At Burger Law, we believe that results matter. Our Jefferson County, MO clients want to know that we are providing our entire attention to a case and win the best possible settlement on their behalf. Below are some recent examples of auto accident settlements we have won for clients:

• $300k Utility Terrain Vehicle Settlement
• On-Ramp Accident Leads to $327,000 Settlement
• $90,000 Settlement after Car Accident
• Head on Collision
• Rear End Accident Leads to $35,000 recovery

Injured in an Auto Accident? Contact a Jefferson County, MO Auto Accident Lawyer

Following a car crash in Jefferson County, MO, you should be focused on getting treatment for your injuries. You should not have to worry about battling your insurance company for the care you need, or wondering whether you are going to get the financial compensation you need for the car accident, or even court dates and legal jargon. The Burger Law Jefferson County, MO auto accident lawyers can concentrate all their efforts on the above facets.

Our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights, making sure that you get complete compensation for the recovery you need and return to a normal life. Call one of our Jefferson County, MO auto accident lawyers right now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form. They are able to confidentially discuss your case for free with no obligation.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Jefferson County, MO?

Auto accidents happen in what often feels like a blink of an eye. Though there are several possible dangerous conditions and events outside of our control that can contribute to crashes, most auto accidents are caused by driver error. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that human operators are responsible for 94 percent of crashes that occur.

Some of the common causes of Jefferson County, MO car crashes are:

• Distracted Driving
• Texting and Driving
• Drunk Driving
• Speeding
• Hit and Run
• Construction Zones
• Failing to Yield
• Rain or Bad Weather
• Reckless Driving, including:
• Cutting another car off
• Tailgating
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Running red lights
• Blocking a car or changing speed to prevent another car from changing lanes, passing, etc.
• Refusing to use turn signals
• Forcing a car off the road
• Using high beams to interfere with another driver’s ability to see

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement Amount in the Jefferson County, MO Area?

Auto accidents are expensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute, deaths, injuries and property damage in motor vehicle accidents cost $474 billion in 2020. The NHTSA, approximates that motor vehicle accidents cost society $7,300 per second in loss of productivity.

In terms of the cost of paying out the average car accident settlement in Jefferson County, MO, or anywhere for that matter, it can be difficult to pinpoint a precise figure as the specifics of each case vary and many settlement amounts are confidential. But, generally speaking, the majority of car crash settlements come in between $15,000 and $20,000. Injuries calling for more comprehensive medical care frequently reach $50,000 to $100,000, while injuries resulting in permanent disability or, in the worst cases, wrongful death, can result in damages of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions.

In addition, we have extensive experience winning the following cases for our Jefferson County, MO clients:

• Car Accident Attorney in Missouri
• Premises Liability Lawyer in Missouri
• Car Crash Lawyer in Missouri

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Jefferson County, MO?

The state of Missouri's statute of limitations dictates how long you have after the date of your injuries from a Jefferson County, MO auto accident to file your claim.

• In general terms, according to Missouri Revised Statute §516.120, you have 5 years from the date of your injury to file your auto accident injury claim in Jefferson County, MO or elsewhere in Missouri.
• If you were mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury or under the age of 21 at the time, Missouri Revised Statute §516.170 states that you have 5 years after the date you turn 21 or that your "legal disability" ends.
• If you are injured by someone who was a resident of the state when the injury occurred, but later left the state before you filed a lawsuit, Missouri Revised Statute §516.200 says that the time the defendant is out of the state does not apply toward the 5 years.

The clock is already ticking for when you can make your claim, if you have been hurt in a Jefferson County, MO auto accident. Do not prolong this, give the auto accident law firm of Burger Law a call as soon as possible at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online to get justice and maximum compensation for your injuries. We start working on your Jefferson County, MO case immediately and do not stop until we win your case.

What Are the Factors That Determine an Auto Accident Settlement in Jefferson County, MO?

As the meaning of a car accident settlement is to adequately compensate you for your injuries, the seriousness of those injuries is the compelling factor in how much your settlement may be. Other facets include the insurance policy in question, how your injuries have impacted your life, if you are to blame in any degree for your accident and the abilities of your Jefferson County, MO car crash lawyer:

• The severity of your injuries — As more serious injuries lead to higher medical expenses and more time lost from work in Jefferson County, MO, they lead to bigger settlements, particularly when including the pain and suffering multiplier.
• How your injuries have impacted your life — The greater the effect on your physical, emotional and mental well-being, the higher the noneconomic damages will be.
• The insurance policy — Missouri has a minimum insurance requirement of $25,000 for bodily injury, and while a skilled Jefferson County, MO car crash lawyer might have the skills to get you more, there are instances where you will be limited by the negligent driver's and/or your insurance policy limits.
• If you are partially to blame — With comparative negligence policies like Missouri law observes, you can still get financial compensation if you were partially responsible for the accident; yet, the total amount will be less. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but it is decided that you are responsible for 30 percent of the blame for your crash, you would get $70,000. Even if you were 99 percent at fault, you can still receive compensation in Missouri.
• Your car accident lawyer — You need an aggressive and skilled Jefferson County, MO attorney to fight the insurance company and its tactics. Your auto accident lawyer will also need to investigate your crash, prove liability on the part of the other motorist and have a network of medical and economic professionals in the Jefferson County, MO area and throughout MO to accurately calculate your claim. If the insurance company will not proffer a fair settlement, you will need an experienced trial attorney with courtroom savvy that will stand by your side and argue your case in front of a jury.

