Lake Of The Ozarks Car Accident Lawyers
Were you injured in a car accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver? You can take a very important step to securing fair compensation for the resulting medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. With help from one of our car accident attorneys, you can feel confident that fair compensation will be obtained on your behalf.
Bergmanis Law Firm, L.L.C., handles all car accident claims on a contingency basis. This means you pay no attorney fees to our law firm unless we obtain a recovery. Our auto accident lawyers are prepared to aggressively fight for your rights as an injured person. Schedule your free consultation by calling 573-317-4156 or contacting us online.
Skilled Attorneys Fighting For Your Compensation
Our Missouri auto accident attorneys have successfully handled hundreds of car accident claims. We are skilled trial attorneys who fight hard to protect your rights and who will try your case to a jury if necessary. We do not shy away from the courtroom. We are also skilled negotiators and trial attorneys who have been able to secure millions of dollars for our clients through settlements, judgments, and verdicts.
Our attorneys protect the rights of motorists who have sustained catastrophic injuries, including, but not limited to:
- Brain and head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Arm and shoulder injuries
- Wrist and hand injuries
- Hip and leg injuries
- Ankle & foot injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
We also handle fatal car accident claims. If a loved one died in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, please talk to us about your options in pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Car accidents can be devastating, and the path to recover the compensation you deserve can be confusing and overwhelming. Below are answers to some common questions about car accidents in Missouri.
What are the most dangerous roads in Missouri?
Missouri has several hazardous roads, but State Route 5 is particularly dangerous. Spanning 650 miles, it is Missouri’s longest highway and runs through the Lake of the Ozarks – known for sharp curves, narrow lanes and heavy tourist traffic.
These factors, combined with inclement weather and high speeds, contribute to frequent accidents. If you travel on State Route 5 or other high-risk roads, such as Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, exercise caution, maintain safe speeds and stay alert to reduce your risk of an accident.
What should I do after a car accident?
After a car accident, your safety is the top priority. Follow these steps:
- Be safe: If possible, move to a safe area and check for injuries.
- Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if needed.
- Exchange information: Collect contact and insurance details from other drivers.
- Document the scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions and injuries.
- Avoid admitting fault: Stick to factual statements when speaking to others involved.
- Contact your insurance company: Notify them about the accident.
- Consult an attorney: Seek legal advice if injuries or damages are involved.
By following these steps, you can minimize mistakes that can impact your insurance claim and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Missouri follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault and incurred $10,000 in damages, you would be eligible to receive $8,000. It is crucial to consult a lawyer to protect your rights and help ensure fault is fairly assessed.
How long do I have to file a claim after a car accident?
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. If the accident resulted in a fatality, the time frame to file a wrongful death claim is three years.
What compensation can be recovered after a car accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, you can recover compensation for economic and noneconomic losses from a car accident. It is important to understand the difference between these types of damages. Economic losses are those that can be calculated based on tangible financial losses from a personal injury such as a car accident. Examples include:
- Damage to your vehicle
- Medical costs
- Lost income and benefits, retirement, etc.
- Loss of your future earning capacity
- Loss of your contributions to the household
- Funeral expenses and burial costs in wrongful death cases
Some of these losses, such as medical expenses and loss of income, will be calculated for your past and future losses as well as your current financial losses. We often work with medical experts and other professionals to calculate the full value of your claim.
You may also seek compensation for noneconomic damages, which can include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium/the personal loss of a loved one
- Disfigurement or disability
These types of damages may also be valued for your past and future losses. When you meet with us, we will discuss what to expect and the value of your claim.
Does Bergmanis Law Firm, L.L.C., represent tourists after a car accident?
Yes, we often represent tourists who were injured in a car accident while vacationing in or traveling through Missouri. We offer this service to out-of-town visitors so they can easily be represented by a respected Lake of the Ozarks personal injury law firm. As a very popular tourist destination, the Lake of the Ozarks region is the scene of many vehicle accidents every year.
We take straightforward and complex car accident cases, including those involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. As your lawyers, we will investigate the cause of the accident and determine who is liable for the crash. Then we will hold the negligent party accountable for your financial and personal losses. While we often settle car accident cases out of court, we are prepared to go to trial when that is in our clients’ best interests.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement?
No, you should not accept the insurance company’s settlement offer without discussing it with a lawyer first. Insurance companies routinely offer settlements that are lower than injury victims deserve. If you accept their offer, you may not have enough compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In addition, accepting their offer may mean that you cannot make another claim for more compensation. Do not sign any paperwork without speaking to an attorney. We can evaluate the offer and inform you of your options.
Contact Us To Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not wait to schedule your free initial consultation at the Bergmanis Law Firm, L.L.C. You can call us locally at 573-317-4156. You may also contact us online. We also offer evening and weekend consultations.
