Independence Car Accident Attorney

A totaled bumper of a car.Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging and confusing. Imagine you’re driving down the street when another driver rear-ends your car at a stoplight. Suddenly, you’re faced with medical bills, repair costs, and insurance headaches. At Wendt Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing effective legal support tailored to your specific needs.

Our team of experienced attorneys will guide you through every step of the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies. Don’t face this challenging time alone—call Wendt Law Firm at 816-531-4415 for a free case evaluation and let us help you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Your immediate priority after a car accident should be the safety of all parties involved. Here are the steps you should follow:

  1. Ensure Safety: Your immediate priority after a car accident should be the safety of all parties involved. If possible, move to the side of the road to prevent further collisions.
  2. Call the Police: Once safe, call the police to file an official report. This report will contain important details about the accident, which are crucial for your case.
  3. Document the Scene: Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damages, and visible injuries to bolster your case with visual evidence.
  4. Gather Contact Information: Collect contact information from witnesses, as their statements can strengthen your claims. The police report will also include contact information and notes from investigating officers.
  5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Promptly notify your insurance company to ensure coverage and support your claim. Avoid admitting fault at the scene, as this can complicate legal proceedings.
  6. Consult a Lawyer: Consulting a lawyer soon after an accident is vital for meeting legal deadlines and avoiding costly mistakes that could diminish your claim. Early engagement with a lawyer helps gather vital evidence, bolstering your case for compensation.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Car Accident Claim?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally five years from the date of the accident. This means you have five years to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage resulting from the car accident. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the accident involves a government entity, the deadline may be shorter, and specific procedures must be followed. It’s critical to consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines and to help you navigate the legal process effectively.

At Wendt Law Firm, we understand the importance of timely action. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step, ensuring your claim is filed within the required timeframe and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Injuries from Car Accidents and Their Impact

Car accidents can cause a wide range of serious injuries, some with long-term or permanent effects. Here are some common injuries and their potential impacts:

  1. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Often result in long-term disabilities and can be fatal. TBIs can affect cognitive abilities, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
  2. Spinal Cord Injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on their severity. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and lifelong care.
  3. Whiplash: Common in low-speed collisions, whiplash can cause long-term neck pain and discomfort.
  4. Knee Injuries: Ranging from simple bruising to severe fractures, knee injuries often require complex treatments and can limit mobility.
  5. Facial Injuries: Can cause disfigurement and may require reconstructive surgery. These injuries can also lead to psychological trauma.
  6. Internal Injuries: Such as internal bleeding, can result from blunt force trauma and need immediate medical attention.

At Wendt Law Firm, we understand the profound impact these personal injuries can have on your life. We are committed to securing the compensation you need for medical treatments, physical therapy, and other related expenses. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the support and financial compensation you deserve.

How Do Pre-Existing Conditions Affect My Injury Claim?

Pre-existing conditions can complicate the process of filing an injury claim after a car accident. Insurance companies often try to argue that your injuries were not caused by the accident but were instead due to your pre-existing condition. However, under the “eggshell plaintiff” rule, you are entitled to compensation even if your pre-existing condition made you more susceptible to injury.

To strengthen your claim, it’s crucial to provide thorough medical documentation that distinguishes between your pre-existing condition and the new injuries caused by the accident. A skilled attorney can help gather the necessary evidence and medical expert testimonies to prove that the accident exacerbated your pre-existing condition, thereby justifying your compensation claim.

At Wendt Law Firm, we understand the nuances of dealing with pre-existing conditions in injury claims. Our experienced attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve, regardless of your medical history.

Understanding Missouri’s Comparative Fault Laws

Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system, which allows individuals to recover damages even if they are at fault. Under this system, your compensation is adjusted according to your percentage of fault. For instance, if you are found to be 60% responsible for an accident, you can still claim 40% of the total damages awarded.

Missouri’s comparative fault laws aim to be fair by allocating responsibility based on each party’s level of fault. If a defendant is found to be 51% or more at fault, they are responsible for the entire judgment amount. Those with less fault are only liable for their portion. This means that in accidents involving multiple parties, each person’s financial responsibility matches their degree of fault.

Understanding these laws is crucial for managing your car accident case. A car accident lawyer can explain how these laws affect your situation and help you get the compensation you deserve, even with the complexities of fault distribution.

Proving Negligence in Car Accident Cases

Proving negligence in a car accident case involves a thorough investigation and collecting strong evidence. To win an auto accident claim, you need to show that the other driver was negligent. This means you must prove that the other driver did not exercise reasonable care, which led to the accident and your injuries.

To establish negligence, you need to prove the following elements:

  1. Duty of Care: Demonstrate that the other driver owed you a duty of care. This means they were expected to drive responsibly and follow traffic laws.
  2. Breach of Duty: Show that the other driver breached this duty by acting negligently or recklessly.
  3. Causation: Prove that the breach of duty directly caused the accident and your injuries.
  4. Damages: Provide evidence of the damages you suffered as a result of the accident, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Collecting evidence is critical to proving negligence in a car accident case. At Wendt Law Firm, we conduct thorough investigations to collect all the necessary evidence. This careful approach helps us build a strong case to prove negligence and get you the compensation you deserve.

