Top 3 Questions After a Car Accident Injury in Missouri

As a seasoned Missouri personal injury attorney, I have counseled countless clients through the often overwhelming aftermath of car accidents.

The confusion and urgency of the situation can lead to a flood of questions about what to do next and how to secure your rights and well-being.

To help clear some of the fog that surrounds these incidents, let’s address the three most pressing questions that may arise after experiencing a car accident injury in Missouri.

1. How do I handle medical bills and treatment?

The immediate concern after any car accident is to address your medical needs. Missouri law requires that your insurance company include “MedPay,” which provides for your initial medical expenses up to your policy limit.

But what happens when your medical needs exceed this amount, or when dealing with ongoing treatment?

Here’s where understanding the ins and outs of insurance coverage becomes crucial. If the accident was not your fault, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover additional costs.

However, securing payment from another’s insurer can be complex and fraught with delays.

In cases of serious injury, the amount offered by insurance may not suffice due to long-term care or permanent disability. That’s when an attorney can step in to ensure you receive full compensation, possibly through a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

Remember, seeking prompt medical treatment and keeping thorough records of all your medical visits, procedures, and prescriptions is essential.

These records serve as vital evidence should you need to pursue a legal claim to cover your expenses and compensate for pain and suffering.

2. What if I can’t work because of my injury?

Loss of income can be one of the most stressful aspects of recovering from an auto accident. If you’re unable to work, the financial strain can become as challenging as the physical recovery.

Missouri law allows for recovery of lost wages in your claim. However, proving lost wages and the potential for future loss of earnings requires meticulous documentation and often expert testimony.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can assist you in claiming past and future lost wages as part of your compensation.

We work with vocational experts to project future losses and negotiate with insurers or present evidence in court to ensure you are compensated not just for the time you’ve already missed but for any impact on your future earning capacity.

3. How long do I have to file a claim, and what can I expect from the legal process?

In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This period, known as the statute of limitations, allows victims ample time to discover the full extent of their injuries and to take legal action.

However, it’s advisable to initiate the process as soon as possible while evidence is fresh and witnesses’ memories are reliable.

Once you file a claim, the legal process involves several stages, starting with a thorough investigation of the accident, gathering of evidence, and documentation of your injuries and losses.

Settlement negotiations often follow the investigation phase. Most cases settle out of court, but if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your case may go to trial.

Throughout this process, your attorney will handle the legal heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Our role includes communicating with insurance companies, filing necessary paperwork, and advocating for your best interests. We’re prepared to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to secure the compensation you deserve.

In conclusion, after a car accident injury, your focus should be on healing. But you don’t have to navigate the recovery alone.

With a knowledgeable Missouri personal injury attorney by your side, you can find the answers to your pressing questions and the support you need to manage the challenges that follow an accident.

We stand ready to fight for the justice and compensation you are entitled to receive, so you can look forward to a future that’s defined not by your accident, but by your resilience and strength.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Missouri, contact us for a free consultation. We’re here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld every step of the way.