Key Takeaways
- You should consult a lawyer after a minor car accident if there are injuries, fault disputes, or a low insurance settlement offer.
- Delayed injuries like whiplash often surface days after a crash and can result in significant medical expenses.
- Missouri's pure comparative fault law means your compensation can be reduced if you are assigned any percentage of blame.
- Missouri's statute of limitations gives you 5 years to file a car accident lawsuit, but acting sooner preserves critical evidence.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Minor Car Accident?
If you are in a minor car accident in Missouri, you should get a lawyer if there are any injuries, a dispute over fault, or the insurance company is offering a settlement that is below the expenses you've incurred from the crash. An attorney can help protect you from having your compensation reduced, particularly with Missouri's pure comparative fault law.
Minor accidents may seem like no big deal, like something you can handle yourself. However, delayed injuries tend to surface in the days following small crashes. Whiplash is a common car accident injury that will result in medical expenses that you'll want to have covered by the other driver's insurer.
Disputes with fault often arise in minor accidents, and when they do, having a lawyer help you navigate Missouri's car accident laws is especially important. Without one, you may be issued more blame than you deserve.
Insurers tend to offer low settlements or pressure you to record a statement. What you say can be used to chip away at your settlement offer. Having a lawyer ensures you know what not to say to insurance after your accident. The Bruning Law Firm helps St. Louis car accident victims understand their legal rights and options, including how to get compensation for all your repair costs.
What Is Missouri’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?
Missouri's statute of limitations, or time limits, for filing car accident lawsuits is 5 years from the accident date. The sooner you file, the stronger your case will potentially be as waiting means evidence may be lost. Consulting with an attorney sooner ensures that this crucial evidence can be preserved.
What Is Pure Comparative Fault in Missouri?
Pure comparative fault is the system the state uses for handling shared blame. Under this rule, you can recover damages even if you are up to 99% at fault. The downside is that your recovery will be reduced by the percentage of blame you are given by the insurer. With a St. Louis car accident lawyer, you can be sure that you are not unfairly given more fault than you deserve.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Fender Bender With No Injuries?
You don't always need a lawyer, especially if there are no injuries and the property damage is minimal. However, if you're offered a lower settlement or the other party changes their story, use our complete guide to hiring a car accident lawyer. You might be worried about what a car accident lawyer actually costs in St. Louis, though a free consultation is provided and with no fees unless we win, The Bruning Law Firm makes it easy to get the legal representation you need to resolve your car accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a minor car accident turn into a bigger claim?
Yes. What appears to be a minor accident can involve hidden injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or concussions that don't show symptoms immediately. Medical treatment for these injuries can add up quickly, making legal representation valuable.
What are the signs I need a lawyer after a car accident?
Key signs include injuries that appear after the accident, disputed fault, a low settlement offer, or pressure from the insurance company. Read about the do i need a lawyer after a car accident? 4 signs that you do for a detailed breakdown.
How do I choose the right car accident lawyer in St. Louis?
Look for experience with Missouri car accident cases, contingency fee arrangements, and strong client reviews. Our guide on how to select the best st. louis car accident lawyer walks you through the process.
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm helps St. Louis car accident victims understand their rights and legal options under Missouri personal injury law. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys for all case sizes charge no fee unless we win, so schedule your free consultation today by calling (314) 735-8100.