Accidents happen to even the most experienced drivers. These accidents often lead to serious injury or even death. In fact, a fatal car accident occurs every 12 to 15 minutes in the U.S.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, car accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. citizens between the ages of 8 and 34. Of the nearly 3 million individuals who suffer injuries as a result of a car accident, at least half of them suffer permanent disabilities of some type, which impair normal function, including paralysis and other neurological injury.
According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, in 2011, 208 people were killed and 3,625 people were injured in car accidents involving an impaired driver. Alcohol was a factor in nearly 27% of those fatal crashes in Missouri.
At the Cottrell Law Office, our Joplin, MO car accident lawyers are experienced and effective advocates for injured victims. If you or your loved one was injured in a motor vehicle crash in Missouri, we are here to help.
To set up a free, no obligation initial consultation, please contact our Joplin law office right away.
Joplin Roadways and Traffic
Joplin has a population of approximately 50,150. Located in the four states region of Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kansas, and near Interstates 44 and 49, Joplin is a booming business district, thanks to economic incentives and a Chamber of Commerce that received a five star ranking from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Joplin has also been recognized as the first city in America to earn distinction as a Certified Work Ready community. Joplin is also a commuter friendly community, where 88% of workers are able to arrive at the office in less than 30 minutes.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Joplin, MO
Even if you are a safe and attentive driver, there is always a risk that you may be involved in a serious crash. Traffic collisions impact every community in Missouri.
After an accident, it is imperative that you know how to take the proper steps to protect your health, your well-being, and your ability to bring a legal claim.
You should be sure to do the following four things after a crash in Joplin, Missouri:
- Call the Police: Most auto accidents in Missouri should be reported to law enforcement. Under state regulations, any crash that resulted in an injury or in greater than $500 in property damage must be reported. It is in your best interest to ensure that an officer is dispatched to scene — especially if another driver was at fault for the accident.
- Obtain Information: The more information that you have, the better off you will be when it comes time to make a claim. Get the driver’s name, their insurance provider, and their vehicle information. In addition, take pictures of the crash and get the contact details for any eyewitnesses.
- Seek Medical Attention: Every car accident injury should be evaluated by a physician. Without question, severe injuries require immediate emergency care. Beyond that, seemingly mild and moderate injuries should also be examined. Please know that you cannot bring a claim for personal injury compensation without seeing a doctor.
- Call a Joplin Car Accident Lawyer: Finally, if you were hurt in a crash in Missouri, make sure you consult with an auto accident attorney before you make any statement to an insurance company representative. Insurers are not on your side. Your lawyer will protect you.
Auto Accident Statute of Limitations in Missouri
Under Missouri law (Missouri Revised Statutes § 516.120), the statute of limitations for a car accident injury claim is five years — one of the longest deadlines in the entire country. That being said, you should never wait to start the claims process. To get full and fair financial compensation, you need to present a strong legal case. Evidence must be collected now.
Call a Joplin, MO car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a serious wreck.
When Do You Need a Joplin Car Accident Attorney?
After a car accident, the trauma of your personal injuries is likely something you want to forget as soon as possible. The disruption that your injuries and damages cause, make the need to reach a resolution great, and the sooner you can get back to life as usual, the better. How long resolving an auto accident case will take, depends on so many factors. Although your Joplin car accident attorney can’t guarantee a successful resolution, nor can they predict how long it will take, being familiar with the factors that affect resolution, can make it easier to get through.
Causes of Car Accidents in Joplin
The sad truth is, the greatest threat on the road is other drivers. Their negligence accounts for more accidents and more deaths than anything else. The problem is, there are so many different ways that others can drive negligently, and all of those ways are extremely dangerous. Just a few common examples of driver negligence that leads to auto accidents include driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, driving while drowsy or fatigued, speeding, and distracted driving, including texting and eating.
Compensation Available for Injured Victims
Under Missouri law, injured victims are entitled to recover financial compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. At the Cottrell Law Office, our auto accident lawyer in Joplin, has the skills and experience needed to help car accident victims maximize their recovery.
You may be entitled to financial payment for:
- Medical bills;
- Physical therapy;
- Lost current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional anguish;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Distracted Driving in Joplin
Distracted driving is becoming a major concern for highway safety. As the use of cell phones has increased, so has the number of auto accidents involving distracted drivers. In 2013, more than 3,000 people were killed as a result of distracted drivers. Although the campaign to stop texting and driving is in full swing, cell phone use is not the only form of distracted driving.
Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary task of driving is a distraction and endangers the driver, passengers and others on the roadway. Distractions also include everyday tasks that many of us engage in all the time, such as eating and drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, using a GPS and adjusting the radio or other electronics.
What Can the Cottrell Law Office Do For Me?
The Joplin, MO car accident attorneys at the Cottrell Law Office will get you the results you deserve. As our case results reflect, we have obtained verdicts or settlements in car accident cases ranging from 100,000 to more than 300,000 in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
We handle more than car accidents, though. All types of motor vehicle accident cases are handled, including those involving commercial trucks, motorcycles, defective vehicles, pedestrian collisions, and other types of accident cases. With more than 29 years of experience, we are dedicated to putting that experience to work to provide you with top-quality service and zealous legal representation.
Schedule Your Free Car Accident Injury Consultation Today
At the Cottrell Law Office, our Joplin, MO auto accident lawyers are standing by, ready to protect your rights.
If you have questions regarding car accidents, or any other personal injury issues in Arkansas or Missouri, please contact our law firm for a free consultation, either online or by calling toll-free at 800-364-8305.
