Car accidents are a devastating reality of today’s life. No matter how careful you are in driving your car, you can still be prone to accidents. In the aftermath of a car accident, you can be dealing with the overwhelming physical and emotional toll. Thankfully, you have some relief if the accident resulted from the negligence of another party. With the assistance of an attorney from Call & Gentry Law Firm, you can take legal action and seek compensation for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Particularly, you can bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit following a Columbia car crash.
The Legal Steps Involved When Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
If you want to take legal action against the driver responsible for the accident that resulted in your injuries, below are the steps you should take:
- Document the accident. To initiate a car accident lawsuit, you need to have the name, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers of the at-fault party. Also, you should document the crash scene through photos, videos, and witness statements. This must be done as soon as possible because evidence may no longer be available and witnesses may be difficult to reach later.
- Filing an accident report. Following a car accident, call the authorities immediately. The police can help with any necessary medical assistance and play an important role in collecting evidence and witness statements. Fault determination involves several factors and the police can have their account of who caused the crash based on their investigation.
- File a claim with your insurer. Car accidents should be reported when they involve personal injuries, property damage worth more than $500, and death. Your insurance provider will investigate your accident to determine fault. It will evaluate your damages and make a settlement offer. Sadly, this offer may not reflect all your losses, which can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, and lost income.
- Filing a lawsuit. If you and the insurer cannot reach a settlement agreement, you can sue the driver responsible for the accident. In Missouri, you have five years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. It’s important to seek guidance and advice from a skilled personal injury attorney through the legal process. You need them to help you prepare legal documents, collect evidence, and give you court representation.
Kinds of Compensation You Can Seek
Determining the kind and amount of recoverable compensation after a car accident in Columbia involves considering many factors. One important thing to consider is where the crash took place. Missouri car accidents can lead to different kinds of compensation. As an accident victim, you can be compensated for the following:
- Medical expenses. After a crash, your injuries may require medical treatment, rehabilitation, surgery, and ongoing treatment, depending on their severity. Medical expenses can include medication costs, hospital bills, and therapy sessions that you may need today and in the future. Keep your medical bills and records to make sure you get fair compensation.
- Property damage. If your vehicle suffered serious damage or got totaled, you deserve to be compensated for it. Property damage compensation can cover the repair or replacement costs. Also, it can compensate for damages to belongings in the accident like laptops.
- Lost wages. If your injuries have left you unable to work for a while, your claim can include compensation for lost wages. This compensation can include not only reimbursement for missed work and future lost earning capacity if you suffer long-term or permanent injuries.
Car accidents can be life-altering, leading to serious physical, financial, and emotional challenges. Working with an attorney can make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to.
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