Car accidents in St. Louis are alarmingly frequent. According to data from 2021, there were 15,092 reported traffic accidents in total that year. With a population of nearly 300,000 residents, this indicates an alarming ratio of one accident for every 20 residents.
In June 2023, KMOV4 reported the unfortunate incident involving Zachary T. Evans, a 29-year-old man from Moscow Mills, who lost his life in an accident in Lincoln County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol confirmed that the accident occurred prior to 9:30 pm on Missouri Route B, near East Black Street.
According to the MSHP, Evans was traveling on the left side of the road in a westbound direction. He made an overcorrection, causing his vehicle to skid across the road in the opposite direction. In an attempt to avoid a collision, an eastbound driver changed lanes and entered the westbound lane, where Evans was located. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the two vehicles collided.
As a result of the collision, Evans’ vehicle overturned, leading to his partial ejection, because he was not wearing a seatbelt. Based on the available information, he was declared dead at the scene.
In May 2023, Fox 2 Now reported on a tragic car crash on New Halls Ferry Road that claimed the lives of three women: Helene Seper, Crystal Fowler, and Sherry Person. Accidents like these happen quite often in St. Louis, highlighting the importance of personal injury lawyers in fighting for the rights of those who have been harmed.
In this blog, we will delve into why seeking the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in such situations is crucial and guide you in selecting the appropriate legal representation in St. Louis.
Role & Responsibilities Of Personal Injury Lawyers
Missouri law prohibits drivers from moving their vehicles after an accident until an officer arrives at the scene and instructs them to do so. Not all people are aware of this requirement, which is where a personal injury lawyer in St. Louis can assist.
Simply put, personal injury lawyers represent their clients to secure fair compensation for damages caused by an incident. They diligently work to negotiate settlements that accurately reflect the financial reparation their clients deserve.
The crucial roles and responsibilities of personal injury lawyers include:
Gathering Evidence
In various cases, such as car accidents, construction accidents, truck wrecks, product liability claims, or slips on sidewalks, the initial phase focuses on promptly acquiring crucial evidence. Personal injury lawyers may hire investigators to obtain witness statements, photographic evidence, police reports, surveillance footage, and medical records.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Upon receiving notice of a claim, insurance companies conduct their own investigations and often contact the plaintiff’s counsel to discuss the case. Personal injury attorneys play a critical role in communicating and negotiating with insurance companies, always advocating for their client’s best interests.
Drafting & Filing Pleadings
To initiate a lawsuit, a personal injury lawyer drafts and submits a complaint to the appropriate court managing the case. Once the defendant responds with an answer, it indicates that the “issue has been joined,” and the case is scheduled on the court’s docket. Throughout the legal proceedings, the lawyer continues to file and serve various pleadings and documents to both the defendant(s) and the court, as required.
TorHoerman Law states that severe injuries resulting from a car accident will have an adverse impact on the victim and their family members. Working closely with a personal injury lawyer is beneficial. The lawyer fights for the victim’s rights and seeks compensation to help recover the financial losses incurred. By focusing on the legal process, the lawyers allow the victims to prioritize their healing and recovery.
Selecting A Personal Injury Lawyer: Essential Guidelines
In September 2022, 24-7 Press Release reported on Brent A. Sumner, a trial attorney, who got recognized by the reputed publication “The Best Lawyers in America” for personal injury litigation.
While you might have to be lucky to get connected with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer of such caliber for your accident case, still, you must ensure that the attorney your hire is an expert in their job.
Here are some guidelines to help you choose the best lawyer:
Relevant Experience
Personal injury lawyers deal with a wide range of accidents and injuries. However, not all lawyers specialize in car accident cases. Some focus on medical malpractice, product liability, or premises liability.
It is crucial to select a lawyer who possesses extensive experience in representing car accident claims. For instance, if your accident involves a commercial truck, opt for an attorney experienced in representing cases involving large trucks.
Consider Proof Of Expertise
Review client testimonials and case studies to gauge how effectively the solicitor has assisted individuals in situations similar to yours. Additionally, check the solicitor’s website for supporting evidence of their accomplishments, such as monetary damages obtained for clients and their success rate in settling cases within a specific timeframe. Check if they have been able to help others with compensatory, nominal, incidental, and exemplary damages.
Evaluate Payment Terms
Before proceeding, it is vital to understand the firm’s payment structure and terms. While many personal injury firms operate on a no-win-no-fee basis, it is crucial to clarify the percentage that will be deducted from your settlement as their fees.
Asses Listening & Communication Skills
Open and honest communication, along with active listening, are crucial aspects of a strong attorney-client relationship. During the initial free consultation, a good attorney will attentively listen as you describe the details of the car accident and the resulting injuries. They will also ask pertinent questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your case.
Finally, you must be comfortable with your lawyer. If you aren’t able to trust them, you need to reconsider your decision.
Conclusion
With 15,000 traffic crashes occurring annually, St. Louis is considered an accident-prone city. Even if you diligently follow all traffic rules, an unfortunate accident can still occur due to someone else’s fault.
In such situations, it is crucial to contact an expert personal injury lawyer who can offer legal guidance and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. However, it is essential to invest time in researching, assessing, and then selecting a lawyer who can effectively manage your personal injury case.
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