While most distracted driving accidents happen in seconds, they can change lives forever.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. During this difficult time, it’s important to work with a Missouri distracted driver accident lawyer who can protect your rights and facilitate your recovery.
The capable team at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers has more than three decades of experience helping injury victims throughout the state. We’ve obtained $105+ millions of dollars for our clients over the years, and we’re ready to work toward a positive outcome in your case. Call us at (314) 207-9996 to set up a free consultation.
How Our Missouri Distracted Driver Accident Lawyers Can Assist You
After a distracted driving accident, you may be overwhelmed with medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress. The insurance companies may pressure you to settle before you fully understand the impact of your injuries. Our Missouri distracted driver accident attorneys are here to make sure no one takes advantage of you.
When you hire Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ll perform the following crucial tasks:
- Investigate your crash and gather key evidence, such as cell phone records, eyewitness statements, and police reports
- Identify all liable parties, potentially including drivers, employers (if the at-fault driver was working), and third parties
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Calculate the full value of your losses, including future medical expenses and lost earnings
- Work tirelessly to secure the comprehensive compensation you deserve
With 35+ years of experience, we’re committed to making the legal process as stress-free as possible for our clients. Our award-winning Missouri distracted driver accident attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Â
For a free consultation with our skilled legal team call 314.207.9996 now. There is no fee until we win!
Â
Reasons That Distracted Driver Accidents Happen
Distracted driving involves any action or activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road. While texting is the most notorious example, many behaviors can lead to dangerous and even fatal crashes. Common causes of distracted driving accidents include:
- Texting or Using a Smartphone: Sending a text or reading a message takes a driver’s eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their mind off driving
- Eating or Drinking: Consuming food or beverages while driving can be just as distracting as using a phone
- Adjusting GPS or Vehicle Controls: Fiddling with a navigation system or changing music selections can leave a driver distracted and vulnerable
- Talking to Passengers: Engaging in conversations, especially heated or emotional discussions, can distract drivers mentally
- Personal Grooming: Applying makeup, shaving, or combing one’s hair while driving is extremely risky
- Reaching or Searching for Things: Attempting to retrieve items within the vehicle often leads to swerving or missing important traffic signals
- Consuming Digital Content: Focusing on handheld devices encourages dangerous multitasking behind the wheel
Although distracted driving affects drivers of all age groups, teen drivers may be at particularly high risk. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in Missouri. Many of these tragedies are linked to distracted driving, speeding, or drowsiness.
Distracted driving accidents don’t just involve cars. These precarious behaviors also cause serious accidents involving motorcycles, trucks, pedestrians, and other road users.
No matter what type of accident you’ve been involved in, our experienced Missouri distracted driver accident lawyers can help you seek justice and fair compensation.
Proving Liability for Distracted Driver Car Accidents
For your distracted driving injury claim to succeed, you must show that the other driver’s negligence directly caused your crash. Our attorneys know how to build strong cases for liability by gathering compelling evidence, such as:
- Cell Phone Records: These records can reveal whether the at-fault driver was texting, calling, or using certain apps at the time of the crash
- Eyewitness Testimony: Onlookers may have seen the driver talking, checking their phone, or engaging in other distractions
- Surveillance Footage: Traffic cameras, business cameras, and/or dashcams can provide visual proof of distracted behavior
- Accident Reconstruction Analysis: Experts can recreate the accident scene to show how distraction contributed to the crash
- Police Reports: Officers often note signs of distracted driving at the scene, such as a driver admitting to using a device
Proving liability is critical for securing the compensation you need to cover your various losses. Our Missouri distracted driver accident attorneys are skilled investigators who know how to gather the evidence required to strengthen your claim.
The Costs of Distracted Driving in Missouri
Distracted driving is a growing threat on Missouri’s roads. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s 2022 Statistical Report, there were more than 16,000 crashes involving distracted driving reported in 2023 alone.
The risks of smartphone use while driving can’t be overstated. Even a brief glance at a device can cause a driver to travel the length of a football field without seeing what’s ahead.
When a distracted driver causes a crash, the victims often suffer life-changing consequences like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal injuries, and permanent disabilities.
The financial burden of medical care, lost income, ongoing rehabilitation, and other expenses can quickly become crushing. That’s why it’s so important to seek fair and adequate compensation and hold distracted drivers accountable.
Missouri Distracted Driver Laws
In response to the increasing number of distracted driving incidents, Missouri recently enhanced its distracted driving laws. The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law prohibits all drivers from using handheld electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle.
Under RSMo Section 304.822, Missouri drivers are prohibited from:
- Physically holding a cellphone or other electronic device
- Typing, reading, or sending text messages or emails
- Recording, posting, sending, or broadcasting video content
- Looking at videos, movies, or other images
- Browsing the internet or social media
Violations of Missouri’s distracted driving laws can result in fines, and if a distracted driver causes serious injury or death, the penalties become significantly more severe. These legal protections help support injury victims who need to prove negligence in a crash.
Damages You Can Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’ve been hurt by a distracted driver, you may be eligible to recover a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation costs, and future medical treatment
- Lost Wages: Income lost while you’re unable to work, as well as future lost earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other damaged personal property
- Pain and Suffering: Acknowledgement of your physical and emotional trauma and other negative effects
- Loss of Consortium: Damages reflecting the impact on your relationships with your spouse or family members
When a distracted driving crash results in death, the surviving family members may pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.
The compassionate team at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers will assess the full scope of your losses and aggressively pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
Time Limit for Filing a Car Accident Injury Claim in Missouri
Missouri law gives injury victims five years from the date of the initial accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, it’s imperative to contact a Missouri distracted driver accident lawyer as soon as possible. Here’s why:
- Preserving Evidence: Surveillance footage, cell phone records, and witness memories can disappear over time
- Building a Strong Case: Early investigation often results in more evidence and more time to establish liability
- Meeting Legal Deadlines: Missing the filing deadline can permanently bar you from seeking compensation
Don’t wait to assert your rights after a distracted driving accident. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of getting the compensation you need.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Today
Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers is dedicated to helping accident victims throughout Missouri rebuild their lives after serious crashes.
Our team has over 35 years of experience handling complex car accident claims, with millions of dollars recovered for our clients. When you work with us, you can expect:
- Compassionate and personalized legal guidance
- Unwavering advocacy during settlement negotiations and trial proceedings
- No fees unless we win your case
We know how difficult the aftermath of a distracted driving accident can be. We’re here to stand behind you throughout the legal process.
Looking for a “distracted driver accident lawyer near me” in Missouri? Some of the locations we’ve helped car accident victims include St. Louis, O’Fallon, Florissant, Independence, Kansas City, Doniphan, Cape Girardeau, and more.
