Questions About Car Accidents
St. Louis, Kansas City, and Jefferson City, Missouri
What causes Car Accidents?
Simply put, car accidents are caused by an interruption of traffic flow. However, the real causes of car accidents may include:
- Irresponsible driving (drunk driving, driving too fast, texting while driving)
- Faulty equipment (manufacturing malfunction)
- Faulty traffic signals (poorly marked roads)
- Unavoidable circumstance (heart attack while driving)
What are my rights in a Car Accident?
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by someone else, you have the right to compensation. You may be able to receive compensation for:
- Loss of property
- Damage to property
- Personal Injury
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Because insurance companies are businesses created to make a profit, you may require the assistance of an experienced auto accident attorney to help you recover damages from an accident. Because of this, you should seek legal representation immediately, and ask for assistance when filling out insurance claims.
What responsibilities are mine while driving?
Every driver has the responsibility to drive safely. That includes the other driver, or drivers, involved in the accident, as well as you. Your responsibilities include:
- Following prescribed traffic laws
- Being alert while driving
- Avoiding multi-tasking while driving (such as texting or cell phone use)
- Adjusting your driving speed during inclement weather
- Carrying the appropriate amount of auto insurance
- Protecting yourself in case of an accident by wearing proper restraints (seat belts)
While you may not be able to prevent a car accident from happening, by being a responsible driver you can minimize the risk to yourself and those in the car with you.
What are the different types of auto insurance for?
Auto insurance is required in Missouri is a 25/50/10 split. That means you must carry enough insurance to cover:
- $25,000 per person
- Up to $50,000 per accident
- $10,000 in property damage
Missouri does not require that you carry medical payments coverage, which would pay for your own injuries if it is determined that you caused the accident.
However, many motorists prefer to carry higher coverage on their insurance. If you cause an auto accident and the other driver pursues you for $100,000 in medical coverage and wins, you will be held responsible for the additional $50,000 that your insurance does not cover.
Additionally, if you do not carry medical payments insurance, you may have to pay for your own injuries out of pocket, as well.
What should I do if my insurance company is refusing me compensation?
Most insurance companies will not refuse compensation outright. Instead, you may find that your insurance company, or the other driver’s company, is offering you a smaller amount than is necessary to cover your medical costs. If this is the case, you will need legal representation to help settle the matter. The Bradley Law Firm recommends that you seek legal representation immediately after an accident, to insure that your rights are protected, even from your own insurance company if necessary.
What steps should I take after a Car Accident?
Being in a car accident can be confusing, particularly if you have suffered from an injury. However, you should do the following immediately after the accident:
- Contact the police, who will document the accident
- Accept onsite medical treatment if you are injured, or allow yourself to be taken to a hospital for treatment
- Keep all related medical records and bills
- Fully cooperate with police
- Do not speak to the other drivers regarding fault or your injuries
For more details on how to respond to an accident, please read What to Do After a Car Accident.
If you would like to learn more, or if you have suffered an injury in a car accident, please contact the experienced car accident attorneys at The Bradley Law Firm, serving clients in St. Louis, Kansas City, and all the areas between in Missouri.