Best Car Accident Lawyers in Joplin, MO

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Joplin, Missouri?

  For non-emergencies, call dispatch at 417-623-3131 ext. 1405.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Joplin, Missouri?

  Go to the police records office located at 303 E. 3rd Street to obtain a copy of the accident report. Please allow a minimum of five working days after the report was filed when you make a request. You may call the office at (417) 623-3131 ext. 432 or send an email to cgibson@joplinmo.org. You can also purchase reports at www.crashdocs.org.

• What are the seatbelt laws that drivers in Joplin must follow?

  Drivers and passengers aged eight years old and above must wear a seatbelt while riding a car in Joplin. Children under eight years old must be properly secured using restraint equipment such as a child car seat, booster seat, and lap or shoulder belt or a combination of both. The driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring that everyone in the car is wearing a seatbelt, including persons who cannot do so themselves, such as those with disability and illness.

• How can a person partially at fault in a car accident in Joplin know if they have a case?

  If you get injured in a car accident in Joplin which was partially your fault, you can still have a case and be eligible for compensation under Missouri's pure comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a person who has a fault in a car accident is not prohibited by law to seek compensation, although the financial recovery can only be proportional to their percentage of fault.

• What weather-related road condition cause accidents in Joplin?

  A road phenomenon known as “black ice” or “clear ice” in Joplin may cause car accidents. It is a form of freezing on the road that is dangerous because it is invisible and causes vehicles to slide down and crash into other cars.

• How can a person know if they have whiplash injuries from a car accident in Joplin?

  If a person has pain, stiffness, and numbing sensation in the neck, they could be suffering from whiplash after their car accident in Joplin. Whiplash is trauma to the neck that results when the head moves back and forth rapidly from the force of the crash's impact. Back pain, headaches, blurred vision, and ear ringing are some symptoms of whiplash. If a person's neck has lost a range of motion, it could be a whiplash injury.

• What are some distracted driving actions that can lead to car accidents in Joplin?

  Aside from texting and driving, eating or drinking, programming a GPS device, and changing the radio while driving can lead to car accidents in Joplin. Driving while listening to podcasts or audiobooks, grooming, and tending to children in the back seat are also forms of distracted driving that can contribute to a crash.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.