In this article, Julie Siegel, an experienced Missouri personal injury lawyer, takes a closer look at car accidents.
What are some of the most common injuries that you see as a result motor vehicle accidents.
About 90% of my caseload is representing clients who have been injured by a motor vehicle accident. Most crashes are rear-end collisions, but there are also many that happen when people run stop signs or red lights and hit a car with the right of way. The most serious crashes involve a tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle. These vehicles are larger and can cause more damage both to the vehicle and to the people inside.
Accidents involving motor vehicles can result in serious injuries. These include traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injuries to the cervical and lumbar spine. Whiplash, or an injury of the neck and spine caused by a sudden jerking motion in a crash is the most common. Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains and sprains, can range up to herniated disks. These are the most common injuries. However, we have clients who have had broken bones, torn knee ligaments, and torn rotator-cuffs.
What is the maximum compensation an injured person can receive after a car accident?
The insurance policy limit of the person who struck them is likely to limit the client’s case. In Missouri, a motor vehicle’s minimum insurance policy limit is $25,000 If the person who struck my client has only a minimum insurance policy, they may not have any coverage, no matter how serious the injury. There is no minimum policy in every case; the amount starts at $25,000, and increases from there. Some policies are more than $1,000,000. This is especially true for commercial trucks.
Other types of insurance may also be relevant, like medical payments coverage and underinsured vehicle coverage. We are sometimes only able to get the minimum coverage. Although I don’t sell insurance, I recommend that people check their policies to see if there is medical payments coverage. This will cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. Also, underinsured motorist coverage covers you in the event that the person at fault does not have sufficient insurance to cover injuries. It would mean using your own policy, but it protects you from those who don’t have enough insurance.
What is the evidence of liability in these cases?
Each case is different. Certain cases are clearer than others. For example, a rear-end collision. The rear-end driver will almost always have the greater share of fault, even if they stop short. We often refer to the rules of the roads in the driver’s manual when determining liability. Other circumstances may dictate liability, such as a thorough search of the area for cameras or a confession to texting while driving. The police officers will also base their report on the information they collect at the scene.
How have the advances in medical technology, and the increasing cost of medical treatment affected the way that motor vehicle injury claims are litigated and resolved?
Due to the increasing cost of medical care, we haven’t seen many differences in our cases. In many cases, we work on a lien-based basis with the doctors’ offices. This means that the doctor has the right to receive payment from the settlement proceeds. Both our clients and doctors are happy with the results. Our cases have largely remained the same as far as medical technology is concerned. Our clients still require x-rays, and then follow-ups using CT scans or MRIs. Medical advances haven’t brought about many changes, but the technology keeps improving and I believe it will bring more relief to clients.
What should a person injured in a car accident do first?
After a car crash, the first thing that a person must do is dial 911. The police officer or the first responder should be informed of the accident and any injuries. They should take photos of the cars and scene if it’s safe, to preserve evidence in case liability is contested. If they feel any pain after a car crash, they should then seek medical assistance. Siegel Injury Law can help them file a claim.
What can a personal injury lawyer do to help reduce the stress and losses in these situations?
A personal injury attorney can do many things to help a client that has been injured in a car accident. We can assist with assessing property damage, finding medical providers who will work on a lien and arranging rides to and from doctors’ appointments. Even after accounting for the attorney’s fees, statistically speaking, those who hire a personal attorney receive higher settlement offers. An attorney can be a great help in easing the stress of being involved in an accident.
Julie Siegel, Founder
130 S Bemiston Ave UNIT 608, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA
Tel: +1 314-695-8060
Julie Siegel , a personal injury lawyer in St Louis, is an . She has handled a wide range of personal injury claims, including car accidents, slip-and-falls, wrongful deaths, workers’ compensation, and product liability. Julie has been in the legal profession since 1996 when she graduated from St Louis University. She has advised countless clients on workplace injuries and auto accidents, as well as family law.