When you’re in a car accident, you may not be sure if your own driving behavior played a part in the crash. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries from the other driver. However, the amount of compensation you can receive will vary based on Missouri’s pure comparative negligence laws. That’s why you need a skilled Missouri car accident attorney to help you sort through what happened and determine liability, so you can obtain fair compensation.
What Is Comparative Negligence in Missouri?
Determining who should be held responsible for an accident can be complicated, especially when multiple parties share some of the blame. Missouri follows a comparative negligence principle which means even if you’re partially at fault for an accident, you can still receive money for your damages. The state of Missouri allows accident victims to pursue compensation even if they were up to 99% at fault in the accident.
Example of Comparative Negligence in a Car Wreck Involving Multiple Parties
- Driver A files suit against Driver B. Driver A’s damages are determined to be $60,000. At trial, the jury determines Driver B to be 100% at fault. Damages due to Driver A would be the full $60,000.
- Driver A files suit against Driver B. Driver A’s damages are determined to be $60,000. At trial, the jury determines Driver A to be 20% at fault and Driver B to be 80% at fault. Damages due to Driver A would be $48,000 (80% of the $60,000).
Negligent Actions That Can Affect the Percentage of Fault Awarded
- Drunk or drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy or fatigued driving
- Driving with motor vehicle defects
- Poor driving in adverse weather conditions
How a Missouri Car Accident Attorney Can Help You
John and Paul Beck can help you navigate the legal process after you are involved in a car accident. In addition to helping you understand your legal rights and options, an experienced car accident attorney can:
Provide Legal Expertise
Beck & Beck is the only firm in Missouri that focuses exclusively on Missouri auto accident cases, and our extensive knowledge of this area of law means you can feel confident in our counsel. We understand Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations that restricts how long you have to recover damages, so it is important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible.
Gather Evidence
The details of a car accident are very important because a person who got hurt needs to show that the other driver acted negligently. An attorney can help collect police reports, medical records, and witness statements that are related to your case. Additionally, an attorney can collect video evidence of your accident. It’s possible that there were business video cameras in the area or home security cameras that captured the crash. An attorney will investigate if any videos exist, how to ensure the footage isn’t deleted, and how to best use them in your case.
Negotiate for a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies frequently try to resolve car accident cases swiftly and with minimal payout. However, an experienced car accident lawyer can take over negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
Communicate With the Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so they want to pay you as little compensation as possible. They will use a variety of tricks to reduce the amount of damages they owe the accident victim. After you’ve been injured, an insurance adjuster will likely call sounding sympathetic and understanding. But their goal is to get you to say something or give information to use against you later. When you hire a skilled accident attorney, they will handle all communication with unscrupulous insurance companies.
Represent You in Court
An attorney can take your case to court if necessary. If a fair settlement can’t be reached out of court, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Beck & Beck When You’re Injured in an Accident
After being injured in a car or motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need a skilled, dedicated personal injury attorney to help ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve. The lawyers at Beck & Beck are here to help you navigate the complicated legal system and get your life back on track.
Beck & Beck is the only Missouri law firm that focuses entirely on Missouri auto accident cases. We have extensive knowledge of personal injury law, and clients can feel assured that they’ll receive excellent legal representation. If you’ve been injured in a Missouri car accident, contact us online, or call our office directly at 314-451-7586.
