Car Accidents

Defending Your Rights After A Car Accident

According to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration, in 2018 alone, over 2.7 million people were injured and over 36,000 killed in motor vehicle collisions. As the numbers suggest, motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States.

Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC, has years of experience representing clients after every type of vehicular accident possible. We know how to investigate the accident itself, gather evidence, and successfully litigate against insurance companies and other parties to get you the results you need. Whether that means pressing for a strong settlement or litigating until a positive verdict is reached, we’ll be there fighting for you every step of the way.

Experience In Many Different Areas Of The Law

There are many types of vehicle accidents, and other situations related to them, that can have a big impact on your case. Learn more about specific vehicle accident topics by clicking the links below:

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents?

Motor vehicle accidents can be caused for any number of reasons, but the most common causes are speeding, not paying attention, distractions inside the car, including cell phones, driving too fast for weather conditions, failing to yield, and a failure to obey traffic signals.

How many people are hurt or killed a year in motor vehicle accidents?

In the U.S. alone, 2.7 million people were injured and over 36,000 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2018.

What should I do if I’m hurt in a motor vehicle accident?

Please see “What Should I Do If I’m Hurt in an Accident”.

Can I be injured even if there is no significant physical damage to my vehicle?

Yes. Insurance companies and at-fault drivers are prone to argue that if there is insignificant or even non-visible damage to an automobile in an accident, this automatically means that physical injury to the occupant cannot result. This is simply not true. Just as a person can walk away from a terribly damaged vehicle without any injuries, an occupant of a vehicle with little or no visible damage can sustain injury. When any motor vehicle is struck at any speed, forces are put in motion which can cause injury. Furthermore, some people are more prone to injury given pre-existing conditions such as spinal stenosis and degeneration, in which even a minor amount of force can cause an injury to become symptomatic and painful.

What are some common distractions that cause motor vehicle accidents?

Common distractions inside a motor vehicle which can lead to accidents and collisions include cell phone use, adjusting a radio dial, children, eating and drinking, exhaustion, unfamiliarity with an area, text messaging, and applying makeup.

How can I encourage others to minimize distractions?

We should all encourage others to drive safely and to minimize any distractions while driving. First, you should know where you’re going and how you’re getting there. Second, you should never eat or drink inside your car. Third, we should all encourage others not to use cell phones while driving. Of particular concern is texting others while driving. Some municipalities and states have passed legislation banning such activity.

Who can I sue if I am injured in a motor vehicle accident?

Anyone who contributes to causing a motor vehicle accident can be sued for damages. Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. This means that even if someone is 99% at fault, he or she can still recover 1% of his or her damages. Oftentimes, vehicles are owned or operated by businesses or used during the scope or course of employment. Under such circumstances, the owners of the vehicle can be pursued for damages via vicarious liability.

How much can I recover?

Recovery for injuries and damages in motor vehicle accidents depend on a number of factors. Such factors include but are not limited to, the liability of the parties, comparative fault, the nature and extent of injury, the amount of lost wages, credibility of witnesses, the underlying facts, insurance coverage, and the collectability of a judgment. Unfortunately, there is no mathematical formula that determines the value of each individual claim. However, when your damages become reasonably certain, Mr. Cox can discuss potential values with you.

When should I call a lawyer?

Your first priority should always be receiving appropriate medical treatment. After this, it’s never too soon to contact an attorney. You must keep in mind that your case has a statute of limitations, or a time period within which you must file suit in court or be forever barred from any recovery. Even if you are well within the limitations period, timely legal advice can be critical.

Don’t Wait. Call Today

To discuss your case and learn more about your options, call our office in St. Charles at 636-946-6886. You can also fill out our contact form online.