At Burger Law, we believe that results matter. Our Washington, MO clients want to know that we are giving 100 percent to a case and win the best possible settlement on their behalf. The following 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 Washington, MO Auto Accident Lawyer

Following a car crash in Washington, MO, you should be able to concentrate on getting your injuries treated. You should not have to be concerned with battling your insurance company for the care you need, or worrying about whether you are going to receive the financial recovery you need and deserve for the car accident, or even court dates and legal jargon. The Burger Law Washington, MO auto accident lawyers can focus all their efforts on the above facets.

Our lawyers are ready to fight for your rights, ensure that you receive complete compensation for the recovery you deserve and return to a normal life. Call one of our Washington, MO auto accident lawyers right now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form. They are able to confidentially talk about the specifics of your case for free with no obligation.

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

Auto accidents happen in what often feels like a blink of an eye. Though there are several possible dangerous events and conditions outside of our control that can contribute to crashes, the majority of car crashes 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 take place.

Some of the common causes of Washington, MO auto accidents 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 Washington, MO Area?

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

It can be hard to pinpoint a precise figure as many settlements are confidential, in terms of the average car accident settlement in Washington, MO, or anywhere for that matter. But, generally speaking, most 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 causing permanent disability or, in the worst cases, wrongful death, can bring about damages of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions.

In addition, we have extensive experience winning the following cases for our Washington, 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 Washington, MO?

Once you are injured in a Washington, MO auto accident, the state of Missouri's statute of limitations dictates how long you have after the date of the 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 personal injury claim in Washington, 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 stipulates 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 left the state at a later date before you filed a lawsuit, Missouri Revised Statute §516.200 stipulates that the time the defendant is out of the state does not apply toward the 5 years.

If you have been injured in an auto accident in Washington, MO, the clock is already ticking for when you can make your claim. Do not wait, give the auto accident law firm of Burger Law a call today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online to get justice and complete compensation for your injuries. We begin working on your Washington, MO claim right away and do not stop until we win your case.

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

As the purpose of a car crash settlement is to reasonable compensate you for your damages, the severity of those injuries is the driving element in how much your settlement may be. Other aspects include the insurance policy in question, how your injuries have impacted your life, if you bear any responsibility for your accident and the capabilities of your Washington, MO car accident lawyer:

• The severity of your injuries — As more serious injuries lead to larger medical expenses and more time lost from work in Washington, MO, they lead to higher settlements, especially 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 more the noneconomic damages will be.
• The insurance policy — Missouri has a minimum insurance requirement of $25,000 for bodily injury, and while a skilled Washington, MO auto accident lawyer might be able to get you more, there are times when the compensation is dependant upon 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 be awarded financial compensation if you were partially to blame; yet, the amount will be less. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but it is found that you are responsible for 30 percent of the blame for your accident, you would get $70,000. In Missouri, you can still receive compensation if you were 99 percent at fault.
• Your car accident lawyer — You need an aggressive and skilled Washington, MO lawyer to fight the insurance company and its tactics. Your auto accident lawyer will also need to look into your accident, prove liability on the part of the other motorist and have a network of economic and medical experts in the Washington, MO area and throughout MO to precisely calculate your claim. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement in negotiation, you will need an experienced trial lawyer with courtroom savvy that will argue your case in front of a jury.

View More FAQs

What Do I Do After an Auto Accident in Washington, MO?

Car crashes are never a pleasant experience, and they are often frightening and startling. Yet, it is important to keep a level head following an accident. You should follow these steps to ensure everyone’s well-being and to receive the finest results from your claim in Washington, MO:

• Check to see if you or anyone else is injured. The most critical thing in a Washington, MO car crash is everybody's safety and well-being. Check to see if anyone is injured and how significant their injuries are. If there are serious injuries to you or anyone else, call 911 immediately. If you are able and it is safe to do so, render first aid to anyone who needs it.
• Get to safety. Do not move anyone who is severely injured until emergency medical technicians get there, and alert other vehicles of the accident. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on the emergency lights and exit to get to the side of the road when it is safe. Otherwise, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic to avoid a multi-car accident.
• Call the police. Call the Washington, MO or county police if you have not already dialed 911. Missouri Revised Statute §303.040 demands Missouri motorists to report any motor vehicle crash that results in death, personal injury, or over $500 in property damage. If you are unsure as to the extent of the damage or how severe your injuries are, err on the side of caution and call the police. Not only is it the law, but police in Washington, MO are trained to offer an official account of what happened in accidents, and their report will go a long way in proving your claim and holding the other party accountable.
• Document the accident scene and collect evidence. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, any injuries you sustained and other parts of the scene, like the roadway around the accident. A lack of tire marks may be sufficient to prove that the other driver was distracted and is responsible for the car crash. If the other driver was drunk, take photos of the authorities arresting them.

  You should also swap insurance information with the other driver. If there were bystanders who could be eyewitnesses, get their contact information so that your Washington, MO car accident attorney can take official depositions from them. As your memory will be freshest in the immediate aftermath, it is also a good idea to jot down everything you remember about the accident as you may forget seemingly insignificant details that later turn out to be critical.

• Get medical treatment. It is a good idea to go to an urgent care facility in the Washington, MO area after a car accident, even if you do not believe your injuries are severe. With some injuries, adrenaline can often mask pain and you may not experience symptoms right away after an accident.
• Contact Burger Law. When you are seriously hurt in a car accident, it is essential to find an informed attorney who can help you navigate the difficulties of your case. An experienced lawyer who pushes back against bullies like resistant insurance companies is often the lone way you can really get maximum compensation for your injuries. Our lawyers have more than 70 years of combined experience standing up for the injured in Washington, MO. We know car accident claims and will be able to calculate precisely how much you are owed. Talking to us about your claim is free, so do not approve a settlement offer prior to asking an auto accident lawyer if it is really fair. We are also knowledgeable trial attorneys, so if we cannot negotiate a fair financial recovery, we will take the fight to a judge and jury.

  Give us a call today at (314) 500-HURT or reach out to us online.

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

When it comes to picking an auto accident lawyer in Washington, MO, it is integral to do your homework and locate the ideal attorney for the finer points of your case. Here are some key factors to ponder:

• Experience: An experienced auto accident attorney knows the intricacies 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 Washington, MO area, and throughout Missouri, standing up to prosecutors and insurance companies on behalf of our clients.
• Specialization: Different lawyers specialize in different specifics of the law, and it is critical to locate one who specializes in car crash cases. The Burger Law Washington, MO auto accident attorneys are not only well steeped 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 because of your injuries.
• Reputation: It is also essential to locate a lawyer who has a solid reputation and is known in the community. Ask around for recommendations and read online reviews, and you will see Burger Law’s distinguished track record throughout the Washington, MO area.
• Communication: It is vital to locate an attorney in Washington, MO who is willing to answer your questions and is easy to talk to. Gary Burger has literally written the book on the absolutely essential questions to ask before you select an attorney. Our team always ensure you updated on what is transpiring in your case. We also handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation, also keeping you in the loop throughout these processes. Give us a call as soon as possible at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.