Joplin Car Accident Lawyer

Fighting For Auto Accident Victims in Jasper & Newton Counties

A serious motor vehicle accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. If you suffered a severe injury or lost a loved one due to a driver’s negligence or some other preventable cause, our award-winning team at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. can help.

Since 1991, our firm has been fighting for the rights of injured individuals and families throughout Missouri. Our Joplin car accident attorneys have more than 235 years of combined experience, and a track record that includes more than $400 million in verdicts and settlements. We’re here to help you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Injured in a car accident in Joplin or the surrounding areas? Contact Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. today to learn how we can help. Call (888) 287-1046 for a FREE consultation.

Proving Liability in Your Car Accident Case

In car accident cases, determining who is legally responsible, or at fault, for causing the accident is critical for resolving liability – that is, determining who is financially accountable for damages. In this context, fault describes the party that caused the accident due to some form of negligence, while liability refers to the financial obligation to compensate for any injuries and damages stemming from the incident.

When it comes to negligence, Missouri law allows victims to recover compensation from parties who negligently injured them. Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care, leading to an accident, and can take many forms. In a car accident case, some examples include:

• Driving while intoxicated
• Violating a traffic law,
• Violating a trucking regulation
• Driving distracted
• Excessive speeds, unsafe lane changes, and other aggressive driving 
• Committing some other careless, reckless, or negligent act

When negligence and fault are determined, victims will next need to focus on liability, or the financial responsibility for damages. While there are many cases in which the at-fault motorist is also the liable party, it’s important to note that it isn’t always the case. For example:

• If a truck driver negligently causes a truck accident while working, the trucking company might bear the liability. 
• When a school bus or city driver causes an accident, the school district or city may be liable for any injuries. 
• If a drunk driver causes an accident, it may be possible to hold a commercial establishment liable for damages if they served that person, specifically when they served a person who was under 21 or when they knowingly served a visibility intoxicated person. 

There are also situations where injured victims have other options for recovering compensation. This includes first-party claims filed with their own insurance companies under their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This optional coverage can be especially critical in situations where victims suffered serious injuries, have damages that exceed the policy limits of the at-fault party’s insurance coverage, or when they’ve been hurt in hit-and-run accidents. 

Determining fault and liability is a complex process that demands professional legal expertise. At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we have considerable experience deciphering issues of fault and liability in all types of motor vehicle accident cases and have the resources to conduct meticulous investigations that allow us to build strong cases. 

If you have questions about fault, negligence, or liability and how they work in your case, we are happy to answer them during a free consultation.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can be traumatic events that often result in a variety of painful and sometimes long-lasting injuries. Understanding the common types of injuries sustained in car crashes can provide insight into how they affect victims and why it’s so important to seek a full and fair financial recovery. 

• Broken Bones are a common outcome of car accidents. Crashes can cause occupants to collide with parts of the vehicle or be jostled in ways that lead to fractures. Bones most broken include ribs, arms, legs, and hips. Healing can require casts, surgery, and physical therapy, which all take time and can impact a victim's ability to perform daily tasks or work.
• Neck and Back Injuries. Whiplash is one of the most cited neck injuries resulting from the sudden jerking motion of the head forward and backward during a collision. Symptoms may include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and, in severe cases, neurological issues. Back injuries also occur, ranging from sprains and herniated discs to spinal cord damage, which could lead to long-term disability such as paralysis and the need for invasive surgery.
• Brain Injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a blow or jolt to the head affects normal brain function. Concussions, the mildest form of TBI, can still have significant effects such as headaches, concentration problems, and memory issues. Severe TBIs can result in profound cognitive impairments, physical disabilities, and personality changes, requiring extensive rehabilitation or lifelong care.
• Catastrophic Injuries. Catastrophic injuries refer to injuries that have severe adverse effects on victims’ lives, whether it’s a limitation that hinders their ability to handle daily tasks or do things they once enjoyed, or a disability that prevents them from working. These injuries can include severe brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or loss of limbs. Such injuries drastically alter the life course of victims, and often require lifelong medical attention and assistance.

