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According to the Law Enforcement Traffic system of Springfield Police Department, 6123 auto accidents happened in Springfield, Missouri, in 2020. And, while the numbers have decreased compared to the last few years, the city has been rated high in auto accidents and violence.
Suppose you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident. In that case, you should contact a Springfield car accident lawyer to discuss the legalities of the case and determine how much compensation you may qualify for.
Missouri Car Accident Laws You Should Know
While a Springfield car accident lawyer is there to help you, it is important to know a little about the car accident laws followed in Springfield.
Missouri is a fault state. It implies that the person responsible for the car crash will be liable for the damage caused. However, if the other party is not responsible for the accident, you will still get compensation, provided your insurance covers the damages. If you are on the “at-fault” side, getting a Springfield car accident lawyer is recommended as soon as possible.
Moreover, Missouri is also a pure comparative negligence state. This means that the court can reduce your compensation by the percentage of the fault caused by you. For example, if you are 40% responsible for the accident caused, you will be eligible for a 60% claim. You can even claim 1% compensation if you caused 99% of the accident.
How Can a Lawyer Help You?
In addition to briefing you about your case and state laws, a Springfield car accident lawyer can help you collect the required evidence by investigating the car accident. They can also take over the insurance claim negotiations as some insurance companies might try to get out of paying.
Besides, lawyers are well-versed with the state laws and can help you get full compensation.
While you have five years to file an auto accident lawsuit against the responsible party, it is often recommended to contact a lawyer immediately after the crash.
How to Prove Negligence?
Though the lawyer will be responsible for collecting all evidence and proving your negligence, here’s what you can do to ensure your rights are protected after the car crash.
1. Even if the injuries are severe, life-threatening symptoms might appear weeks after the accident. So, the first thing you should do is get medical attention. Ask if you have any injury that may impede your ability to work.
2. You can ask someone to record the scene or take pictures as a form of evidence.
3. Because every factor can contribute to your condition immediately, it is best to get in touch with the lawyer and let them talk with the insurance company and the other party.
How to File a Springfield Car Accident Lawsuit?
A car accident lawsuit can be extremely overwhelming, especially for those still recovering from the loss. It is best to connect with a Springfield car accident lawyer who can help you collect evidence and prove your negligence.
You may also like: Should I Get An Attorney For a Car Accident? Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
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