Cape Girardeau Car Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Auto Collisions in Southeastern Missouri

In Cape Girardeau, as in many other cities, we see a range of car accidents that are caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Missouri, just like Illinois, has specific laws regarding distracted driving. Texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even eating while driving can cause severe accidents. Distracted driving reduces reaction time and can lead to collisions.
• Speeding: Exceeding posted speed limits is a major contributor to vehicle accidents. Speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time to avoid crashes. The higher the speed at the time of an accident, the more likely it is to cause serious injuries and fatalities.
• Driving Under the Influence: Drunk or impaired driving continues to be a major problem in every state. Alcohol or drugs impair a driver’s judgment, reduce their reaction time, and increase the likelihood of accident fatalities. In 2023, 294 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes on Illinois roads, making up nearly 23% of the 1,268 total crash fatalities. It’s likely that drunk driving here in Missouri was also a problem.
• Reckless or Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, running red lights, and weaving through lanes of traffic not only endanger the driver but everyone on the road.

What To Do After a Car Accident

Taking immediate and appropriate steps after a car accident can protect your health and strengthen your legal position if you pursue compensation. Here’s what you should do if you have been involved in a car accident:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay after your accident, you still need to get checked out by a medical professional. Some trauma, like concussions or internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms but can worsen significantly if not treated. Having a medical record of your injuries is important, as it can be crucial evidence in a future claim.
2. Report the Accident: Call the police and file an accident report. Police documentation can be valuable evidence, as it includes details about the accident scene and statements from witnesses.
3. Collect Evidence: When possible, take photos or video of the accident scene, vehicle damage, injuries, relevant signage, and any visible road conditions. Be sure to get detailed contact information from all eyewitnesses, too. Their testimony can be essential in proving liability.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurer of the accident right away, but be careful what you say and stick only to the facts, avoiding any admittance of guilt. Insurance adjusters will often try to minimize claims or blame victims for a crash, so it’s wise to consult with an attorney before giving them a recorded statement.
5. Contact a Cape Girardeau Car Accident Lawyer: Engaging a lawyer early is one of the most important steps you can take, especially if there may be questions about fault and liability. Your attorney can guide you on what to say (and what not to say) to insurers and how to best pursue your claim. They can help protect your rights while preventing costly mistakes.

The Legal Process of a Car Crash Claim in Cape Girardeau County

Understanding the process of filing a car accident claim can help save you some of the stress and confusion associated with these cases.

Here’s an overview of the steps typically involved:

• Initial Consultation and Review: During your first meeting, your car accident lawyer will review the details of your case. This review process will help determine the strengths and weaknesses of your case and build a foundation for moving forward successfully.
• Investigation: Your lawyer will conduct an exhaustive investigation, gathering necessary evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They may also call in accident reconstruction experts to show exactly how your accident happened and who was at fault.
• Negotiations: Once sufficient evidence has been gathered, your lawyer will write and send a demand letter to the insurer outlining the damages and requesting a specific settlement amount. This is often followed by negotiations as the insurance company evaluates your claim. An experienced car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate for the maximum settlement on your behalf.
• Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary): If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your attorney will be ready to file a lawsuit for you, which can lead to a trial. They’ll handle all court-related tasks, from filing the necessary documents to arguing your case before a judge or jury.

Compensation in Car Accident Claims

If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you may be entitled to various types of compensation for economic and noneconomic losses, depending on how severe your injuries are.

Some of the most common types of damages you may have available to you include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes your expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatment related to your injuries from the crash. Anticipated future medical costs may also be covered if your injuries require long-term or permanent care.
• Lost Wages or Earning Capacity: If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for your lost wages. If your ability to work in the future is impacted, you could also receive compensation to cover your lost earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering: Car accidents often cause a great deal of physical pain and emotional distress. There’s compensation available for this pain, suffering, and other noneconomic impacts that your accident has had on your life.
• Property Damage: If your vehicle or other property was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Severe injuries can affect your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed. Compensation may be available for loss of enjoyment and impact on your quality of life.

Having a car crash attorney who understands the various types of compensation that you may have available to you can help you more fully explore what might be recoverable in your claim. A skilled attorney can calculate a fair amount for all your losses and fight to secure it.

Choosing the Right Cape Girardeau Car Accident Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer to represent you after a car accident is a critical decision that can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case and possibly the rest of your life.

Some key things to consider are:

• Experience in Car Accident Law: You’ll need a lawyer who specializes in car accident cases and has experience handling claims like yours. Knowledge of Illinois and Missouri laws, local regulations, and Cape Girardeau’s court system makes working with a local attorney invaluable.
• Track Record of Success: A lawyer’s history of successful settlements and trials is a good indicator of their abilities in handling complex car accident cases. Look for positive client reviews and testimonials that offer insights into their dedication and client interactions.
• Clear Communication: The ability to offer clear communication is important in legal matters. Your attorney should be able to explain the legal process clearly, keep you updated on the status of your claim, and respond promptly and thoroughly to any questions you may have.
• Personalized Attention: You want a car wreck lawyer who takes the time to understand your specific needs and concerns and understands how these help build a stronger case. Choose someone who’s committed to providing you and your family with personalized service rather than treating your case as just another file.

Choosing the right attorney and law firm can make all of the difference in the amount of compensation you may recover and your overall experience with your claim.

A car accident can disrupt your life in ways you may not have considered beforehand. Between your physical injuries, pain, emotional trauma, and mounting financial pressure, the consequences can be frightening and overwhelming.

In times like these, Prince Law Firm is here to help.

Our car accident lawyers provide the expert support and guidance you need to pursue fair compensation. Whether through a settlement or representing you in court, our lawyers fight for your best interests so you can focus on healing and moving forward.

Contact us today for a free consultation with a Cape Girardeau car accident lawyer.