If you were injured in a car accident in Southern Missouri, you can seek compensation through an auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The amount and types of compensation you can recover will depend on the type and severity of your injuries, as well as how they impact your life.
The Most Common and Severe Car Accident Injuries
Car accident injuries range from minor to severe. However, the injuries suffered by victims don’t always match the severity of the crash. For example, even a minor crash can result in severe injuries, like a slow-speed rear-end collision that causes chronic back and neck pain requiring long-term treatment.
Some of the most common and severe injuries suffered in car accidents include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – TBIs occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull after a heavy impact. These injuries can result in life-threatening brain swelling and bleeding and may lead to permanent physical and cognitive impairment. TBI victims may require full-time medical care for the rest of their life.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – The impact of a car accident can cause spinal discs to slip out of place and pinch or sever the spinal cord. These injuries can lead to chronic pain or paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury.
- Broken and Fractured Bones – Car crashes frequently result in broken and fractured bones for drivers and passengers. Seatbelts can crack ribs, the steering wheel can break hands and wrists, and the force of a serious crash is even strong enough to break the femur, which is the strongest bone in the body.
- Crushed Limbs – Arms and legs can get crushed in severe collisions and rollover accidents. The best-case scenario after one of these injuries is that the victim regains partial mobility in the limb, and the worst-case is that amputation is required.
- Severe Lacerations – Broken glass and other sharp objects can cause lacerations during a crash. Depending on where these lacerations occur and how deep they are, they can cause significant bleeding and require immediate medical care.
- Internal Organ Injuries – Some of the most dangerous injuries suffered in car accidents are internal organ injuries. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, as they often take hours or days to show symptoms. However, internal bleeding and organ damage can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
How to Seek Compensation After a Car Accident in Missouri
Car accident victims can seek compensation for their injuries in two main ways: auto insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Auto insurance claims are typically the first option. After an accident, you file an insurance claim with the at-fault party’s provider to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more personal losses. If the insurer denies or undervalues your claim, you can appeal its decision with the help of a car accident lawyer. Should the insurer continue to refuse to pay you fairly, your attorney can file a lawsuit against their insured to demand fair compensation in court.
An experienced car accident attorney is a critical ally as you seek fair compensation through either an insurance claim or a lawsuit. They can:
- Investigate the accident
- Gather evidence
- File your injury lawsuit
- Represent you in settlement negotiations or court.
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay their fee if they win your case for you.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney Serving Southern Missouri
If you suffered injuries in a car accident in Southern Missouri, contact Privette Law Office for a free consultation with a member of our legal team. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options for recovering compensation, and answer any questions you have about the process. Don’t delay—our Southern Missouri car accident lawyers are standing by to help you pursue the compensation and justice you deserve.