Springfield Car Accident Attorney
Pursue the Compensation You Deserve After a Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the negligent, reckless, or criminal actions of another individual, retain the legal counsel of Aaron Sachs & Associates as soon as possible. With our highly experienced team by your side and leading the way, you can be confident that your claim or lawsuit will have a fair chance of getting you the compensation you deserve. While you focus on your recovery, we will focus on maximizing your compensation and securing justice in your name.
Why should you choose our Springfield car accident lawyers first?
- Free consultations are available to each client.
- You don’t pay us a penny unless we win.
- Backed by over 200 years of collective experience.
- Recipients of an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®.
- We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.
- We serve clients throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, and Arkansas.
Act now. Call (888) 287-1046 to get your free consultation with our firm today.
What to Do After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident, protect your rights by taking the proper steps:
- Get medical attention: Before anything, make sure you and everyone else are okay. Call for emergency medical attention. Even if you feel fine, get medical care on the same day as the accident. A checkup can identify underlying injuries and will update your medical record to show when your injury happened and why.
- Document and photograph everything: Take photos of your injuries and the scene of the accident. Write down the names and phone numbers of eyewitnesses and all other individuals involved. Keep copies of important records and reports.
- Protect your case by guarding what you say about it: Don't discuss the case extensively with friends and coworkers, and do not admit or accept blame at any time. The less you say about your case, the less likely you are to inadvertently say the wrong thing.
- Speak with a Springfield car accident lawyer: As soon as possible, talk to our team at Aaron Sachs & Associates. We can help you make informed decisions throughout the entire process of seeking compensation.
Causes of Car Accidents
To some, the term car “accident” is misleading because it implies that a crash happens on its own and can’t be avoided. In truth, nearly all car accidents are caused by someone’s negligence and mistakes that should have been prevented with more care. Our Springfield car accident lawyers can investigate the circumstances of your crash to determine who did what wrong and why that party should be liable for your harm and losses.
Common causes of car accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Ever since smartphones became extremely commonplace, the rate and number of distracted driving accidents have increased significantly. Distractions can take many forms, though, such as using a smartphone, adjusting the radio or GPS, talking with passengers, and more.
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drugs, including legal and illegal substances, can impair a driver and make it impossible for them to safely operate a vehicle. Just one or two drinks can slow down a driver’s reaction time, make it more difficult for them to focus, and cause other serious issues that interfere with driving.
- Speeding: Breaking the speed limit always puts the driver and others around them in danger because speed limits are chosen carefully based on the design of the road, expected traffic conditions, and more important factors.
- Vehicle defects: If a vehicle part is made defectively, either through design or manufacturing errors, drivers can be at risk of a sudden crash without even knowing anything is wrong at first.
What is the Most Common Type of Car Accident?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident, accounting for about 29% of car accidents each year. Rear-end collisions are almost always caused by the rear driver, who typically doesn’t notice the front car has stopped. Factors that cause or contribute to rear-end accidents include distracted driving, tailgating, and speeding.
Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen?
The NHTSA data shows that most fatal car accidents happen within 25 miles of “your” home. In other words, in most car accident cases, the location of the crash was within 25 miles of the home of at least one party involved. This data doesn’t show that driving near home is dangerous, though. Instead, it shows that most drivers never go far from home, so it makes sense that most car accidents would not be “far from home,” either. Furthermore, the data shows that most car accidents happen at intersections, stoplights, and parking lots.
Here in Springfield, some of the most dangerous intersections are:
- Glenstone Avenue and Sunshine Street
- Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street
- Glenstone Avenue and Battlefield Road
- Campbell Avenue and Walnut Lawn Street
- National Avenue and Battlefield Road
- National Avenue and Sunshine Street
- Kansas Expressway and Battlefield Road
- West Bypass and Chestnut Expressway
- Kansas Expressway and Grand Street
- National Avenue and Chestnut Expressway
While you should always exercise caution when you are behind the wheel, please take extra care when passing through these intersections. Know that if a car accident does happen at these intersections or anywhere else in Springfield, a local law firm is standing by to help you understand and use your rights.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Serious car accidents cause serious injuries. The type of injury that occurs will vary from case to case, though, and depends on the speed of the vehicles, the impact angle, the safety designs of both vehicles, and so forth. Our Springfield car accident attorneys can handle car claims involving even the most catastrophic and life-changing of injuries and disabilities. We can work with medical experts to get a clear understanding of your injury and how it has changed your life, as well as what changes it will likely make in the future.
Serious car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
- Amputations
- Third-degree burns
- Permanent disfigurements
- Broken bones
- Soft tissue (joint) injuries
Determining Liability in Car Accident Cases
Who is responsible for your car accident? You might know you did nothing wrong, but the other driver will probably say the same thing. At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we take pride in being able to put our clients’ uneasiness to rest by handling the difficult task of determining liability in car accident cases. We can use our centuries of combined experience and vast resources to investigate your accident and pinpoint liability. The goal is to place 100% of the liability on the other driver or party, so you can pursue 100% of the compensation you need to recover.
Proof that may help us determine and show liability in your car accident could include:
- Footage from dashcams and intersection cameras.
- Photographs you took using your smartphone.
- Police reports made at the scene of the crash.
- Eyewitness statements.
- Expert testimonies from crash reconstructionists.
- Medical records that explain your injuries.
Process for Filing a Car Accident Claim
The process for filing a car accident claim can feel complicated if you are not familiar with Missouri’s liability laws and insurance claim processes. We encourage you to let us handle the entire process instead, so you don’t have to worry about small details and deadlines.
