St. Louis County Car Crash Lawyer
Car accidents are a harsh reality of life that can leave victims struggling with medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. In unfortunate situations, victims may even be pronounced dead despite receiving medical treatment. If you’ve been in a car accident in St. Louis, it’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault driver and their insurance company. However, proving liability in a car accident case can be challenging. This article explains what you need to know about proving negligence and comparative negligence in a car accident case and what happens if the defendant received a ticket. Contacting a 5 star rated attorney can help guide you in the right direction for your legal matter.
Proving Negligence in a Car Accident Case
In St. Louis County, every collision is someone’s responsibility, and the aim of a car accident claim is to blame the accident on the other driver. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help you to prove that the defendant was negligent for your personal injury claim. Examples of negligent behavior include speeding, tailgating, failing to check blind spots, failing to stop at red lights, and texting while driving. Even if the defendant didn’t violate a rule of the road, their driving may still be careless enough to warrant a negligence case. However, car accident cases in St. Louis County must also evaluate the plaintiff’s role in contributing to the accident.
Comparative Negligence in an Auto Wreck Case
Missouri has a comparative negligence statute that requires juries in negligence cases, such as car accident claims, to evaluate the actions of both parties to assign blame. If the jury believes that the plaintiff shares any of the blame for the accident, they must reduce the plaintiff’s award by that percentage of fault. As a result, plaintiffs in car accident cases must argue that the defendant was at fault and that they did not contribute to the crash. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can help to explain the important legal concepts and build a case that names the defendant as the sole at-fault party in the crash.
What if the Defendant Received a Ticket?
In certain situations, the actions of a police officer may simplify the analysis of a car accident case. If the defendant received a ticket, and a court finds the defendant responsible for the auto accident, St. Louis County’s personal injury laws use a legal theory called negligence per se, which recognizes that a defendant may be at fault for an accident if they committed a criminal act or violation that resulted in an injury. The state’s traffic code prohibits speeding, tailgating, failing to yield, and a dozen other dangerous driving activities. If a police officer issues the defendant a ticket for any of these violations and a court finds the defendant guilty, the civil court hearing the case for damages may assume that the defendant is negligent and 100 percent responsible for the plaintiff’s losses.
Car Accident Victims in Critical Condition
Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor bruises to life-threatening conditions. In some cases, car accident victims may be in critical condition and require immediate medical attention. This can result in significant medical expenses, loss of income, and emotional trauma. If you or a loved one is in critical condition as a result of a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to seek legal assistance from a St. Louis car accident attorney. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Police Report after a Motor Vehicle Accident
After a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to file a police report as soon as possible. In Missouri, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is responsible for investigating motor vehicle accidents that occur on state highways. The police report will contain important information about the accident, such as the location, time, and date of the accident, the names and contact information of the drivers involved, and any witnesses to the accident. This information can be crucial in building a strong case and proving negligence on the part of the at-fault driver.
How the Missouri State Highway Patrol Can Help
The Missouri State Highway Patrol can provide valuable assistance to car accident victims. They can investigate the accident, collect evidence, and interview witnesses. They can also provide guidance on how to file a car accident claim and what steps to take to protect your legal rights. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Missouri, contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol to report the accident and obtain assistance. They can help you navigate the process of filing a claim and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident or pronounced dead as a result of an auto accident, contact our experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys today. We can help you build a powerful case against a negligent defendant, demand fair payments for your injuries or loss, and represent your interests every step of the way. Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim in Missouri is five years from the date of the accident, so don’t delay in contacting us for a free consultation. A St. Louis County Car Crash Lawyer can help you navigate the process.