Car Accident Lawyer Columbia MO

If you are experiencing the shock and chaos following a car accident in Columbia, you might have important legal options if the crash was caused by another negligent party. Victims of car accidents may suffer ongoing physical pain, emotional distress and many financial challenges. While the law allows you to pursue compensation from the negligent party, it can be difficult to do so. Having a compassionate car accident lawyer can improve your chances of success.

At Burger Law, our car accident attorneys are committed to helping you reclaim your life by guiding you through Missouri car accident laws. We have a history of successful wins for our clients, and we can assess whether you have a valid claim.

Reach out to us now for free to explore the available options for seeking justice.

What Compensation Can I Get After a Car Accident?

Compensation after a car accident is important to your recovery process. Your lawyer will determine the types of compensation you can seek, often after assessing the impact of the accident on your life. Here is what you may be entitled to receive as compensation:

Medical Expenses

This includes both current hospital bills and ongoing treatments due to accident-related injuries. Physical therapy, psychological counseling and any required medical equipment are all important considerations. The physical and emotional aftermath of an accident often necessitates a long-term healthcare plan, and our team will ensure that all relevant medical costs are accounted for in your claim.

Lost Earnings

If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may experience a loss of income that can quickly spiral into financial instability. We will help you calculate not only the wages you’ve lost thus far but also potential future earnings if your injuries result in long-term disability or job loss.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages can be difficult to quantify, as it reflects the physical pain and emotional distress stemming from your injuries. Our attorneys understand how to effectively convey the severity of your suffering to insurance companies and juries, ensuring that you are compensated fairly.

Property Damage

In addition to personal injuries, fatal car accidents often result in significant damage to vehicles and other personal property. We will assess the full extent of the damage and allocate a figure to seek adequate compensation for repairs or replacements.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

It is not uncommon for car accident victims to become unable to do the things they used to do every day. If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies or activities that once brought you joy, you may be entitled to compensation for this loss. Our team is keen to consider this aspect when filing claims. We will illustrate how your injuries have impacted your quality of life, making a compelling case for restitution.

Understanding what compensation you can pursue is crucial. First, it empowers you to set realistic expectations for your recovery. Also, it highlights the importance of obtaining legal representation. Your car accident lawyer in Columbia will evaluate your situation comprehensively to ensure that every facet of your suffering is addressed in your claim. Our goal is to prevent you from settling for less than what you rightfully deserve.

What Our Car Accident Lawyers Help With

Experiencing the aftermath of a car accident is not easy at all. Over the past decades, we have handled numerous personal injury claims and understand that dealing with both injuries and emotional trauma can be overwhelming. At Burger Law, we offer a diverse range of legal services tailored to lighten the burden and meet your unique needs:

• Investigation. A thorough investigation is key to building a robust case. Our attorneys will examine the accident scene, gather valuable evidence, such as photographs and witness statements, and consult with experts if necessary. This thorough groundwork sets the stage for a strong claim.
• Negotiations. Most initial settlement offers fall far below what claimants expect. Insurance companies often attempt to lower payouts or deny claims completely. With our negotiators on your side, we will leverage our understanding of the law to secure a fair settlement that aligns with the true extent of your damages.
• Litigation. If negotiations don’t bring satisfactory results, we are prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have the experience and confidence to represent you effectively, presenting a compelling case that underscores the impact of the accident on your life.
• Legal guidance. The legal process can be confusing and daunting. Our team provides ongoing support and clear communication, helping you understand your rights and options every step of the way. We are committed to ensuring you feel empowered throughout the process.

Selecting the right attorney can significantly influence the outcome of your case. At Burger Law, our approach centers on personalized service and a deep commitment to our clients. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances, ensuring that our strategy is tailored to your specific needs. We measure our success by the satisfaction and recovery for our clients.

How Our Car Accident Attorneys Prove Liability

Establishing liability is a crucial element in securing compensation for your injuries. However, it is not always easy to determine liability in car accidents. Challenges may arise in the shared fault, rear-end crash cases and accidents involving ridesharing services. Luckily, our attorneys employ various strategies to clearly demonstrate fault:

• Accident reports. Police reports provide a factual account of the incident, detailing the conditions, involved parties and initial findings. We analyze these reports to extract key information that supports your claim.
• Witness statements. Eyewitness testimonies can provide invaluable insights into the events leading up to and following the accident. We will gather statements from witnesses to corroborate your version of events, reinforcing the evidence of negligence.
• Expert Opinions. In complex cases, we may enlist the help of accident reconstruction experts. These professionals use their expertise to analyze the accident dynamics, helping to clarify how the incident occurred and who is at fault.
• Columbia traffic laws. Understanding local and state traffic laws is essential in proving negligence. If another driver violated traffic regulations—such as running a red light or failing to yield—we can establish liability more effectively and support your case for compensation.

Proving liability is the foundation of your claim. Without clear evidence of fault, insurance companies may deny your claim or offer a settlement that falls far short of your needs. By leveraging their investigative prowess and legal knowledge, our attorneys work to build a compelling case that proves the other party’s negligence.

