Newton County Car Accident Lawyers
Representing Collision Victims in McDonald County & Southwest Missouri
Newton County Car Accident Lawyers
Representing Collision Victims in McDonald County & Southwest Missouri
A car accident can change your life in a second. People who were previously healthy now must nurse an injury, and those with financial stability face mounting medical bills and other expenses — and these are just some of the ways that a collision can impact your life. At Neff & Day, P.C., our experienced attorneys are prepared to take on the legal aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
For more information, call (417) 387-3373 or contact us online.
How Does the State of Missouri Determine Fault in Car Accident Cases?
Each state has different laws regarding how fault is determined in car accident cases and how injury victims are compensated for their damages.
Missouri is considered a “fault” state. This means that people who have been injured in a car accident must demonstrate the fault of another driver in order to recover compensation. This differs from other states that allow people to receive compensation for their accident-related damages through their insurance companies, without showing that another person is at fault.
The state of Missouri also follows the principle of “comparative negligence” or “pure comparative fault.” This is a legal term that means that compensation for car accident victims is reduced according to each person's degree of fault. Your level of fault will be assigned a percentage, and the compensation you are entitled to will be lessened by that amount.
Missouri is unique in that it allows people to recover compensation after an accident regardless of their percentage of fault. While most other states prohibit compensation for people who are 50% or more at fault for a car accident, Missouri even lets people who are 99% at fault for a car accident recover 1% of the damages they have incurred.
Missouri Car Accident Statute of Limitations Guide
When you are involved in a car accident, it is important to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a claim. The statute of limitations is the time limit within which you must file a lawsuit in order to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
In the state of Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accident cases, is generally five years from the date of the accident. However, it is crucial to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible to understand the specific deadlines that may apply to your case.
Waiting too long to take legal action can result in your claim being barred and you may lose your right to seek compensation. By contacting our Neosho car accident lawyers at Neff & Day, P.C., we can help ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
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"Brett is a one-of-a-kind person that does his job out of integrity, character, and honesty."Former Client
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"Excellent legal advice at a reasonable price. Highly recommend his services."Former Client
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"His no-nonsense approach is a blessing. He listened to my concerns and answered all my questions completely."Former Client
Your Options for Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident
In car accident cases, compensation is usually recovered through a claim with an insurance company. However, it’s possible that filing a lawsuit may be appropriate in your case. This could be true if the funds provided by insurance are not sufficient to cover your damages or if a third party is liable for your injuries. Additional parties that could be liable for your accident may include commercial vehicle owners, trucking companies, construction businesses, property owners, government entities, and more. Our attorneys can discuss the specifics of your case with you and provide further information about your options.
Building a Car Accident Case
It is important to document your injuries and damages in the aftermath of a car accident. Any piece of evidence related to the collision can help you build a case and recover the compensation you deserve. You should keep all medical bills and records of other expenses and photograph the progression of your injuries. It may be helpful to keep a diary that tracks the progression of your injuries and your case. Of course, any pictures or dash cam videos from the day of the accident will be helpful as well.
While the law may not mandate hiring an attorney for car accident injury cases, there are compelling reasons why a victim may choose to seek legal representation. Car accident injury victims often face complex legal procedures, intricate insurance claim processes, and negotiations with well-equipped insurance companies. Having an attorney by their side provides invaluable expertise and guidance, ensuring that their rights are protected, evidence is properly preserved, and all necessary paperwork is handled efficiently. Attorneys experienced in personal injury law can navigate the legal system on behalf of the victim, advocate for fair compensation, and handle the complexities of the case, allowing the victim to focus on their recovery and well-being. Moreover, an attorney's negotiation skills and understanding of the legal landscape can significantly increase the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome and securing the full compensation deserved by the victim. Therefore, while not obligatory, seeking the assistance of an attorney can be a prudent choice for car accident injury victims seeking justice and fair compensation.
When Should I Get an Attorney for a Car Accident?
Obtaining the services of an attorney as soon as possible after a car accident is crucial for various reasons. One of the primary benefits is the ability of the attorney to promptly preserve crucial evidence related to the accident. This includes securing photographs, obtaining surveillance footage, gathering accident reports, and preserving damaged vehicles. Additionally, an attorney can swiftly collect timely witness statements while memories are fresh and details are vivid, enhancing the strength of the case. Another advantage is the attorney's expertise in meeting critical deadlines imposed by the legal system. They are well-versed in filing court papers, submitting necessary documents, and adhering to procedural requirements, ensuring that the client's case progresses smoothly. By engaging an attorney early on, individuals can maximize their chances of building a strong case based on solid evidence, reliable witness testimonies, and a timely legal strategy.
What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
A car accident lawyer provides a range of legal services for individuals who have been injured in an auto accident. These services include determining who is at fault for the crash, filing all necessary paperwork, gathering evidence to build a strong case, negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair and full compensation, presenting legal arguments at court proceedings if necessary, advocating on behalf of the client throughout the process, and more.
Auto accident attorneys provide the following services to clients:
- Reviewing medical records and other documents related to a car accident
- Investigating the circumstances of an accident, including interviewing witnesses and obtaining surveillance footage
- Preparing and filing court documents as required by state laws
- Representing clients in pre-trial negotiations
- Taking part in mediation or arbitration proceedings when needed
- Advocating for their clients’ rights during mediation or trial proceedings
- Negotiating with insurance companies on behalf of their clients for fair compensation.
At Neff & Day, P.C., our experienced car accident lawyers are here to help you get the compensation you deserve after being injured in an auto collision. We understand how life-altering a car crash can be and are committed to providing dedicated legal representation that helps protect your rights and guides you toward the best possible outcome for your case.
Should You Speak to the Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
Because establishing fault is an essential element of recovering compensation after a car accident in Missouri, the other driver’s insurance company will be trying to pin liability on you to avoid paying a claim. They will likely contact you and ask you questions, or possibly already have. You should NOT speak to the insurance company without the guidance of a lawyer — even your own insurance company may use tactics to avoid providing the compensation you deserve. The best thing you can do to protect your claim is to speak with our attorneys.
Call Now!
When pursuing compensation after a motor vehicle collision, time is of the essence. Reach out to our car accident attorneys in Newton County now.
Get started on your case by calling (417) 387-3373 or completing our online contact form.
This client-centered approach is just one of the factors that have helped us provide excellent service to the Southwest Missouri area since 1994.
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Respected in the Legal CommunityWe're well-established in the area and have cultivated professional relationships with colleagues in the legal community.
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Serving You Since 1994
For almost 30 years, we've been providing the highest level of service for our clients.
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Personalized Service
When you call us, you'll speak directly with an attorney. You're not just a number - we'll walk with you at every step of the process.
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our experienced team is ready to advocate for you. Complete our form below or call us at (417) 387-3373.