Make the best decision for your case
Car accidents happen every day in Springfield and across the state of Missouri. It only takes a split second for a crash to occur. Many of the car accidents in Springfield, MO leave people seriously injured. In the aftermath of a car accident, insurance companies will often offer a small sum amount of compensation, that will not completely cover the accident expenses, forcing you to pay some out of pocket.
If you have suffered an injury because of a car accident, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention and contact an attorney. Here’s why.
What to do after a car accident in Springfield, MO
Seeing a doctor after your car accident should be your first priority. You may think to skip this step, especially if you feel no symptoms or pain. But you will never know if you are truly injured or the full extent of your injuries unless you are checked out by a doctor. What you thought was a simple injury could turn out to be something serious. As soon as possible, go to the emergency department at a local hospital like Mercy Hospital Springfield or CoxHealth, an urgent care center, or your primary care provider. Tell the doctor about all your symptoms and follow their instructions.
Receiving medical care is not only important for your health but your case. It creates a medical record of your injuries that your attorney can use to build your case for compensation. If you wait to see a doctor, the insurance company may use the delay as an excuse to deny your claim.
Then, as soon as you can, contact a car accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help you in many ways. As you are healing, they can begin investigating the details of your case step by step and put the pieces together to build you a strong case.
Car accident injuries
You can suffer severe injuries after a car accident, and some can be life-altering. With the force of impact involved in a car accident, serious damage to your body is likely. Some common car accident injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Burns, contusions, and lacerations
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Psychological injuries
Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be unable to work and require significant medical treatment. The long-term cost of a car accident injury can easily be in the tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s why you need to be made financially whole.
What you can be compensated for
A car accident is a traumatic experience that can drastically change the lives of anyone involved. Trying to recover compensation after your accident can be challenging. While you may know that you are entitled to financial compensation, you may not be aware of the specifics. A car accident attorney will fight for your deserved compensation, including compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including medication, medical treatment, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical care
- Lost wages and lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Disability or disfigurement
- Property damages
The bottom line is that you should be compensated for everything you’ve lost due to the accident. An experienced lawyer can help you advocate for the full cost of your accident, including both short-term and long-term expenses.
Reasons to hire a Missouri car accident attorney
In a car accident case, an experienced attorney has a vital role. Here are some reasons why it is in your best interest to hire a car accident lawyer.
Knowledge is power
As the victim of the accident, your main priority should be recovering from your injuries. You don’t need the unnecessary stress from trying to understand the legal process that comes after an accident. You may not be aware of what laws apply to your accident or the full extent of your damages.
A car accident lawyer will know how to handle your case. They have firsthand experience handling cases like yours and will fight to get you your deserved compensation. They know the ins and outs of the legal world, how to deal with insurance companies, how to investigate your accident, and how to negotiate your compensation.
Proving liability
In some car accidents, you may think it is obvious who was at fault, but proving liability is easier said than done. Even with witness testimony and a police report, many factors can affect the determination of which driver was at fault. In addition, an accident may have more than one liable party. An experienced car accident attorney can get to the bottom of what happened and prove that the other driver is responsible for your injuries.
Negotiating compensation
An experienced car accident attorney can determine the total value of your case and negotiate for it. Your attorney can ensure that you receive the compensation needed so that you will not suffer any financial burdens after your car accident. Experienced attorneys know how to build cases that the insurance companies can’t ignore, how to negotiate for maximum value, and how to put pressure on the insurance company to pay up.
Filing a lawsuit, if necessary
While you aren’t legally required to have a lawyer in order to file a lawsuit, it’s absolutely in your interest to do so. Car accident attorneys know the law and the legal deadlines that apply to car accident claims in Missouri. Ideally, you want a lawyer who has trial experience – while most cases do settle out of court, a trial lawyer who knows the whole process is best-equipped to advocate for your interests at each stage.
Talk to a Springfield car accident attorney
Besides seeking medical attention, getting legal advice is the most important thing you can do after a car accident. You don’t have to go at it alone. It is in your best interest to let a professional deal with your claim, but it is critical that you act fast. The sooner you get in contact with a lawyer, the better. Evidence can disappear and legal deadlines expire.
You can talk to a lawyer during a free consultation before agreeing to hire them. A free consultation allows you to learn about your legal rights and options, discuss your potential case, and ask any questions you may have. And if you are worried about how much it is to hire a lawyer, don’t. Most car accident law firms offer a contingency fee payment system that allows everyone to be able to afford legal representation – if you don’t win your case, you don’t owe your lawyer a cent.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, don’t wait to talk to a lawyer. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced Springfield.
