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.
Types Of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Our attorneys have handled a wide range of collision cases throughout the Lake of the Ozarks area. Below are some of the most common types we take on:
- Rear-end collisions: These crashes often involve clear liability, but insurance companies may still dispute fault by claiming the front driver stopped suddenly or contributed to the accident.
- Hit-and-run crashes: When a driver flees the scene, we work quickly to gather surveillance footage, witness accounts and other evidence that can help identify the at-fault party.
- Drunk-driving crashes: These cases may involve police reports, field sobriety tests and toxicology results that help establish impairment and support punitive damages.
- Commercial-vehicle collisions: Crashes involving trucks or delivery vehicles can bring multiple parties into the claim, including the driver’s employer, and often require review of logbooks, maintenance records and company policies.
- Accidents involving tourists: Visitors to the Lake of the Ozarks may carry out-of-state insurance, which can complicate claims and require coordination across state lines.
No matter what type of accident you were involved in, we know how to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you need.
Car Accident Injuries And Their Impact
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 and foot injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Crush injuries
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Permanent impairment and disability
Medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs can place an enormous burden on you and your family. We take every case seriously and work hard to make sure your losses are fully accounted for when pursuing your claim.
Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Car Accidents
When a negligent driver causes a crash that takes someone’s life, the family left behind deserves answers and accountability.
Under Missouri law, certain family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This can help the surviving family recover compensation for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of financial support your loved one provided and the emotional toll of their absence. While these damages cannot undo your loss, they can help ease some of the burdens you are now facing.
Missouri’s wrongful death statute generally allows up to three years to file a claim. However, waiting can make it harder to preserve evidence and build a strong case. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin investigating the crash, identifying who was at fault and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Common Causes Of Lake Of The Ozarks Car Accidents
Many collisions occur because a driver failed to follow traffic laws or drive safely for the conditions. Common forms of negligence we see in Missouri car accident cases include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Impaired driving
- Unsafe passing
- Tailgating
- Failure to yield or obey traffic signals and signs
- Driver fatigue
- Poor vehicle maintenance
Determining who is legally responsible for a car accident is not always straightforward. In some cases, more than one party may share fault. Liability can extend beyond the at-fault driver to include their employer, a vehicle owner, a manufacturer or even a government entity responsible for road maintenance. Our attorneys investigate every angle of your case to identify all responsible parties and pursue full compensation.
Compensation Available After A Missouri Car Accident
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.
Car Accident Claims For Lake Of The Ozarks Visitors
The Lake of the Ozarks draws millions of visitors each year to Osage Beach, Lake Ozark, Camdenton and surrounding communities in Camden County, Miller County and Morgan County. As a result, the region has seen its fair share of vehicle accidents every year.
We represent drivers, passengers, rental-car users, motorcycle riders and families who were hurt while on vacation, passing through or attending local events. We understand the challenges you face when handling a claim from another state. You may have already returned home, and coordinating with Missouri insurers, obtaining crash records and preserving rental-car documentation can feel overwhelming. Our attorneys handle the process remotely through phone, email or video calls. We gather the evidence, deal with the insurance companies and help document travel-related expenses tied to your accident.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents
Car accidents can be devastating, and the path to recovering 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.
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.
