If you have been in a vehicle collision in Arnold, reach out to an Arnold car accident lawyer. At Albers Injury Law, we have extensive experience with car crash victims. Learn common causes of accidents, what you should do after a crash, what damages you may be able to recover, and how we can help.
Reasons To Hire an Arnold Car Accident Lawyer
If someone else was at fault for the crash and you received injuries as a result, you may be eligible for compensation. Insurance companies generally do not want to pay damages, and if they do, the amount is usually less than what they should pay.
Your Arnold car accident attorney will examine the facts of the case to determine who the at-fault party is and how much compensation you deserve. Our team will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure you receive what your case is worth.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Arnold
Accidents occur for various reasons, and the resulting damages can be significant. The most common causes of accidents include the following:
Speeding or aggressive driving
Traffic laws are in place to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. Going faster than the speed limit can lead to a crash since it takes longer for someone to stop and reduces the driver’s ability to maintain control. Crashes involving speeding are often more serious.
Aggressive driving encompasses a variety of traffic law violations, including changing lanes abruptly, weaving in and out of traffic, disobeying traffic signals, and not yielding the right of way. Any of these behaviors can result in a collision with another vehicle.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving refers to any action or behavior that takes the driver’s attention off of the road and the operation of the vehicle. Examples include:
- Eating or drinking
- Fiddling with the radio
- Reaching for something in the back of the vehicle
- Talking with passengers
- Using a cellphone
Distracted driving is common among all age groups, but teenagers have a higher percentage of crashes due to distracted driving.
Impaired driving
Impaired driving refers to driving under the influence of not only alcohol but also illicit and prescription drugs. Individuals who drive impaired are at a much higher risk of getting into an accident than those who drive sober.Â
Road conditions
There are various types of road conditions, such as construction zones, potholes, nighttime, and inclement weather, that require modified driving. For example, if the pavement is wet, drivers should drive at slower speeds than those posted and leave extra room between them and the vehicles in front and behind.
What To Do After an Arnold, MO, Auto Accident
The period immediately after an accident can be confusing and chaotic. Knowing ahead of time what to do may help you remain calm and improve the chances of your Arnold car accident lawyer helping you obtain a strong settlement.
Assess the damage
Before doing anything else, assess the state of your vehicle, yourself, and any passengers. If there are potentially life-threatening injuries or a safety issue, such as a vehicle on fire, call 911 right away.
Move to safety
If it is possible and safe to do so, move the involved vehicles to the side of the road, out of the way of traffic.
Contact law enforcement
Call the police. A law enforcement officer will complete official documentation of the accident, which you will submit to your insurance company. The police will also conduct a thorough investigation of the scene, which helps in determining who was at fault for the collision. Â
Collect information at the scene
While waiting for law enforcement to arrive, you and the other driver should exchange information, including names and phone numbers, driver’s licenses, and the license plate numbers of the vehicles. You may also want to collect your own evidence, taking photos of the scene and vehicles from varying angles. If you feel the other driver is acting aggressively, stay in your vehicle and let the police gather the necessary information for you.
Do not admit fault
During the initial investigation and exchange of information, do not admit fault of any kind. If asked about symptoms or injuries, do not say that you are not hurt. Many injuries associated with car crashes have delayed symptoms. It’s better to note that you are unsure and are going to make an appointment with a healthcare provider to evaluate you for any injuries.
Days after the accident, the other party’s insurance company may contact you. Do not say or sign anything offered without consulting your Arnold car accident lawyer. Oftentimes, documents they ask you to sign include a low settlement offer, admittance of fault, or waiver of your right to sue.
Seek medical attention
Whether you have obvious injuries or not, you should see your doctor, visit your chiropractor, or walk into an urgent care clinic as soon as possible. A healthcare provider can diagnose an injury before you notice symptoms. Seeking care right away also increases the chances you will recover more quickly and shows the insurance company that the injury relates directly to the accident.
Speak with a car accident lawyer in Arnold
Even if you do not think the accident was serious, it is advisable to consult with an Arnold car accident lawyer. We will review all facts of the crash and determine if you have a valid case. If so, we will build a strong case so you can collect the appropriate damages.
Potential Damages You Can Recover
If another driver is at fault for the crash, your Arnold car accident attorney will calculate a settlement amount that includes reimbursement for injuries and other damages. Your lawyer may consider:
- Medical bills: The settlement takes into consideration expenses related to emergency services, doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, rehabilitation services, and other treatments related to your injuries. If you need continued care, your lawyer will also include these future expenses.
- Lost wages: If you missed work as a result of your injuries and treatment, your attorney will calculate that lost income. This may include future lost wages, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job.
- Property damages: The settlement includes expenses related to the repair or replacement of your vehicle or other personal items damaged in the accident.
- Pain and suffering: These non-economic damages relate to physical pain and emotional damage, such as depression or a reduced quality of life.
A settlement for a car accident varies dramatically, as there are numerous factors involved. Your car accident lawyer in Arnold will be able to provide an estimate of the compensation you may receive.
Reach Out to Our Arnold Car Accident Lawyers
If you think you may be eligible for compensation for injuries sustained in a crash, contact us at Albers Injury Law. Our Arnold car accident lawyer will evaluate your case for free and determine what your next steps should be.
Car Accident Settlement FAQs
What injuries are common after an accident?
Depending on the speed and type of crash, various injuries are common. These include whiplash, fractures, head injuries, bruises, muscle sprains and strains, lacerations, burns, and spinal cord injuries. The severity of injuries can vary dramatically.
How can an attorney help?
An Arnold car accident lawyer helps to determine fault, especially if the case is complex and there are multiple parties involved. Your attorney also knows how to negotiate with the insurance company to secure you a larger settlement. If necessary, your attorney will also take the case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.