Collisions between cars remain a leading cause of personal injuries throughout the state. In order to recover compensation after an auto wreck, you need to prove another motorist’s actions were the cause of your accident. This can require gathering evidence as well as in-depth knowledge of civil law.
A Ballwin car accident lawyer may be able to provide help in both these areas. An experienced local attorney could explain your rights, gather the relevant evidence concerning the crash, evaluate how the collision has changed your life, and demand proper payments to cover your losses.
Car accidents are always serious events. Even at low speeds, these collisions can inflict harsh physical injuries and substantial property damage. These injuries can require a variety of medical treatments, including an ambulance ride, an ER visit, surgery, and rehabilitation.
In addition to physical harm and financial losses, car crashes can have severe impacts on a person’s quality of life. Permanent disability or disfigurement, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium are all compensable losses as well. Since a car wreck can result in someone being unable to work, a Ballwin attorney could also help them seek compensation for lost wages.
In civil cases, it is the responsibility of the plaintiff to establish liability by proving the defendant was behaving in a reckless or careless manner. There are two main ways to accomplish this. The first is to show that an accident was the product of another driver’s illegal activity. Common examples include:
If the defendant driver were issued a traffic citation at the time of the wreck, that could be used as evidence of fault. As such, it is important to obtain the police report from the car crash.
The second method of proving fault is showing that human error led to the collision. Missouri uses the concept called pure comparative negligence to assign fault for accidents. This means that a court must look at the actions of both drivers and assign each a percentage of fault for the accident. A plaintiff’s recoverable damages will then be proportionately reduced by their assigned percentage of blame.
Notably, there is a time limit that controls how long after an accident a person has to demand compensation. According to Missouri Revised Statute § 516.120, the statute of limitations is five years. By speaking with an attorney in the area soon after a motor vehicle accident, an injured driver could ensure they do not miss this important deadline.
If you have suffered losses after a car crash, you deserve the compensation that you need to set things right. A Ballwin car accident lawyer may be able to help. Our reliable team could explain the law, gather evidence concerning the crash, and protect your case from aggressive insurance companies. Contact our office today to learn more.
