Auto accidents happen every hour of every day, and they are one of the most common sources of personal injuries. Drivers responsible for the accident are liable for any personal bodily injury or property damage. Although insurance payouts that are fair and adequate can cover the costs of some damage, more is needed. You will most likely need a personal injury attorney with specific auto accident experience.
Fortunately, the Law Office of Tyler Brown has an auto accident attorney in Kansas City, MO, who will help you file a solid, well-supported personal injury claim. Our main goal is to help you win the case and receive just and fair compensation. So, consult with us for free. Email or call us at 816-875-4649.
Common Auto Accident Injuries in Missouri
Injuries sustained from car accidents can range from minor to fatal, but regardless of severity, all bodily injuries are compensable if you are the victim of the accident. Most of the time, psychological, mental, and emotional injuries can be compensable, too. Those who sustained the following injuries below due to an auto accident can file a claim.
• Broken Bones
• Lacerations and Cuts
• Nerve Damage
• Whiplash
• Spinal Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Chronic Pain
Types of Auto Accidents
The injuries you sustain are often the result, in part, of the type of car accident. The most common types of vehicle crashes involve the following:
• Head-On Collisions - This is one of the most devastating types of motor vehicle collisions that result in serious and life-threatening bodily injuries.
• Rear-End Accidents - This type of accident frequently results in whiplash.
• Side-Impact Collisions - This type of vehicular accident is common or usually occurs at intersections. Often, side-impact collisions result in various types of injuries depending on which part of the vehicle was struck.
• Roll-Over Accidents - This type of accident is less common but can still result in serious head and neck injuries.
• Sideswipe Accidents - These accidents occur when two or more vehicles travel parallel with each other, and one swipes the side of the other vehicle.
• Blind Spot Accidents - This is not a common type of auto accident. It occurs when one vehicle fails to spot another while changing or merging into another lane.
All in all, liability for property and bodily damages can often be determined, in part, by the type of accident. You should remember, though, that accidents can be complex events. Although the accident type may initially and seemingly indicate a fault, a thorough investigation must be conducted to clearly understand where liability falls.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Missouri
There are many possible reasons for each car accident. Typically, these causes can be grouped into three categories: drivers, vehicles, and the environment. Read below to learn more.
Drivers
• Distracted Driving (e.g., Texting, Eating, and Disciplining Children)
• Intoxicated Driving (e.g., Marijuana, Alcohol, Prescription Drugs, and Illicit Drugs)
• Speeding or Reckless Driving
• Drowsy Driving or Falling Asleep While Driving
• Recognition Error (e.g., Inattention)
• Decision Error (e.g., Misjudging Another Driver's Actions and Driving Too Fast for the Conditions)
• Performance Error (e.g., Poor Directional Control and Overcompensation
Vehicles
• Brakes-Related
• Tires/Wheels-Related
• Manufacturer Defects
• Steering/Suspension/Transmission/Engine-Related
Environment
• Glare
• Slick Roads (e.g., Ice and Loose Debris)
• Signs/Signals
• View Obstructions
Most of the time, crashes are the direct result of the three factors listed below. However, pedestrians can sometimes be the cause of an accident, too. In some circumstances, the cause can't be determined.
Benefits of Filing a Personal Injury Claim
Insurance companies usually investigate after a car accident to identify the cause of the wreck and see who was at fault. After that, they will then offer to cover the victim's expenses. However, insurance companies are for-profit entities; they make money by bringing in premium payments and increasing profit margins by reducing the amount of money they pay out in settlements.
Oftentimes, insurance companies settlement offers do not represent the true amount of compensation victims deserve. Please remember that every auto accident victim deserves to be compensated for their:
• Pain and Suffering
• Property Damage
• Medical Bills (Past and Future)
• Lost Wages (Past and Future)
• Reduced Earnings
• Emotional Distress and More
In many cases, insurance settlements only cover property damage and incurred medical bills. Sometimes, the settlement also includes lost wages, but only the wages lost to date and not future wages or loss of earned income. Much of it will depend on the rules of your jurisdiction.
By hiring a lawyer and pursuing these other forms of compensation, accident victims can get what they truly deserve.
Contact Us
Auto accidents can be complex or straightforward. It may be easy to identify liability when the cause of an auto accident is also easily identified. On the other hand, more complex auto accident cases require the insight of an experienced auto accident attorney and the knowledge and expertise of expert witnesses. Consult with our auto accident attorney today.
At the Law Office of Tyler Brown, we work hard to help our clients obtain fair and just compensation. Get in touch with us using our online form, or call us directly at 816-875-4649 to schedule a free consultation.