Beyond the physical harm, car accident injuries often leave emotional scars, manifesting as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The financial impact is also profound. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages can create significant economic strain. The path to recovery is not just about healing physically but also recovering the ability to live life to its fullest.

Victims of car accidents should know they have the right to seek compensation for losses caused by their injuries, and that experienced attorneys like those at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. can help them seek the maximum financial recovery possible. 

How Much Can You Get From A Car Accident Claim?

There are many factors involved in calculating the value of a given claim, such as the severity of the crash, the extent of the victim’s damages, the degree of shared fault, and more. During a complimentary consultation, our Joplin car accident attorneys can go over these details with you, as well as how they may affect the value of your claim.

Many car accident victims can recover compensation for specific damages. These typically include all costs associated with:

• Medical bills, including everything from emergency medical attention and hospitalization to surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and other treatment.
• Future medical expenses, if you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries, are likely to require future medical care, or have lasting impairments or disability.
• Lost income, including lost wages from time off work, lost employment benefits, and lost earnings from not being able to work or having a reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment or quality of life. 

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our goal is to secure the maximum recovery you are owed so that you can get back on your feet and move forward with your life. We believe that you should not have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s negligent behavior on your own, which is why we fight tirelessly to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to play fair, we are prepared to represent you and your best interests at trial.

The Car Accident Claim Process 

The process of filing a car accident claim can vary based on the complexity of the accident, the jurisdiction where it occurred, and the insurance companies involved. However, there are general steps you should be aware of to ensure you navigate this process effectively. Here's an informative breakdown of these steps:

1. Safety and Health First: Ensure all parties involved in the accident are safe and receive necessary medical attention. Report the accident to the authorities and obtain a copy of the police report, which can be critical for your claim.
2. Documentation: Gather as much information as possible at the scene, including photos of the vehicles, the location, traffic signs, and any injuries. Exchange contact and insurance info with the other driver(s).
3. Hiring a Lawyer: Consult with an attorney who specializes in car accident claims. An experienced lawyer can offer guidance tailored to your case and advocate on your behalf throughout the claim process.
4. Notification: Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Be careful when discussing the incident; stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault or providing a recorded statement without legal advice.
5. Independent Investigations: Your attorney may conduct an independent investigation, consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and other relevant professionals. This step is crucial to gather evidence that supports your claim.
6. Medical Assessment: Seek a thorough medical evaluation to document your injuries and treatment plans. Keep records and receipts related to any medical care you receive.
7. Discovery Phase: Both sides exchange evidence and information through a structured process called discovery. You may be required to answer interrogatories (written questions) and possibly attend a deposition.
8. Settlement Negotiations: Your attorney will engage in negotiations with the insurance company to reach a settlement agreement. Many claims are settled during this phase without needing to go to trial and in some cases, mediation might be used as a tool to facilitate negotiations.
9. Civil Trial (if necessary): If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial. During the trial, both sides present their arguments, evidence, and witnesses before a judge or jury.
10. Resolving the Claim: The court will render a verdict if the case goes to trial, which dictates the compensation awarded, if any. If settled out of court, agreements are formalized in writing, and payments are executed as agreed.

Remember, every car accident claim is unique, so consider seeking professional legal advice to understand your rights and options fully.

Request a FREE Consultation Today: (888) 287-1046

Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. has received widespread acclaim for our work fighting on behalf of Missouri victims and families and is available to discuss how we can put our experience and resources to work for you. Whether you’ve been injured in a rideshare accident, bus accident, or crash involving a car or truck, we want to help you in the fight for justice. 

Our Joplin car accident attorneys proudly serve clients across the region and charge no fee unless we win. Call (888) 287-1046 or contact us online to request a FREE consultation.