insurance companies before consulting a lawyer, only to later discover that their injuries are more severe than initially believed. Unfortunately, they are then unable to recover additional compensation to cover their additional costs. Our firm offers free, no-obligation consultations, so reaching out to us today will not result in any loss on your part!
Filing a Claim for Bodily Injury After an Auto Accident
In order to make a bodily injury claim, it is essential for an individual to promptly seek medical treatment for any injuries sustained in the accident. Failure to do so will result in the individual not being considered injured under the law, and therefore, they will not have grounds for a bodily injury claim.
Once medical treatment has been received, it is important to communicate with the insurance adjuster to seek compensation for the injuries. To successfully obtain compensation, it is usually necessary to provide medical records as evidence of the received medical treatment.
However, it is important to note that obtaining fair compensation from an insurance company can be challenging at times. Some bodily injury claims may require legal action, and in such cases, it is advisable to seek guidance from an experienced bodily injury attorney who can protect your legal rights.
What is Considered a Serious Injury in a Car Accident?
At Rah Law, our Missouri car accident lawyers specialize in handling serious injury cases. These types of injuries are considered serious or "catastrophic" when they result in significant and long-lasting impairment or loss. While whiplash can be painful, it is not classified as a serious injury because it typically resolves with treatment. On the other hand, a spinal cord injury is considered catastrophic due to its potential for causing long-lasting or permanent paralysis and loss of function.
Some common examples of serious car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and other forms of paralysis
- Amputation and loss of limb
- Loss of sight or hearing
- Burn injuries and other forms of scarring/disfigurement
- Broken bones and multiple fractures
- Organ failure or loss
Fatal Car Accident Claims
Our Springfield auto accident lawyers at Rah Law provide compassionate representation to those who have lost family members in fatal auto accidents on
A wrongful death lawsuit may compensate you for the following damages:
- Accumulated medical costs preceding the demise.
- Expenses related to the funeral and interment.
- Suffering experienced by the deceased before passing away.
- Estimated value of the deceased's potential earnings and benefits if they had survived.
- Deprivation of companionship, guidance, and support.
Missouri Car Accident Statistics
According to crash records from the Missouri Department of Transportation, there were 1,004 traffic fatalities across the state in 2021. This number represents a 3% increase from 2020 and is the first time in over a decade that total traffic fatalities have surpassed 1,000. The rise in fatalities has also halted the previous downward trend in accidents, which had been declining even before the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of drivers on the road in 2020.
A spokesperson from the Missouri DOT stated that a significant contributing factor in many of the most severe accidents was the failure to use seatbelts. Approximately 66% of the fatalities occurred among individuals who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Another concerning issue was the prevalence of cellphone distraction, which appeared to have increased in 2021, although no specific data was provided to support this claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyer Today
What To Do After a Car Accident in Missouri?
- Ensure the well-being of everyone involved and, if feasible, move your vehicle away from the road.
- Notify law enforcement immediately if the accident resulted in injuries or property damage.
- Exchange contact and insurance information with other drivers involved and speak to any witnesses present at the scene.
- Capture photographs of the accident scene to potentially support your claim of negligence or determine fault.