Get Fair Compensation After Your Crash
Motor vehicle accidents can turn your life upside down in seconds. When you need a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Liberty, MO, timing is everything. These accidents happen daily on I-35, Missouri Route 152, and other busy roads in Clay County, leaving victims with mounting medical bills and lost wages.
After a car crash, you might wonder about your next steps. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for less than you deserve. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to reduce their payouts. Without proper legal help, you might accept an offer that won’t cover your long-term needs.
Missouri law gives you rights after an accident, but there are strict deadlines to file your claim. A lawyer who knows Liberty’s local courts and state laws can stand up to insurance companies while you focus on getting better.
Key Takeaways:
- After a motor vehicle accident in Liberty, timing and proper legal help are vital for fair compensation. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for less than you deserve, but you have rights under Missouri law. A lawyer can protect these rights while you focus on recovery.
- Missouri follows an “at-fault” system where the person who caused the accident must pay for damages. You have five years to file a lawsuit, but quick action helps gather evidence and build a strong case. Even if you’re partly at fault, you can still receive compensation under Missouri’s comparative fault rule.
- Your compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Keep all accident-related records and get medical help within 24 hours, even if you feel fine. Taking photos, gathering witness information, and avoiding recorded statements to insurance companies help protect your claim.
Common Motor Vehicle Accidents in Liberty
Different types of vehicle crashes can happen at any time, leading to serious injuries and property damage. Understanding these accident types helps you know what to expect during the claims process.
Rear-end collisions often occur during rush hour traffic, especially on highways and busy streets. These crashes can cause whiplash, back injuries, and significant vehicle damage. Side-impact accidents are common at intersections and can result in severe injuries to drivers and passengers.
Head-on collisions, while less frequent, are among the most dangerous types of accidents. They often lead to serious injuries that require long-term medical care. Weather conditions can make any type of accident more likely, particularly during winter months when roads become slick.
Your Rights After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Every driver should know their basic rights after an accident. These rights protect you and help ensure you receive fair treatment during the claims process. Here’s what you need to know about your legal rights:
Your key rights include:
- Getting medical treatment without delay
- Obtaining a copy of the police report
- Taking photos of the accident scene
- Getting witness contact information
- Refusing to give recorded statements to insurance companies
- Seeking fair compensation for your losses
Missouri law gives you five years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for damages. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence and build a strong case. Insurance companies may also question why you delayed taking action.
Under state law, you can still seek compensation even if you were partly at fault. Missouri follows the “pure comparative fault” rule, which means your settlement may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Your compensation may cover medical bills, future care costs, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and other accident-related expenses.
What to Do After an Accident in Liberty, MO
The steps you take after a motor vehicle accident can affect your right to compensation. Quick action helps protect your health and strengthens your claim for damages. Here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911 right away – Report the accident and get help to the scene. This creates an official record and ensures everyone’s safety.
- Stay at the accident scene – Unless it’s unsafe, remain there until police arrive. Moving away might be seen as leaving the scene.
- Take clear photos – Document all vehicle damage, injuries, road conditions, and traffic signs. Photos from different angles help prove what happened.
- Get witness information – Ask people who saw the crash for their names and phone numbers. Witness statements can support your claim later.
- See a doctor within 24 hours – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Some injuries take days to show symptoms, and medical records help prove your case.
- Report to insurance – Tell your insurance company about the accident, but stick to basic facts. Don’t discuss fault or give recorded statements.
Remember to keep all accident-related bills and records. Also, write down what you remember about the crash while it’s fresh in your memory. Most people forget important details as time passes.
How Insurance Claims Work in Missouri
Filing an insurance claim after a car accident can feel overwhelming. Many drivers don’t know what to expect, and one wrong move could affect their payment.
Missouri follows an “at-fault” system for car accidents. This means the person who caused the accident must pay for the damages. Most drivers carry insurance that pays these costs, but insurance companies often try to pay less than claims are worth.
The claims process starts when you file with the insurance company. They will assign an adjuster who looks into the accident. The adjuster reviews the police report, photos, medical records, and repair bills. They might also ask for a recorded statement – but you have the right to decline until you get legal advice.
Insurance companies base their offers on many factors. They look at medical costs, lost wages, and property damage. But they might not consider future medical needs or long-term effects of your injuries. That’s why many people get help to make sure they receive fair payment.
Types of Compensation Available
Money can’t undo an accident, but it can help you recover and move forward. After a motor vehicle accident, you may qualify for several types of payments to cover your losses.
Medical Expenses
All medical care costs are part of your claim, from emergency room visits to long-term treatment. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, and medications. If you need ongoing care, future medical costs can be part of your claim too.
Lost Income
When injuries keep you from working, you can claim those lost wages. This includes any sick days or vacation time you had to use. If your injuries affect your ability to work in the future or force you to change jobs, you can seek payment for reduced earning power.
Property Damage
Beyond fixing or replacing your vehicle, you can claim other property losses. This includes rental car costs while your car is being repaired, personal items that were damaged, and any towing or storage fees you paid.
Pain and Suffering
The law allows payment for physical pain and emotional effects of the accident. This includes how injuries have changed your daily life, affected your family relationships, and limited your activities. These changes matter when valuing your claim.
Why Do I Need a Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Liberty, MO?
After an accident, you might wonder if hiring a lawyer really makes a difference. Insurance companies often say you don’t need one. Here’s the truth about why legal help matters.
Legal Time Limits. A lawyer makes sure you file your claim on time. Missouri’s deadline laws can be confusing. Missing these deadlines means losing your right to seek payment, no matter how strong your case is.
Insurance Company. Tactics Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers protecting their interests. They handle claims every day and know how to reduce payments. Without legal help, you might not know if their offer is fair or far too low.
Evidence and Paperwork. Building a strong claim takes work. A lawyer knows what evidence you need, how to get it, and how to present it properly. They handle the paperwork while you focus on getting better.
Call our Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer in Liberty, MO, Now!
The legal team at Noland Law Firm, LLC stands ready to help with your motor vehicle accident case in Liberty, MO. Beyond accident cases, we help families affected by daycare abuse and neglect, fight for victims of nursing home mistreatment, support workers hurt on the job, and represent families in wrongful death cases. Contact us today for a free consultation.
