Saint Joseph Car Accident Lawyer

Saint Joseph Car Accident Attorney

If you’ve been involved in a vehicle accident in Saint Joseph, Missouri, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. Between dealing with insurance companies, seeking medical treatment, and repairing or replacing your vehicle, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s where a Saint Joseph car accident lawyer can make a crucial difference. Contact the experienced team at Northland Injury Law to hear about our available legal support for your individual situation.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

Northland Injury Law has represented many families who have lost a loved one due to the negligence of someone else. We are committed to helping those who are victims of car accident injuries. We have recovered millions of dollars for our injured clients. Located in the Northland of Kansas City, we have a combined 50 years of experience and provide legal services throughout Missouri.

We stand out in our legal community because we offer personalized legal representation for your specific case. If our car accident injury Lawyer can help you, call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION at 816-370-5480 or send an email to: [email protected].

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents happen for a variety of reasons. During 2023, Missouri recorded about 991 accident-related fatalities. Fatal and catastrophic car accidents are a major safety issue in our community. If you need help exploring your recovery options and taking immediate action, reach out to a trusted attorney. A lawyer can help investigate what may have caused your accident and establish liability, especially if your accident was caused by a negligent driver.

Many factors contribute to vehicle accidents, and understanding the causes can help establish liability. Some common causes of car crashes include:

• Distracted driving. Texting, using a phone, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving can lead to accidents.
• Speeding. Excessive speed reduces reaction time, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
• Drunk driving. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the leading causes of fatal traffic accidents.
• Weather conditions. Wet, icy, or foggy weather can impair visibility and make roads dangerous.
• Defective auto parts. In some cases, car accidents occur due to a failure of safety components, such as brakes or airbags.

A Saint Joseph lawyer can investigate your accident to determine its cause. Then, they can hold the responsible parties accountable for all your crash-related injuries.

Accident Hotspots in Our Area

Accidents tend to happen in certain areas over time. In Saint Joseph, we unfortunately see accidents far too frequently in the same hotspots, including:

• North Belt Highway & Frederick Avenue
• North Belt Highway & Gene Field Road
• North Belt Highway & Cook Road
• South Belt Highway & Pear Street
• US-169 & South 22nd Street

In these areas, accidents often occur because of unexpected traffic, extended commercial zones, and loads of highway interchanges. These hotspots often see car accidents involving rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and road departures.

Travel with extra caution near these areas, and if you’re unexpectedly involved in a wreck, report the accident to the Saint Joseph Police Department and then call a lawyer. Whether you were hurt while traveling along US-160 or near Frederick Avenue, a lawyer can provide dependable assistance for your car accident property and injury recovery.

Car accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, including: 

• Soft tissue injuries like strains, sprains, and whiplash
• Fractures or broken bones
• Head and brain injuries such as concussions, TBIs
• Spinal injuries, including nerve damage or paralysis
• Internal injuries like organ damage or internal bleeding
• Severe burns
• Psychological injuries like PTSD

These injuries can range from minor to life-threatening and may not be immediately obvious. For this reason, prompt medical evaluation is critical after an accident. Get medical care after your accident, which can ensure you address all your crash-related symptoms and protect your right to future compensation for your damages.

The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer

The team at Northland Injury Law can play a vital role in advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. Here are some of the ways we can help:

1. Handling Insurance Claims. Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, especially when they attempt to minimize your settlement. We can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
2. Investigating the Accident. We can gather crucial evidence, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements, to support your claim.
3. Evaluating Damages. Our team can calculate the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to determine the proper amount of compensation.
4. Representation in Court. If your case proceeds to trial, your attorney will represent your interests in court, ensuring that your side of the story is effectively presented to the judge and jury.

Rollover Accidents: Unique Challenges

Rollover accidents are among the most severe types of vehicle crashes. Due to their violent nature, they often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These accidents are more common in certain types of vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, due to their higher center of gravity.

If you’ve been involved in a rollover accident, it’s essential to have an attorney who understands the complexities of these cases. Rollover accidents often involve questions about vehicle stability, road conditions, and driver behavior. Your lawyer will work to investigate these factors and establish liability, especially if defective auto design played a role in the accident.

Seeking Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

In the aftermath of a car crash, you may be dealing with significant medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation. Missouri allows victims of vehicle accidents to seek compensation for a wide range of damages. These can include:

• Medical costs. Hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and future medical care related to your injuries.
• Lost wages. Compensation for the time you were unable to work due to your injuries.
• Pain and suffering. Non-economic damages account for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
• Property damage. Costs to repair or replace your vehicle.

In cases involving severe negligence, such as a drunk driver or a repeat offender, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages, which are designed to punish the at-fault party.

