At Burger Law, we believe that results matter. Our Winston, MO clients want to know that we are providing our entire attention to a case and win the best possible settlement on their behalf. The following are some recent examples of car crash 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 Winston, MO Auto Accident Lawyer

After an auto accident in Winston, MO, you should be focused on getting your injuries treated. You should not have to worry about battling your insurance company for the care you need, or wondering whether you are going to receive the financial recovery you deserve for the car accident, or even legal jargon and court dates. The Burger Law Winston, MO auto accident lawyers can center all their efforts on all of the above.

Our lawyers are prepared to fight for your rights, making sure that you receive complete compensation for the recovery you need and get back to a normal life. Give one of our Winston, MO auto accident lawyers a call right away at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form. They are prepared to confidentially talk about the specifics of your case for free with no obligation.

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

Auto accidents happen in what often feels like a blink of an eye. Although there are several potentially hazardous events and conditions outside of our purview that can contribute to crashes, most car crashes are caused by driver error. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that human motorists are responsible for 94 percent of accidents that take place.

Some of the common causes of Winston, MO car crashes include:

• 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 Winston, MO Area?

Auto accidents are expensive. According to research from 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 Winston, MO, or anywhere for that matter, it can be hard to pinpoint a precise figure as the specifics of each case vary and many settlement amounts are confidential. But, generally speaking, most of car accident settlements come in between $15,000 and $20,000. Injuries needing more extensive medical care often 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 Winston, 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 Winston, MO?

Once you are injured in a Winston, 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, according to Missouri Revised Statute §516.120, you have 5 years from the date of your injury to file your personal injury claim in Winston, 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 hurt by someone who was a resident of the state when the injury happened, but later left the state before you filed a lawsuit, Missouri Revised Statute §516.200 stipulates that the time the defendant is out of Missouri 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 Winston, MO auto accident. Do not hesitate, call the auto accident law firm of Burger Law now at (314) 500-HURT or reach out to us online to get justice and complete compensation for your injuries. We start working on your Winston, MO case immediately and do not stop until we win your case.

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

As the purpose of an auto crash settlement is to reasonable compensate you for your damages, the seriousness of those injuries is the compelling element in how much your settlement might be. Other factors include how your injuries have impacted your life, the insurance policy in question, if you are to blame in any degree for your accident and the capabilities of your Winston, MO auto crash lawyer:

• The seriousness of your injuries — As more major injuries lead to higher medical expenses and more time lost from work in Winston, MO, they give rise to higher settlements, particularly when adding in the pain and suffering multiplier.
• How your injuries have impacted your life — The greater the effect on your mental, emotional and physical 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 Winston, MO auto accident lawyer may have the skills to get you more, there are instances where 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 receive a financial recovery if you were partially to blame; however, the amount will be less. As an 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 crash, you would receive $70,000. You can still receive compensation in Missouri, even if you were 99 percent at fault.
• Your car accident lawyer — You need an aggressive and skilled Winston, MO attorney to fight the insurance company's tricks. Your auto accident attorney will also need to conduct an investigation into your accident, prove liability on the part of the other driver and have a network of medical and economic experts in the Winston, MO area and throughout MO to accurately calculate your claim. If the insurance company refuses to extend a fair settlement in negotiation, you will need an experienced trial lawyer 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 Winston, MO?

Auto accidents are not a pleasant experience, and they are frequently frightening and startling. Yet, it is important to keep a level head in the aftermath of an accident. You should follow these steps to ensure everyone’s safety and to receive the premier results from your claim in Winston, MO:

• Check to see whether you or anyone else is injured. The most vital thing in a Winston, MO car crash is everybody's well-being and safety. Check to see if anyone is injured and how significant their injuries are. If there are severe injuries to you or anyone else, call 911 immediately. If you can and it is safe to do so, render aid to anyone who needs it.
• Get to safety. If anyone is severely injured, do not move them until emergency medical technicians arrive, and warn other motor 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, get your vehicle to the side of the road and away from oncoming traffic to avoid a multi-car accident.
• Phone the police. If you have not already called 911, call the Winston, MO or county police. Missouri Revised Statute §303.040 requires Missouri drivers to report any motor vehicle accident that results 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, call the police and err on the side of caution. Not only is it the law, but police in Winston, MO are trained to provide 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.
• Collect evidence and document the accident scene. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, any injuries you sustained and other parts of the scene, like the roadway around the crash. The lack of tire marks could 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 police arresting them.

  You should additionally trade insurance information with the other driver. If there were eyewitnesses, collect their contact information so that your Winston, MO auto accident lawyer will be able to take official depositions from them. It is also a good idea to jot down everything you remember about the crash, 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 think your injuries are severe, it is a good idea to go to an urgent care facility in the Winston, MO area after a car accident. Occassionally, with some injuries, adrenaline can frequently disguise pain and you may not experience symptoms immediately after an accident.
• Reach out to Burger Law. When you are seriously hurt in an auto accident, it is beneficial to find an informed attorney who can assist in navigating the complexities of your case. An experienced, professional attorney who pushes back against resistant insurance companies is often the only way you can truly receive maximum compensation for your damages. We have over 70 years of combined experience standing up for the injured in Winston, MO. We know car accident claims and will be able to figure out precisely how much you are owed. Speaking with us about your claim is free, so it is vital to never approve a settlement offer before asking an auto accident attorney if it is really adequate. We are also knowledgeable trial attorneys, so if we cannot negotiate a fair financial recovery, we will move the fight to a judge and jury.

  Call us now at (314) 500-HURT or reach out to us online.

What Should I Look For When Selecting an Auto Accident Lawyer in Winston, MO?

When it comes to selecting an auto accident lawyer in Winston, MO, it is integral to do your research and find the right attorney for the specifics of your case. The following are some key factors to ponder:

• Experience: A knowledgeable 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 Winston, MO area, and throughout Missouri, standing up to prosecutors and insurance companies on behalf of our clients.
• Specialization: Different lawyers are accomplished in different areas of the law, and it is important to locate one who specializes in car crash cases. The Burger Law Winston, MO auto accident attorneys are not only well versed 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 look for a lawyer who has a good reputation and is known in the community. Ask around for recommendations and check online reviews, and you will notice Burger Law’s stellar track record throughout the Winston, MO area.
• Communication: It is important to find a lawyer in Winston, 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 choose a lawyer. Our team always ensure you updated on what is going on with your case. Additionally, we handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation, also keeping you aware throughout these procedures. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or complete our online form.