Car Accident
FAQs

If you’ve been injured, you should at least consult with a car accident lawyer.

Generally, it’s in your best interest to consult with a lawyer after a car accident if you have sustained an injury, need treatment beyond the initial emergency department or urgent care, or have had to miss work because of your injury.

See When To Get a Lawyer

Ultimately, this will be depend on many unique factors of your case

The average settlement amount for a car accident is approximately $37,248.62. This figure may be high in comparison to national averages across the United States because the data includes more car accident settlements involving serious injuries.

See Average Settlement Amount

It depends on your state and your type of case.

The Missouri statute of limitations for car accidents is 5 years, meaning Missouri residents have 5 years from the day of their car accident to bring a lawsuit.

See Car Accident Statute

Each case is unique, but can settle within 6 to 9 months.

Car accident cases with clear liability and moderate injuries often settle within 6 to 9 months after medical treatment is complete.

See Settlement Length

Ultimately, it depends on your unique case and circumstances.

The payout for pain and suffering after a car accident can range from a few $1,000 to upwards of $100,000 depending on the severity of injuries and other case factors.

See Pain & Suffering Payout

A lawyer will provide help and support throughout each step of your case.

A a car accident lawyer will help with investigations, collect supporting evidence, settlement negotiations, and prepare a case for trial if needed.

See How We Help

Fault is determined based on evidence collected throughout the case.

Attorneys and insurance companies determine fault based on the evidence they have at hand. Often fault is determined largely based on the police report filing by the reporting officer.

See How Fault Is Determined

It’s important to contact your insurance provider immediately.

 will want to know about any potential claims as soon as possible to collect evidence. If you are upfront with what happened, it will make it easier for the insurance company to accept liability and get any injury or property damage claims made against you resolved

See What Happens If You’re At-Fault

Generally, distracted drivers are at fault.

Most rear-end collisions are caused by distracted drivers. 87% of rear-end collisions where a driver hits the vehicle ahead of them are caused by distracted drivers

See Rear-end Collision Fault

There is no limit.

There is no limit or standard formula used to determine how much an injured party in a motor vehicle accident can seek in a lawsuit.

See How Much Can Someone Sue

There are 6 key steps to any car accident settlement.

In order, these six key steps include filing the claim, investigations, insurance policy review, the demand letter, negotiations, and the settlement payout. If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial.

See Settlement Process & Timeline

Yes, damages for lost wages can be recovered.

After a car accident, the at-fault party is required to compensate you for damages (including lost wages) that resulted from the collision.

See Lost Wage Reimbursement

Generally, this is due to evidence collection or medical treatment.

Car accidents can take a long time to settle due to negotiations, paying outstanding bills, medical treatment, and the collection of evidence to support the case.

See Settlement Is Taking Long

If you’re a passenger who has been injured in an auto accident, you should seek medical attention, document the accident, notify your insurance company, and consider contacting an attorney about your case.

Auto accident settlements often do not exceed policy limits because insurance companies are not required to pay out more than the amount of the policy limit.

For many years it has been illegal for minors to text and drive in Missouri. However, starting August 28, 2023, that law will extend to Missouri adults. 

The cost of an ambulance ride to the Emergency Room following a motor vehicle crash averages $900. The average price for an Emergency Room visit is $3,300, and the average inpatient hospitalization following a motor vehicle crash is $57,000. 

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As personal injury attorneys at Brown & Crouppen, we want drivers and car owners to have the knowledge to successfully handle a property damage claim. Here are some of the most important considerations.

Learn more about those considerations

To obtain medical treatment in a timely fashion, you initially recommend using your health insurance. This applies to the ambulance service, emergency department, hospitalization, urgent care treatment, and visits with your primary care physician, then consult with an experienced injury attorney to discuss your future medical treatment and your payment options.

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Although there are some exceptions, you will generally not be able to pursue any further legal action against the defendant after you’ve reached a settlement.

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Health insurance may cover injuries sustained in a car accident, but the extent of coverage can vary depending on several factors.

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In Missouri, the liability insurance of the responsible driver in a multi-vehicle collision covers damages caused by its insured.

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Yes, the Missouri requires all drivers to maintain uninsured motorist coverage.

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Since insurance generally follows the vehicle rather than the driver, you may be financially responsible, and your insurance rates could be affected.

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If you’re involved in a car accident where the other driver is at fault but you don’t have car insurance, you can still seek compensation for your economic damages like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.

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In Missouri, if someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident – whether they are at fault or not – your auto insurance policy typically becomes the primary source of coverage.

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