Car Accident Lawyer in West Plains

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 151,353 traffic accidents in Missouri in 2010. From these accidents, 54,875 people were injured, and 821 people died. Nationwide, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 30,196 fatal crashes across the country in the same year.

Suffering injuries due to the careless or reckless actions of another driver on the road is a frightening experience, especially if this is the first accident you have been involved in. When so much is on the line, don't rely on just any Missouri car accident attorney. Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C. has the skilled and experienced representation you need.

What Sets Our Missouri Personal Injury Law Firm Apart 

• Millions of dollars recovered for clients
• You don’t pay us unless we win
• Backed by 80+ years of combined legal experience
• Chosen as Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers
• Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers® from 2007 to 2022
• Selected as The Best Lawyers in America® from 2013 to 2022
• Highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards from Martindale-Hubbell®
• Members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum®

Our West Plains car accident lawyers know how traumatic a collision with a drunk driver or a speeding motorist can be, and rest assured we will do everything we can to put our experience to work for you.

We offer a free consultation at no cost to you and no obligation required, so you have nothing to lose by giving our office in West Plains, MO, a call at (800) 526-1949 today. Our Missouri car accident attorneys are ready to help!

How Often Do Car Accidents Occur?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), across the nation, at least one person is involved in a motor vehicle accident every ten seconds. Every half hour another person will lose his / her life in an accident that was caused by a drunk driver. 

This is another example of a reckless driver whose negligent actions can be held liable in a court of law. The legalities of an accident are so complex that many different conditions will need to be reviewed, including causes unrelated to a driver's actions, i.e. poorly designed roads, product defects (tires, airbags, etc.), bad weather conditions and so much more. You need an auto accident attorney in Missouri with the skill to recognize these situations are related to negligence so you can claim the compensation you deserve.

What Led to Your Accident? Determining Liability

Many different conditions could ultimately lead to a motor vehicle accident, most of which could have been avoided had the proper safety precautions been met and had the rules of the road been followed. Reckless and/or negligent driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents in areas throughout the country, and Springfield is no exception. 

All too often, some version of unsafe driving practices will be found in association with the accident at hand. Whether through excessively speeding, driving far below the speed limit, improperly passing another vehicle or making an inappropriate lane change, if it can be proven that unsafe driving behaviors were at play, the responsible party can be held liable under the law.

What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents?

Out of all the various possible causes of car accidents, distracted drivers are the biggest culprits. It may not seem overly dangerous, but it leads to countless injuries and deaths every year.

 According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are three main types of driver distraction: manual, cognitive, and visual.

What is Manual Distraction?

 Manual distraction means that the driver's hands actually have left the steering wheel. This could be because they are texting, eating, or putting on makeup. Visual distraction means that the driver's eyes were not on the road. Again, this could be because they were using their cell phone or talking to someone else in the car. 

What is Cognitive Distraction?

Cognitive distraction means that although their eyes are on the road and their hands are on the wheel, their mind is not focused on what they are doing. This could range from talking on the phone to emotional distress to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Steps To Take After an Accident

The aftermath of an accident can leave victims feeling unsettled, to say the least. This is not the time, however, to fall short on the responsibilities expected of you. Here are some important steps to take after an accident: 

• If possible, the parties involved in a motor vehicle collision should remain on the scene long enough to trade personal and vehicle information that will later be used to file a claim with your insurance company. Write down the car make and model, year, license plate number and name and contact information of the other person involved in your accident. Report what happened to the authorities, their help and reports can strengthen your case.
• With the help of a Missouri car accident lawyer, the circumstances surrounding the collision can be reviewed – even recreated for a more thorough assessment, if need be – and then a plan of action will be devised accordingly.
• Most legal claims regarding car accidents are made under the assumption that negligence was involved. If it can be proven that reasonable care was not taken in the events leading up to the wreck that left you or any passengers injured, legal actions will need to be taken to address the problem. Missouri State Highway Patrol crash reports are often strong evidence when it comes to proving negligence.
• Once your Missouri car accident attorney has established what led to the accident, i.e. running a red light, speeding, failing to signal, driving under the influence or disobeying traffic signs, the case can then move forward.

Why Choose Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C.?

• Specialized Expertise in Car Accident Cases: Our Missouri car accident attorneys specialize in car accident law, possessing a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities involved in these cases. We leverage our expertise to build strong cases and pursue the maximum compensation for our clients.
• Client-Centered Approach: At Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C., we prioritize our clients' well-being. We take a client-centered approach, ensuring open communication, empathy, and personalized attention. Our team of Missouri car accident lawyers is dedicated to guiding you through every step of the legal process and addressing your unique needs.
• Proven Track Record: Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C. has a proven track record of success in car accident cases. We have successfully represented clients in Southern Missouri, securing favorable outcomes in a variety of situations, from minor collisions to complex accidents involving serious injuries.

Legal Services for Missouri Car Accident Cases

• Investigation and Case Evaluation: Our Missouri car accident attorneys conduct a thorough investigation of the car accident, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the full extent of damages to build a strong case.
• Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, seeking fair and just compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Litigation and Court Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to court, advocating for your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
• Wrongful Death Claims: In cases of fatal car accidents, our Missouri personal injury lawyers provide compassionate representation to families seeking justice and compensation for the loss of a loved one due to someone else's negligence.

No Recovery? No Fees! Call Our Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Now!

Only with the proper legal attention on your side do you stand a chance of bringing to light the wrongful actions that were taken against you and working towards exposing them for what they are. A professional West Plains car accident attorney should be contacted as soon as possible after your accident, as they will be the best ones to inform you of your options, rights and the procedures that should be taken moving forward with the process.

Many victims of accidents can be awarded compensation for their property damage and personal injury, but the situation needs to be brought before the legal system before this can be the case. At Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C., we have 80+ years of combined legal experience and a history obtaining millions of dollars in restitution for our clients, earning us membership in the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forums®. When you need the top car accident attorneys in Missouri, turn to Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C.

Call Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C. today to put 80+ years of combined experience on your side. Our West Plains car accident attorneys offer free consultations!

FAQs About Car Accident Claims

1. How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is five years from the date of the accident. However, it’s best to act quickly to preserve evidence and build a strong case.

2. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Missouri follows a comparative fault rule, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible. However, your settlement may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

3. Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Insurance companies often offer low settlements to close cases quickly. It’s advisable to consult with an attorney before accepting any offer to ensure you receive fair compensation.

4. Can I sue if the other driver was uninsured?

If the at-fault driver was uninsured, you may still be able to recover compensation through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Our attorneys can explore all available options.

5. How much does it cost to hire a car accident attorney?

At Henry, Williams & Kinder, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.