Car accidents are on the rise in Missouri. If you were injured in an accident in Jefferson City, you are likely to have questions. What happens to your case? Can you file a personal injury lawsuit against the other party? How much you can realistically expect in settlement? Do you need to hire a Jefferson City MO car accident attorney? In this post, we are sharing more on car accidents in Missouri.
- I was not a fault. Should I inform my insurer?
Following a car accident, the fault and liability can be hard to establish. If the other driver believes that you are at fault, they will file a claim with your insurer. In short, you have to inform your insurer in advance. You should call the insurance company within the first 24 hours in the ideal situation, but it is best to be reasonable.
- I think I was partly at fault. Can I still get compensation?
Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. If your share of fault is more than the other driver, you can still file a civil lawsuit. However, your settlement will be reduced by your fault in percentage. One of the key reasons why people hire an attorney is to protect their rights. If you were partly at fault, the insurance company will try to use that against you.
- Should I hire a car accident attorney?
While you are not legally bound to hire a car accident attorney, this is a good decision. A skilled personal injury lawyer can guide on your circumstances, including what you can realistically expect in settlement. Your lawyer can also handle the claims adjuster and negotiate for a fair settlement. If things are not resolved, you will need an attorney to take the matter to court.
- What about the statute of limitations in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations allows five years to file an injury lawsuit after a car accident. While this is a considerably longer term compared to other states, most of the evidence and details can be hard to find after a point. If your have hired an attorney, they will keep the statute of limitations in mind and work on the case when all information is still fresh.
After an accident, call 911 if someone is in need of medical help. Also, you are required to report the accident to the police, if there was death, injury, or property damage worth $500 or more involved.