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What Do I Do After an Auto Accident in Jefferson County, MO?

Car crashes are not a pleasant experience, and they are frequently frightening and startling. However, it is important to stay calm following a crash. You should follow these steps to ensure everyone’s safety and to get the finest results from your claim in Jefferson County, MO:

• Check to see whether you or anyone else is injured. The most important thing in a Jefferson County, MO auto accident is everybody's well-being and safety. Assess the scene to see if anyone is injured and how significant their injuries are. If you or anyone is severely injured, call 911 immediately. If you are able and it is safe to do so, render aid to anyone who needs it.
• Get to safety. Do not move anyone who is severely injured until emergency medical personnel get there, and warn other motor vehicles of the accident. If you are unable to move your vehicle, turn on the emergency lights and exit to get to the side of the road whenever it is safe. Otherwise, get your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic to avoid a multi-car accident.
• Phone the police. If you have not already called 911, call the Jefferson County, MO or county police. Missouri Revised Statute §303.040 calls for Missouri motorists to report any motor vehicle crash that ends in personal injury, death, or over $500 in property damage. If you are uncertain as to the extent of the damage or how severe your injuries are, err on the side of caution and call the police. Police in Jefferson County, MO are trained to provide an official account of what happened in crashes, and their report will go a long way in proving your claim and holding the other party accountable. It is also the law.
• Document the accident scene and collect evidence. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, any injuries you sustained and other parts of the scene, such as the road around the crash. The lack of tire marks could help prove that the other driver was distracted and is responsible for the auto accident. If the other driver was drunk, take pictures of the authorities arresting them.

  You should additionally trade insurance information with the other driver. If there were bystanders who could be eyewitnesses, collect their contact information so that your Jefferson County, MO auto accident attorney can take official depositions from them. It is also a good idea to jot down everything you remember about the accident, as your memory will be freshest in the immediate aftermath, and some seemingly insignificant details may slip your mind that later turn out to be critical.

• Get medical treatment. Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe, it is a good idea to go to an urgent care facility in the Jefferson County, MO area after a car accident. With some injuries, adrenaline can often disguise pain and you may not deal with symptoms right away after an accident.
• Reach out to Burger Law. When you are seriously injured in a car crash, it is necessary to find an informed attorney who can help you navigate the difficulties of your case. An experienced, professional attorney who pushes back against resistant insurance companies is frequently the only way you can really receive maximum compensation for your damages. We have more than 70 years of combined experience standing up for the injured in Jefferson County, MO. We know car accident claims and will be able to figure out exactly how much you are owed. Talking to us about your claim is free, so it is important to never approve a settlement offer prior to asking an auto accident lawyer if it is actually adequate. We are also experienced trial attorneys, so if we cannot negotiate a fair financial recovery, we will move the fight in front of a jury and a judge.

  Give us a call today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.

What Should I Look For When Picking an Auto Accident Lawyer in Jefferson County, MO?

When it comes to selecting an auto accident lawyer in Jefferson County, MO, it is integral to do your research and locate the ideal lawyer for the finer points of your case. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Experience: A knowledgeable auto accident lawyer will know the ins and outs of the legal system and be able to help you fight against bullying insurance companies. Burger Law has over three decades of experience in the Jefferson County, MO area, and throughout Missouri, standing up to prosecutors and insurance companies on behalf of our clients.
• Specialization: Different attorneys specialize in different areas of the law, and it is critical to locate one who specializes in car crash cases. The Burger Law Jefferson County, MO auto accident attorneys not only specialize in car crash cases, we dedicate our careers to handling cases like yours and doing whatever it takes to get you full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, other out-of-pocket expenses and the pain and suffering you have incurred due to your injuries.
• Reputation: It is also important to locate a lawyer who has a good reputation and is known in the community. Ask around for recommendations and read online reviews, and you will see Burger Law’s stellar track record throughout the Jefferson County, MO area.
• Communication: It is vital to find a lawyer in Jefferson County, MO who is willing to answer your questions and is easy to talk to. Gary Burger has literally written the book on absolutely essential questions to ask before you pick an attorney. Our attorneys always make sure you are in the know on what is transpiring in your case. Additionally, we handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation, also keeping you in the know throughout these procedures. Call us right away at (314) 500-HURT or reach out to us online.