Missouri Car Accident Lawyers

Experienced Missouri Car Accident Lawyers – Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. Trial Lawyers

Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien is a team of six attorneys dedicated to representing their clients and with decades of experience handling personal injury and car accident cases. Located in Joplin, the firm has expanded to include offices in Carthage and St. Louis to reach all Missouri residents. The lawyers work together and with clients to get real results. They have won millions of dollars in settlements and jury verdicts for their clients over the years.

Residents all over Missouri may turn to Buchanan, Williams & O’Brien, P.C. for these and other reasons:

• More than 40 years working for clients and practicing personal injury law
• Multiple settlements and verdicts worth more than $1 million
• A team of trial attorneys with decades of experience litigating in court
• Free case evaluations and no-fee guarantee until they win for clients
• Clear explanations of options and attorneys who treat clients with dignity and respect

When Do I Need to Talk to a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer?

In Missouri, you have options for seeking compensation after an accident. You can make a claim on your own insurance, claim with the third-party’s insurance, or sue the negligent parties in the accident.[1] A lawyer can help you with any of these and provide advice on which is the best option for your situation.

Minor fender benders are generally easy to deal with alone, but for more serious accidents, consider getting legal representation. It’s important to talk to a lawyer in these situations:

• The accident caused serious injuries with high medical bills.
• Your injuries may be permanent, long-term, or disabling.
• Your medical and other expenses continue to rise.
• You may need long-term treatment or care.
• Injuries from the accident have compromised your ability to work and earn a living.
• You have tried to work with an insurer, and either have been denied compensation or have been offered too little.
• A family died in the accident.

Above all, it’s important to contact a lawyer when you are confused about your options or what you should do next. Lawyers should offer you a free consultation, so you have an opportunity to get answers. There is no obligation to hire a firm you talk to about your accident.

What to Expect Working with a Car Accident Lawyer

Once you have chosen a Missouri car accident lawyer to help after an accident, you should be prepared to work with them toward your goal. Prepare for meetings by getting all of your documentation and information together: insurance policies, contact information for witnesses and others involved in the accident, your medical records and bills, and information about your job and income.

It’s also important to be prepared with questions. Your lawyer needs you to be informed about the process and your options. They can do much of the work, but it’s up to you to make decisions about what they do. Ask questions, listen, and be easy to contact.

Car Accident Laws in Missouri

It is always in your best interest to be informed. This includes understanding the Missouri laws, court procedures, and rules that may impact your case and its outcome:[2]

• Statute of Limitations. Missouri has a longer statute of limitations than many states. The law gives you five years from the time of the accident to file a lawsuit against those negligent in causing it. Even with five years, it’s important to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible to get a lawsuit started.
• Government Claims. If the at-fault driver or negligent party is a government employee or agency, you must file a formal claim to seek compensation. You have just 90 days to make this claim against a city.
• Pure Comparative Fault. Many states follow a comparative fault rule, which says that the court will reduce a jury award by the degree to which you were at fault in the accident. Missouri is unique in that you can still recover some damages, even if you were 99% at fault. Many states bar recovery at 51% fault and higher.

A car accident can be a devastating, life-changing incident. If you have suffered significant injuries and now have expenses, Missouri car accident lawyers can help. They can advise you, represent you, and help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.