Missouri Car Accident Attorneys
Car accidents can be frightening and can also leave all parties confused on how to handle the situation. Review our information below to know the steps to take if you've been involved in a car accident.
First, if someone has been injured, you should immediately call 911. If necessary, move your vehicle away from oncoming traffic to avoid more accidents. You should also call the police so they can file an official report, especially if there is significant property damage, serious bodily injury or a death has occurred. Be sure to obtain information from the other party and any witnesses on the scene.
When you exchange information with the other involved parties, make sure you get the following: names, insurance information, license plate numbers, vehicle makes, models, years and colors, vehicle registration numbers and all driver's license numbers. If there are any willing witnesses, gather information from them and document their names and contact data. It is also vitally important to take some photos. Take a picture of all vehicular damage, physical injuries and any evidence that shows road and weather conditions. If possible, try to get a copy of the officer's police report. The details in it can help you when you file your insurance claim. The other driver's insurance company may try to contact you. We always encourage victims who have sustained serious bodily injuries as the result of a car accident to contact an attorney before speaking with the other driver's insurance company. If you've been injured, it's always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you've been injured, it's always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If your injuries keep you from working, make sure that you keep specific records of dates you missed work and the amount of money you lost. We also recommend that, if possible, you keep a copy of all your medical records. It is often most prudent to only allow your doctor and personal injury attorney to have access to these medical records.
Car accidents can cause death or serious and life-threatening injuries, including but not limited to: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, disfigurement, amputations and paralysis. Most cases are based on the other driver being negligent. Your attorney must prove that the other party owed some duty of care or responsibility to you, that the party breached this duty through some act or omission and that you sustained an injury. Negligence may refer to reckless driving (road rage, failure to yield, speeding, tailgating, failure to utilize turn signals), driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, careless and imprudent driving (running a red light, speeding, cell phone use, etc.) or allowing an unfit individual to drive an automobile.
Were you or a loved one injured in a car accident? You may want to consult with a personal injury attorney because you could be entitled to compensation. This can be a stressful time, and we are here to help. At Rotts Law Firm in Columbia, MO, we can handle all the legal procedures and paperwork. We will communicate with the insurance company's adjusters and attorneys on your behalf and will work our hardest to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case. As your attorneys, we would review all your medical records and the police report(s). We would also likely interview witnesses, investigate the history of the other driver, obtain a recording of the 911 call, examine photos of the accident, review cell phone records and review specific information and history on the vehicles involved. Further, we would review and analyze any disputes or issues involving the insurance coverages and policies at issue.
