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Independence Car Accident Lawyer – Protect Your Rights
According to the statistics report from the National Safety Council, the total number of motor vehicle deaths in the USA has increased by 996% over the last ten decades, from 4,200 fatalities in 1913 to 46,027 in 2022. Insurance companies and at-fault parties can be cunning to avoid liability. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles and total miles driven have grown exponentially, changing risk factors.
Therefore, it is crucial to get legal assistance. At Royce Injury, we have 65 years of experience representing car accident victims, and our car wreck attorneys are equipped with seasoned expertise to help you get fair compensation.
Car Accident Statistics in Independence, MO
- In 2023, Independence had approximately 17 deaths in car crashes.
- More than 1,057 people lost their lives in fatal vehicle accidents in 2023, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- A report by the Missouri Department of Transportation has observed that the fatality rate in car accidents has risen to 4.47% compared to 2023.
- NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis report has observed 690 fatalities in 2024, and a fatality rate of 1.24%.
Your Legal Rights After a Car Accident in Independence, MO
Injured drivers have the right to legal representation, fair treatment by insurance companies, and coverage of economic damages. You are eligible to claim compensation if you have suffered economic and non-economic damages due to the fault of another driver. The fault is usually determined by analyzing various factors such as the degree of negligence, intention, and violation of laws, as well as the contributory negligence of the victim in an accident. Determining liability is a complex process, and you will need the assistance of an auto accident attorney in Missouri.
Missouri Car Accident Laws That Can Impact Your Case
Gustafson v. Benda was the landmark case establishing the rule of comparative negligence in Missouri for all accident-related cases. The case established the rule that is used to calculate the compensation of the victim by looking at their degree of negligence in causing the accident. Civil instructions section 37.1 provides criteria for determining the degree of fault. In Missouri, minimum liability insurance ranges between $25,000 and $50,000. Independence accident lawyers
Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Here is what you should do immediately after.
Step 1
Stay on the accident scene because fleeing is punishable under section 577.060 of the Revised Statute of Missouri.
Step 2
Call 911 and seek immediate medical help.
Step 3
Report the accident and obtain a crash report.
Step 4
Gather relevant evidence ── videos, images, witness statements, contacts, etc.
Step 5
Inform your insurance company about the accident.
Step 6
Consult a car accident lawyer in Independence
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Frequent Causes of Car Accidents
According to the lawyers in Independence, the most common causes of car accidents in the city are:
- Distracted driving
- DUI
- Speeding
- Poor road conditions
Where Do Most Car Accidents Occur?
Crash history reports by the Missouri Department of Transportation show that the most accident-prone roads and intersections in Independence are I‐70, I-435 Interchange, and US-40. The fatality rate on these intersections is the highest among all other roads and intersections. According to the crash report history of 1-70, in 2024 alone, the fatality rate has jumped to 1.27%.
Typical Injuries Resulting from Car Accidents
Car collisions can result in minor to life-threatening injuries and be fatal in some cases. Minor injuries include bone fractures, scars, muscle damage, and whiplash. Major injuries include traumatic brain injury (TBI), organ damage through impaling, amputation, etc. All these injuries have different legal and financial implications on compensation. If the victim dies in the accident, the heirs have the right to demand compensation. All in all, you will need the assistance of a car accident attorney
Determining Fault in Car Accident Cases
For liability assessment of the at-fault parties, evidentiary documents such as police reports, witness statements, doctor’s diagnoses, videos, and images of the accident are analyzed by the attorneys for car wrecks. Multiple parties can be at fault in a car accident, and this makes the process complicated. Insurance companies offer compensation that is often not enough to cover the economic damages.
Filing a Car Accident Claim: The Legal Process
Step 1
Make a comprehensive file of your claim with the evidence gathered - images, videos, witness statements, crash report, police report, and medical diagnosis report. These documents are necessary for determining liability and economic damages.
Step 2
Notify your insurance company and employer (if needed).
Step 3
Next, contact an auto accident attorney in Independence, MO, to assess the liable parties in your case.
Step 4
File your claim with the insurance company and start negotiations with them with the help of your lawyer.
Step 5
File a personal injury lawsuit if negotiations fail with the insurance company.
Potential Compensation for Car Accident Victims
Economic damages (medical bills, wages, property damage) and non-economic damages (mental agony and suffering) can be awarded to victims of car collisions.
Compensation Amount | Case Type | Defendant(s) |
Truck manufacturer sued for head-on collision killing two people | Wabash National | |
Car collision due to speeding caused severe injuries to Janae Edmondson | St. Louis | |
Wrongful death from a car crash | Melody Kay Thomas |
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