St. Peters, St. Charles County Car Accident
Car accidents are unfortunately all too common on the roads of St. Peters and throughout St. Charles County. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, involving not only physical injuries but emotional trauma and financial burden, as well.
If you suffered an injury in a car accident, understanding your legal rights is crucial to recovering the compensation you deserve. Contact Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC, for a free consultation to discuss your case and for help managing the injury claims process.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Peters, Missouri
There are a variety of causes of car accidents, many of which have to do with the negligence of one or more parties. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in St. Peters include:
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is among the leading causes of car accidents in Missouri. Activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or browsing social media while driving significantly increase the risk of an accident. If a distracted driver crashed into you, proving they were distracted may be essential to your injury case.
- Speeding – Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents. It reduces the driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of a crash.
- Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol and drug impairment significantly increase the likelihood of a car accident. In Missouri, drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or above are legally impaired. However, impairment can also begin before reaching that BAC level.
- Reckless Driving – Aggressive driving behaviors, including tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights or stop signs, increase the risk of an accident. Your car accident attorney may be able to acquire video evidence of the at-fault driver’s reckless driving leading up to the accident.
- Weather Conditions – Drivers who don’t adjust their driving to accommodate adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, can endanger those around them.
- Vehicle Malfunctions – In some cases, malfunctions cause accidents, such as if a wheel comes off a car, and in other cases, they can worsen injuries, such as if your airbags don’t deploy after a heavy impact.
Common Injuries Suffered in Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some of the most common injuries faced after a car accident include:
- Whiplash – Whiplash is a common rear-end collision injury that occurs when the neck suddenly jolts back and forth.
- Broken Bones – The force of a collision can lead to fractures and breaks, particularly in the arms, legs, and ribs.
- Head Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when the brain strikes the skull and range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – Damage to the spine can cause partial or complete paralysis, often leading to a permanent impact on the victim’s daily life.
- Internal Injuries – Some of the most dangerous injuries after a car accident are internal injuries because symptoms can take hours, days, or even weeks to appear.
- Lacerations – Broken glass and objects within your vehicle may cause lacerations after another driver crashes into you.
What Types of Compensation Are Available to Car Accident Victims?
After suffering a car accident injury, you may wonder what kinds of compensation are available to you. The most common losses victims seek compensation for include:
- Medical Expenses – Your past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, treatments, hospital stays, prescriptions, and physical therapy, make up a large portion of your compensation.
- Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working entirely or at the capacity you once could, you can seek compensation for lost wages and loss of future earnings potential.
- Pain and Suffering – The physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced due to your injuries are compensable losses.
- Loss of Consortium – If your injuries are severe enough that your spouse is now your primary caretaker, they can seek compensation for the loss of their spousal relationship.
- Property Damage – If you suffered injuries in a car accident, your vehicle likely also suffered damage that you can seek compensation to repair.
Who Will Pay for My Car Accident Injuries in St. Charles County?
As a fault-based state, Missouri drivers injured in car accidents file their claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or their policy limit doesn’t cover the full extent of your losses, you may be able to file a claim for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage with your own insurance carrier.
If the driver who caused your injuries was driving a company vehicle within the course and scope of his employment, you may also be able to file a claim against their employer. And if a manufacturing defect led to your injuries, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Fault After a Car Accident?
Proving fault is the critical element in any car accident claim. Some evidence you can use to support your claim includes.
- Accident Scene Photographs – Make sure to take photographs of all vehicles involved in the crash, the full extent of the damage, and any injuries you have.
- Witness Statements – Collect eyewitness contact information so your attorney can follow up to get their statements.
- Medical Records – Receive ongoing treatment for your injuries and request copies of your medical records.
- Expert Testimony – Your attorney may hire expert witnesses, such as a crash reconstruction specialist, to provide testimony on technical aspects of your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Claim in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits not resulting in death, including those arising from car accidents, requires you to file a lawsuit within five years after an accident. Failing to file within this period may result in the courts barring you from recovering compensation.
Additionally, the insurance company will likely have a time limit on when you can file your insurance claim, so it’s essential to file that claim as soon as possible. An attorney can help you gather the documentation you need to file your claim, such as an accident report from the St. Peters Police Department.
Car Accident Attorney Serving St. Peters, Missouri
Were you injured in a car accident in St. Peters, Missouri? The car accident attorneys at Ryan R. Cox & Associates, LLC, are here to help. Our team can provide the legal guidance and representation you need to pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact our law office today for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Driving Directions to Our St. Charles Law Office
Follow the driving directions below to reach our St. Charles County law office at 320 N. 5th Street, St. Charles, MO 63301, from anywhere in Missouri.
From the North:
- Take I-70 E toward St. Charles
- Take the exit for 5th St
- Turn left onto N 5th St
- The destination will be on the right
From the South:
- Take I-70 W toward St. Charles
- Take exit 229B for 5th St
- Turn left onto N 5th St
- The destination will be on the right
From the East:
- Take I-70 W toward St. Charles
- Take exit 229 for 5th St
- Turn left onto N 5th St
- The destination will be on the right
From the West:
- Take I-70 E toward St. Charles
- Take the exit for 5th St
- Turn right onto N 5th St
- The destination will be on the right