Best Car Accident Lawyers in O'fallon, MO

FAQs

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

  636-379-5480 is the non-emergency contact number for the Ofallon Police Department.

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

  A written request is required to obtain copies of police reports for car accidents from the Ofallon Police Department. Accident reports are usually approved and ready for releasing seven to ten days after the accident. No fee will be paid for a single accident report, but there is a $27.00 per hour research fee plus 10 cents per page for multiple reports.

• Is there a particular law in O’Fallon and the state of Missouri that makes it illegal for drivers to leave the scene of an accident?

  It is illegal to flee the scene of an accident in both O’Fallon and Missouri, according to Missouri Revised Law 577.060. Driving while intoxicated, driving without a license or insurance, and believing there are no witnesses are the main factors in hit-and-run accidents in the area. On rare occasions, drivers panic but eventually turn themselves into the Ofallon or Missouri highway patrol.

• What strategies do insurance companies in O’Fallon use to avoid paying claims?

  By delaying the claims process, insurance companies in O’Fallon coerce victims of auto accidents into accepting a meager payout or nothing at all. They also give victims a false sense of trust, sympathy, and camaraderie in an effort to trick them into accepting a lower payment. The need for the victims to provide a recorded statement and the notion that they do not have to pay for medical care if their own health insurance has already covered it are lies told by insurers.

• Can car accident victims in O’Fallon file personal injury claims without a lawyer?

  Absolutely, O’Fallon residents hurt in vehicle accidents may attempt to make a claim and reach a private settlement with the at-fault driver's insurance provider. However, with an experienced car accident attorney on the victims' side, awards are typically three to four times larger. To secure maximum payouts, car accident attorneys gather and evaluate police reports, witness testimony, and medical information.

• How frequent are car accidents in O’Fallon?

  According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Charles County, which covers the city of O’Fallon, saw 7,991 total car crashes in 2021, accounting for more than 5% of the state’s total car accidents. There were 30 fatal crashes, and 1,521 collisions resulted in injuries. The factors that contributed to catastrophic injuries include seatbelt violations, running off the road, and improper handling of horizontal curves by drivers.

• What percentage of personal injury claims in O’Fallon go to trial?

  About 5% of cases involving personal injuries go to trial in O’Fallon because at-fault parties, such as a negligent driver or an insurer, do not want the claim to be made public. In most cases, reaching a settlement outside of court is advantageous to all parties involved. However, if the claims are worth more than the initial settlement offer, auto accident lawyers in the area are prepared to go to trial on behalf of their injured clients.

• 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.