Typically, the process of filing a car accident claim will include these steps:
- Report the accident, which can be done by dialing 911 and summoning the police and other emergency responders.
- Document the scene of the car accident to get any evidence if it is safe to do so.
- Contact your auto insurance provider to notify them that an accident has occurred.
- Call our attorneys at (888) 287-1046 to request our legal counsel if you will need expenses that insurance won’t cover or if your claim will likely be contested. You should always call our lawyers if someone is seriously injured in a car accident. (All the following steps should only be taken with the guidance of a legal professional.)
- Prepare and send a demand letter to the liable party for damages not covered otherwise.
- If the demand letter is not accepted, prepare and file an injury claim in court.
- Attempt to negotiate a settlement that covers your losses without the need for litigation.
- Prepare for and go to trial if no fair settlement offer is provided by the liable party.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is 5 years. Per the Missouri Revisor of Statutes and Chapter 516 of the state’s Civil Procedure and Limitations, plaintiffs have 5 years to file suit for any “injury to person or rights or of another.”
If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to legal action entirely. The defendant will file a motion to dismiss your case, and because the deadline has passed, the court will grant the dismissal. While certain factors may “pause” the clock, you should seek legal help as soon as you feel you may have a case. The sooner you put together your legal team, the stronger your claim will be.
Contact our Springfield car accident attorney by calling (888) 287-1046 today to get started! We work on a contingency fee basis, so you have nothing to lose.
Compensation Available for Car Accident Claims
The compensation owed to you after a car accident should account for your past and future harm and losses. When everything is considered, the final amount could be significant. Our Springfield car accident attorneys are prepared to fight for every dollar owed to you, whether your claim’s value is in the tens of thousands of dollars or the tens of millions of dollars.
Your car accident claim will likely pursue compensation for these damages:
- Economic: Financial losses that are “tangible” and can be tracked on receipts, bills, pay stubs, and so on are economic damages. Typical economic damages in a claim relate to medical expenses, lost or reduced wages, and vehicle repair or replacement costs.
- Non-economic: Harm that is “intangible” and can’t easily be quantified is non-economic damage, which can be just as important as economic damage. Typical non-economic damages in a claim relate to pain, suffering, lost independence, and reduced enjoyment of life.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Car Accident?
In the aftermath of a car accident, many drivers wonder if they need a lawyer to navigate the legal processes that will follow. While it is not always necessary to seek legal representation after a car accident, it is always advised that you at least talk to our Springfield car accident attorneys during a free consultation to understand your options, as well as to determine if a claim or lawsuit is required at all. If there is any question of liability or if the other driver involved in the accident is disputing fault, we can provide all sorts of invaluable support to get you through this difficult process.
People choose to hire our firm because we have:
- Knowledge of the law: When you hire our car accident lawyers, you benefit from our knowledge of the law. We can help you understand your rights as an injured party. We would also be happy to deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
- Negotiation skills: We know how to negotiate with insurance companies in pursuit of the full amount of compensation you deserve. When a settlement negotiation is possible, it can get money in your pocket far sooner than going to trial, so it is always worth considering.
- Access to resources: Our legal team has access to resources that may not be available to you on your own, such as experts who can provide testimony or analysis regarding fault or damages, as well as access to medical professionals who can provide evidence of any injury-related costs or lost wages.
- Professional representation: Your lawyer will represent your interests professionally and diligently throughout the entire process, make sure that all deadlines are met, and ensure all paperwork is filed correctly.
Let Us Fight for Your Compensation Today
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our team has more than 200 collective years of legal experience and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Our attorneys are passionate about serving injury victims in Springfield, Joplin, and throughout the State of Missouri. There is no reason to wait before taking steps to protect yourself, your family, and your future after an accident. Our team is always here for you and we can help you make the right choices when pursuing justice and compensation.
Call (888) 287-1046 or contact us online for a free consultation with a member of our team.
We Can Help You Maximize Your Compensation
At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our team has logged over 200 collective years in this industry and has recovered hundreds of millions for our clients — our lawyers are passionate about serving injury victims in Springfield, Joplin and throughout the state of Missouri. There is no reason to wait before taking steps to protect yourself, your family, and your future after an accident. Our team is here for you and we can help you make the right choices at this time.
Speak with our Springfield car accident attorneys about your case. Learn how your situation looks from a lawyer's perspective. If the accident was not your fault, or if another is even partially responsible, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
Contact Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. today to set up a time for a free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Updates & Articles
Useful Guidance on Frequently Asked Questions After Being in an Accident
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“My husband was in a car accident, we called Aaron Sachs, and are very glad we did! First of all, they sent someone to our home to interview my husband, so he did not have to drive all the way to Springfield to their office while he was in pain.” - Former Client
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“I was rear-ended by a non-insured driver. My car was totaled and I ended up having surgery on my shoulder. I was thrilled to get a settlement way larger than I could have dreamed.” - Former Client
Our Core Principles
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Accessibility
We make sure that we are available to answer our clients’ questions, breaking down the complex legal jargon and using plain English. There is no “one size fits all” answer — your case needs and deserves individual attention, and this is what we are prepared to provide.
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Professionalism
Our team has over 235 years of combined experience, handling over ten thousand personal injury cases. We are committed to professional excellence in every aspect of what we do and how we do it. We have over 65 employees with an exclusive focus on injury claims.
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Understanding
We strive to meet our clients where they are and provide the service they need. Suffering an injury is a difficult time in an individual’s life; you need representation that understands both the worries you may be feeling and the world you are now dealing with. Let us help ensure your rights are protected.