What Factors Can Impact the Determination of Negligence?

Determining negligence in a car accident case involves analyzing various factors to establish fault. Here are some key factors that can impact the determination of negligence:

  • Traffic Laws: Whether any traffic laws were violated, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence, can significantly impact the determination of negligence.
  • Driver Behavior: The actions and behavior of the drivers involved, including distracted driving, aggressive driving, and failure to signal or yield, are crucial in assessing negligence.
  • Road Conditions: Poor road conditions, such as potholes, lack of signage, or inadequate lighting, can contribute to an accident and affect the determination of fault.
  • Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions like rain, fog, or ice can play a role in an accident and influence the assessment of negligence.
  • Vehicle Maintenance: The condition and maintenance of the vehicles involved, including brakes, tires, and lights, can impact the determination of negligence.

At Wendt Law Firm, our seasoned attorneys carefully examine all these factors to build a strong case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand the challenges of proving negligence and are committed to advocating for your rights.

Essential Evidence for Your Car Accident Case

In the aftermath of a car accident, gathering and preserving evidence is critical to building a strong case. This evidence can help establish fault, demonstrate the extent of your injuries, and support your compensation claim. Here are some key types of evidence that can be useful in a car accident case:

  1. Photographs and Videos: Take pictures and videos of the accident scene, your car’s damage, and any visible injuries. These visuals provide strong proof. Make sure to capture different angles to get a complete view.
  2. Police Reports: The police report includes important details about the accident, such as witness statements, the officer’s observations, and any tickets issued. This report is a trusted source of information.
  3. Medical Records: Keep detailed medical records and reports from doctors. These documents show the nature and extent of your injuries and are essential for proving how the accident affected your health.
  4. Witness Statements: Get statements from people who saw the accident. Their testimonies can support your version of events and provide additional perspectives on how the incident occurred.
  5. Expert Testimony: Sometimes, experts like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals are needed to provide specialized insights and strengthen your case.
  6. Surveillance Footage: If the accident happened near businesses or intersections with cameras, try to get this footage. It can offer an unbiased view of what happened.

At Wendt Law Firm, our skilled attorneys know how important it is to collect thorough evidence. We conduct detailed investigations to gather all necessary evidence, making sure your case is strong and your rights are protected.

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Car Accident

Dealing with insurance companies after a car accident can be overwhelming. Insurance adjusters often aim to pay out as little as possible to save money for the insurance company. An attorney can help protect your interests and make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries.

It’s important to talk to an attorney before discussing details with insurance companies to avoid mistakes that could hurt your claim. You are not legally required to give a recorded statement to the insurer, and doing so could harm your case. Quick settlement offers from insurers are usually low and should be reviewed by an attorney.

Wendt Law Firm has extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. We handle all communications for you, making sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. Our goal is to secure the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation Available After a Car Accident

When you are involved in a car accident, it’s important to know what types of compensation you can get. This compensation can help cover various expenses and losses, making sure you have the financial support you need to recover. Here are some common types of compensation you might be eligible for:

  1. Medical Expenses: This includes costs for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, medications, rehabilitation, and any future medical treatments related to the accident.
  2. Lost Wages: If your injuries stop you from working, you can claim compensation for the income you lost while recovering. This can also include future lost earnings if you can’t go back to work.
  3. Property Damage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
  4. Pain and Suffering: This compensation is for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries. It’s usually based on how severe and long-lasting your pain and suffering are.
  5. Loss of Consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse, you may get compensation for loss of companionship and support.
  6. Punitive Damages: If the other party’s behavior was especially reckless or malicious, you might be awarded punitive damages. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future.

At Wendt Law Firm, we understand how deeply a car accident can affect your life. Our seasoned attorneys are committed to getting you the maximum compensation you deserve. We work hard to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance companies, and stand up for your rights every step of the way.

Why You Need an Independence Car Accident Attorney

Hiring an attorney after a car accident helps maximize your compensation and protect your rights. A car accident lawyer conducts thorough investigations, collecting essential evidence like accident reports and witness statements. This detailed documentation aids in settlement negotiations and court proceedings. Car accident lawyers manage all legal documentation and negotiate with insurance companies, significantly enhancing your chances of a favorable outcome.

Attorneys handle all aspects of your case, from investigating claims and collecting medical records to evaluating your entitled compensation. They advocate for your rights, ensuring you do not accept a low settlement offer that fails to cover necessary medical treatments and other expenses.

How Wendt Law Firm Can Help You

Choosing Wendt Law Firm means working with a team of experienced attorneys who care about your well-being and fight hard for your rights. We focus on giving each case personalized attention and creating strategies that fit your needs. Our thorough investigations and constant communication set us apart from other firms.

We handle different types of accident claims, including those involving motorcycles, trucks, and pedestrians. Our knowledge and skills help us manage your case effectively. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we win your case. This ensures our goals are the same as yours.

At Wendt Law Firm, we are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and getting fair compensation for victims. Our successful track record and compassionate approach make us the right choice for your legal needs. Don’t go through this difficult time alone—call Wendt Law Firm at 816-531-4415 for a free case evaluation. Let us help you get the compensation and peace of mind you deserve.

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