Wrongful Death Claims

If a loved one has passed away due to a car accident in Saint Joseph, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. Missouri law allows family members to seek compensation for the financial and emotional loss they have experienced due to the wrongful death of a relative. A wrongful death case can include compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and future financial support that the deceased would have provided.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Navigating the insurance process after a car accident can be daunting. The insurance company will often try to settle for as little as possible. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, which is why having an experienced attorney can make a significant difference.

If the at-fault party’s insurance coverage is inadequate—meaning it can’t cover your damages—you may need to explore other options, such as your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or filing a personal injury claim.

What to Do After a Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Saint Joseph, there are several steps you should take to protect your health and your legal rights:

1. Seek Medical Attention. Even if you feel fine, it’s important to get checked by a healthcare professional. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
2. Document the Scene. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries, if possible.
3. File an Accident Report. Missouri law requires an accident report to be filed with the DMV for certain accidents, such as those resulting in injury or significant property damage.
4. Contact a Lawyer. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better they can protect your rights and build a strong case.

Saint Joseph Car Accident Attorney

A Saint Joseph car accident injury lawyer can assist the loved ones of an accident injury victim in seeking compensation.

When you are involved in a motor vehicle accident with another car or semi-truck that is the fault of someone else’s negligence, your first step is to seek medical attention for any injuries sustained. Next, you need to contact accident lawyers well qualified to represent you and get results. We have successfully handled thousands of these types of cases, and helped plaintiffs get compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering and other costs.

It is crucial for you to obtain certain information at the time of your accident. Call the police and file an accident report. This will help determine who was at fault in the accident, and document the facts for court. You should always exchange insurance information with the other party, and take photos of the vehicles and the scene when possible. Witnesses can be crucial to your case, so get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident. This should be adhered to in all types of accidents, from minor fender benders to dangerous truck cases.

When you are involved or injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact your lawyers before speaking with insurance company representatives. Often, the insurance company is looking for any way to avoid responsibility on the part of their driver or to make a cheap, quick settlement. Your car accident lawyers can advise you on what action to take and other information you need to know to insure you are justly compensated for your injuries.

Why is contacting a Saint Joseph personal injury attorney so vital to the outcome of your case? Your lawyer will immediately conduct an investigation, locate witnesses and preserve evidence that is crucial to your case. He will also help you deal with insurance companies and protect your legal rights.

Many people believe that their insurance companies will thoroughly cover any costs incurred by a motor vehicle accident, but the opposite is actually true. Insurance companies want to limit the amount of compensation you get so that they don’t have to pay out a lot of money. However, there are a few best insurance companies that can provide better coverage. We will fight aggressively to ensure you get justice and all the money you are entitled to.

You, as the injured party in a motor vehicle accident, have the burden of proving negligence on the part of the party responsible. Reputable and well qualified accident attorneys will have the expertise it takes to examine every shred of evidence, pinpoint the legal basis for the claim and prove that you, as the plaintiff, are entitled to every penny of compensation you are seeking.

FAQs

What Is the Average Settlement for a Car Accident in Missouri?

The average settlement for a car accident in Missouri can vary depending on the severity of the accident and injuries sustained. Minor accidents and injuries may result in smaller settlements, while severely injured plaintiffs may receive much more to cover the cost of their damages. The final amount depends on medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

How Long After a Car Accident Can You Sue in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is five years from the date of the accident. This means that you must initiate legal proceedings within this time frame, or you risk losing your right to seek compensation. This is why it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer soon after your accident,

How Long Does a Person Have to File an Accident Report in Missouri?

Missouri law requires that an accident report must be filed within 30 days of the incident if the accident resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Any failure to file a report could result in penalties, including fines and suspension of driving privileges. Don’t wait; report your accident immediately.

What Happens if the Person at Fault in an Accident Has No Insurance in Missouri?

Car insurance is required in Missouri; however, Missouri allows victims to file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage. If you do not have this coverage, you may still be able to file a personal injury claim against the at-fault party to recover damages. Collecting compensation from an uninsured individual can be more challenging. Reach out to an attorney to hear how they can help with an uninsured motorist accident.

Saint Joseph Car Accident Lawyer

When you need to hire a car accident lawyer for your Missouri automotive accident, connect with Northland Injury Law. Our attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience and extensive law firm resources that can benefit your specific situation. We have helped prior clients throughout Missouri recover millions of dollars for their personal injury claims. Wherever you live in Buchanan County, we’re ready to discuss your situation.

You should not choose legal representation from an attorney who lacks experience and the skills needed to win your case. Choose Saint Joseph lawyers who have a proven track record and years of experience representing auto accident victims. The trial lawyers at Northland Injury Law can fight aggressively for your rights and apply our knowledge in and out of the courtroom to make sure you get every bit of the compensation you deserve.

If you have received auto accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you need a car accident injury lawyer. We are also a truck accident law firm. Call us today to get a FREE consultation for your potential personal injury accident case.