Nobody expects to be in a car accident in O’Fallon, Missouri. The rise in distracted drivers fiddling with handheld devices and in-car technologies unfortunately have made the roads increasingly dangerous.
When a distracted driver’s negligence injures you, it’s critical to have our experienced O’Fallon distracted driver accident lawyers by your side.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the heartbreak and frustration caused by these types of accidents. Our experienced distracted driver accident attorneys in O’Fallon, Missouri, have helped clients for over 35 years. Count on us to fight to recover maximum monetary compensation for you.
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Injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver in O’Fallon, MO? Our skilled attorneys are available 24/7 to speak with you. Call (636) 238-5934 today for a free case evaluation!
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The Role of Our Distracted Driver Accident Lawyers in O’Fallon, Missouri
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve been assisting victims of distracted driver accidents since 1990. With over $105 million recovered for our clients, our knowledgeable attorneys are 100% committed to assisting car crash injury victims in Missouri.
When you hire us, we will:
- Investigate the accident: We’ll gather vital evidence to build a strong case, including witness statements, phone records, traffic camera footage, police reports, photos of vehicle damage, and medical documentation.
- Uncover additional negligence: We’ll examine whether the driver was speeding, potentially impaired, or engaging in other irresponsible behavior that contributed to the car crash injuries.
- Handle communications with the insurance companies: Make no mistake, adjusters working for insurance companies in Missouri are adeptly trained to delay, deny, and minimize payouts. Our award winning legal team will manage all correspondences, ensuring your best interests are represented.
- Answer any questions you have and provide expert legal guidance: John Beck and Paul Beck will be here to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions related to the success of your claim.
- Negotiate for maximum financial compensation: We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement that covers all damages related to the accident injuries.
- Prepare for trial if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court and fight for you.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we don’t just handle cases, we fight for people. Contact us today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with our experienced O’Fallon distracted driver accident attorneys.
How Drivers Get Distracted
Distracted driving doesn’t just involve texting. Here are some of the most common things that divert driver’s attention from the road:
- Using a Smartphone
- Eating and Drinking
- Adjusting a GPS or Infotainment System
- Grooming, Putting on Makeup, Combing Hair, or ShavingÂ
- Searching for Items in the Car
- Talking to Passengers or on the Phone.
- Rubbernecking
- Reading, Writing, or Dialing a Phone
Teen Drivers at Increased Risk
Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving accidents. Studies show that teen drivers are significantly more likely to be involved in crashes when driving with friends than when driving alone or with adults.
Also, make no mistake, inattentive driving doesn’t just cause car accidents; it can also lead to catastrophic motorcycle crashes, truck collisions, pedestrian accidents, drunk driving incidents, bicycle accidents, and even crashes involving rideshare vehicles like Uber and Lyft.
Looking for a “distracted driver accident lawyer near me” in O’Fallon, Missouri? Our experienced attorneys specialize in Missouri auto accident law. Call (636) 238-5934 for a free consultation!
Proving Liability After a Distracted Driver Car Accident
To establish liability in a car crash case involving a driver who was distracted, our skilled attorneys will demonstrate three key elements:
- Negligence – The driver’s distracted behavior, such as texting, using a GPS, or engaging with passengers, directly caused the crash.
- Causation – The inattentive driver’s actions or lack of were the direct cause of your injuries and financial losses.
- Damages – You suffered measurable harm, including medical expenses related to your injuries, lost income or wages from work, damage to your property, and pain and suffering.
Building a successful claim requires important and critical evidence. Our award winning O’Fallon car accident lawyers will gather evidence related to your accident injuries including:
- Cell phone records
- Eyewitness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Police reports
To prove liability, it’s extremely important to take the time to understand how the crash has impacted your life, from physical injuries to financial strain and emotional trauma. You can count on our skilled attorneys to do this and more when you work with us.
What Are Missouri Laws For Distracted Driving?
Missouri has a “hands-free” law, which prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices by anyone while driving. In addition to the hands-free law, Missouri’s RSMo Section 304.822 bans text messaging and other handheld device use for drivers under 21 years of age.
This statute also applies to commercial motor vehicle drivers, regardless of age. Specifically, the law prohibits:
- Sending, reading, or writing electronic text messages or emails while driving.
- Using handheld mobile devices for calls, texts, or data when operating a commercial vehicle.
- Handheld device use by bus drivers, with few exceptions.
Missouri’s distracted driving laws reflect the state’s commitment to making its roads safer for everyone and the seriousness of distracted and inattentive driving.
Determining the Value of Your Distracted Driver Accident Claim
The value of your distracted driver accident claim depends on several key factors, each influencing how much compensation you may receive.Â
One of the most important factors is the severity of your injuries. More serious injuries, especially those that cause long-term or permanent disability, tend to result in higher compensation.
Another critical consideration is lost income. If you are unable to work due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for both the income you’ve lost and any diminished earning capacity you may face in the future.
This includes both short-term absences and long-term impacts on your ability to earn a living.
In addition to medical expenses and lost income, other financial and emotional losses can contribute to your compensation:
- Medical Expenses – Including hospital bills, medications, surgeries, therapy, and long-term care needs.
- Property Damage – Covering repair or replacement costs for your vehicle, personal items damaged in the crash, and rental car expenses.
- Pain and Suffering – Recognizing the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath.
- Punitive Damages – While rare, these damages may be awarded in cases involving extreme negligence, such as when a driver’s distraction was particularly reckless.
It’s also important to consider insurance limits, as the driver’s policy may cap how much compensation is available, even if your total damages exceed those limits.
Don’t Wait to File Your Claim
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, including those arising from distracted driving accidents, is five years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period typically results in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
However, if the accident resulted in a fatality, the timeline is shorter. For wrongful death claims, Missouri law generally allows three years from the date of the individual’s death to file a lawsuit.
Award-Winning Distracted Driver Accident Law Firm in O’Fallon, Missouri
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve dedicated our practice to helping individuals and families affected by distracted driving car accidents. With 35+ years of experience in practice, our firm has established a reputation for delivering skilled and determined advocacy.
Our experienced O’Fallon distracted driver accident lawyers are committed to standing by your side throughout every step of the legal process. We’ll handle all aspects of your case, from gathering evidence and dealing with insurance companies to pursuing the maximum compensation available.
Whether through skilled negotiation or aggressive courtroom representation, we won’t stop until justice is served.
If you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, don’t face the challenges ahead alone. Contact Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers online to schedule a free consultation.
Locations in Missouri where we’ve assisted victims of car crashes caused by distracted and irresponsible drivers include St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Florissant, Kansas City, MO, Independence, Jefferson City, Springfield, and more.
