Many people return home after a car accident feeling shaken and exhausted, but thankful to be alive and ready to put the incident behind them. Unfortunately, gratitude soon turns to fear and frustration as the full extent of their injuries starts to show, forcing them to undergo diagnostic testing and unforeseen medical treatment. Even a minor accident can result in weeks of painful physical rehabilitation, sleepless nights from psychological trauma, and financial difficulty due to the inability to work. When this happens, victims have the right to seek compensation from the negligent person who caused their suffering.
A Raytown car accident lawyer can help victims understand their legal options and pursue compensation for injuries and losses caused by negligent drivers. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with one of our experienced injury attorneys.
Victims should understand that they only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after an accident. In Raytown, Missouri, most personal injury claims must be filed within five years from the date of the accident. If the accident results in a fatal injury, a wrongful death claim generally must be filed within three years from the date of death. Missing these deadlines can result in the court refusing to hear the case, which may permanently prevent victims from recovering compensation.
It is always best to consult with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash in Raytown. Vital evidence, such as witnesses, road conditions, surveillance tapes, wrecked vehicles, and debris at the scene, usually starts to disappear within hours of an accident, and an attorney will be able to gather and preserve evidence in your case. The attorneys at Foster Wallace will work diligently on building your case while you take the time you need to heal. We do not collect any payment from you until after your case is won.
We advise clients after severe car accidents involving:
Of course, drivers are not the only people who may be held liable for the costs of a crash. Under Missouri law, some third parties may bear legal responsibility for a car accident in Raytown, including:
Each municipality is responsible for maintaining its roadways, including filling potholes, installing traffic control devices, and posting signs to warn drivers of hazardous conditions. If a governmental entity could be held liable for the costs of your crash, you must give written notice to the mayor within 90 days of the occurrence in order to claim damages. While these cases are more complicated due to the government’s ability to claim sovereign immunity, our attorneys have experience negotiating with governmental entities.
Cities and counties often outsource their road and highway maintenance duties, extending liability to construction companies, groundskeepers, engineers, architects, and road design firms. We can determine whether a contractor failed to take necessary safety measures and intervene before the government or company attempts to avoid liability by fixing the issue or making temporary repairs.
Missouri law allows people who are injured by drunk drivers to seek compensation from the entity that overserved alcohol to the driver. Under the “dram shop” law, any restaurant or bar that serves alcohol by the drink may be liable for a driver’s actions if its bartender knowingly served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person.
Many car accidents are the result of vehicle defects, such as flaws in the vehicle design, faulty auto parts or systems, defective tires, poor installation or construction, and other forms of manufacturer negligence. Similarly, the maker of certain vehicle components (such as airbags, tires, brakes, steering systems, or engines) may be liable for injuries caused by their defective products.
If you’ve been hurt in a traffic collision, you need to speak with an experienced Raytown car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office to schedule your free consultation.
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