Causes of Car Accidents

Many car accident cases involve driver behavior. Some common causes of car crashes in Columbia, Missouri, include the following:

• Distracted driving. Distractions were reported to cause approximately 8% of all fatal vehicle crashes in 2022. With the prevalence of smartphones, distracted driving has become a leading cause of accidents. Activities such as texting, browsing social media, or even eating can divert attention from the road, resulting in dangerous situations.
• Speeding. Driving too fast not only hampers a driver’s reaction time but also heightens the severity of accidents. Speeding can lead to life-threatening injuries, both for the driver and other parties involved.
• Driving under the influence (DUI). Alcohol and drugs impair cognitive function and reaction times, creating a significant risk for drivers and pedestrians alike. The NHTSA reports that drunk driving accounts for nearly 32% of all traffic-related deaths.
• Weather conditions. Rain, snow, ice and fog can create hazardous driving conditions. Drivers who do not adjust their speed or driving behavior in adverse weather may be more likely to cause accidents.

Unraveling the various causes of car accidents can help victims identify whether negligence played a role in their circumstances. This knowledge can strengthen your case for compensation, as it illustrates the responsibility of the at-fault party.

What to Do After a Car Accident

Accidents are known to happen in a split second. This sudden event can cause shock, leaving those involved feeling disoriented. However, in the wake of a car accident, knowing how to proceed is vital for both your health and your legal case. Here is what to do:

• Visit a hospital. Prioritize your health above all else. Even if you feel uninjured, it is essential to undergo a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. Medical documents are also very key in supporting your claim for compensation.
• Gather evidence at the scene. If you’re able, gather visual evidence by taking videos or photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage and visible injuries. Collecting this evidence can be instrumental in establishing fault and demonstrating the extent of your damages.
• Gather information. Ensure you collect contact and insurance details from all parties involved in the accident, as well as contact information from any witnesses. This information will be essential for supporting the version of your story.
• Notify your insurer. Promptly report the accident to your insurance company. While they are required to investigate the claim, remember that their primary goal is to minimize payouts, so proceed with caution.
• Contact your lawyer. Once you have taken the necessary immediate steps, reach out to your car accident lawyer in Columbia, MO. The earlier you seek legal counsel, the better equipped you will be to overcome the drawbacks in your case.

Each step you take after an accident can significantly affect your ability to secure fair compensation. Your attorney will ensure that you follow the stipulated legal processes so as to retain a valid claim to seek recovery.

Missouri Time Limits for Your Car Accident Case

In Missouri, your car accident claim is governed by the statute of limitations. If you want to remain legally viable for filing a car accident claim, you must bring it within five years from the date of the accident (RSMo §516.120).

If the car accident leads to death, RSMo Section 537.100 allows the surviving family members up to three years to launch a wrongful death lawsuit.

This timeline is a key factor because it establishes the maximum duration for pursuing legal action. If you delay action, you may end up forfeiting your right to claim compensation, even if you have a valid case.

Observing the time limits associated with your case is vital for your ability to pursue justice. Your attorney will evaluate your case and ensure that you meet the legal timeframes as provided by the law.

Types Of Car Accidents We Handle in Columbia, MO

At Burger Law, we have extensive experience handling a wide variety of car accidents, including:

• Rear-end collisions. Often caused by distracted or tailgating drivers, rear-end collisions are among the most frequent types of accidents. These incidents can lead to injuries that require extensive medical treatment, such as whiplash.
• Side-impact collisions. Also known as T-bone accidents, these occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another. These accidents often happen at intersections and can result in severe injuries due to the lack of protective barriers on the sides of vehicles
• Pedestrian accidents. Drivers are legally obligated to yield to pedestrians, yet accidents involving pedestrians continue to occur. These incidents can lead to devastating injuries, making it essential for victims to seek legal representation.
• Head-on collisions. These collisions involve two vehicles moving in opposite directions colliding front to front. These crashes are among the most deadly and frequently result in catastrophic injuries. Fault typically lies with the driver who crossed into oncoming traffic, but it is advisable to examine driver impairment, road conditions and potential mechanical failures.
• Rollover accidents. Rollover accidents happen when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof. They are more common with taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks and are often caused by sharp turns, high speeds, or impact from other vehicles.
• Single-vehicle accidents. Single-vehicle accidents occur when only one vehicle is involved. They are frequently the result of driver mistakes, attempts to dodge obstacles, challenging road conditions, or adverse weather factors. Examples include veering off the road or hitting an object.
• Hit-and-run accidents. In a hit-and-run crash, the at-fault driver vacates the scene without exchanging information or rendering aid. We often rely on surveillance footage, eyewitnesses and police reports to identify the driver. In these cases, we may file claims with uninsured motorist coverage to help recover compensation if the at-fault driver is not found.

Each type of car accident demands a distinct approach for effective recovery. These incidents carry diverse legal implications, and our attorneys are adept at analyzing the details to craft tailored strategies with precision.

Contact Our Columbia Car Accident Attorneys Right Away

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Columbia, MO, your justice begins with taking immediate action. That way, you have enough time to gather the necessary evidence to build a winning case. The car accident attorneys at Burger Law are ready to guide and support you during this challenging time. We will evaluate your case to determine its validity and outline your options moving forward.

We understand the distress you are experiencing now, and our focus is to help you rebuild your life. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation.

Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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