Representing Columbia Residents Injured In Car Accidents
The Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division reports that there were over 130,000 traffic crashes in Missouri in 2012, causing over 50,000 injuries and 800 deaths. While the statistics are different each year, they generally fall within this range, which shows the devastation that careless or reckless drivers may cause.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident that was someone else’s fault, it is important to reach out to an experienced injury lawyer who can investigate your case and help you determine an appropriate course of action.
At the Pingelton Law Firm, Columbia car accident attorney Dan Pingelton is committed to handling each case with compassion and personalized attention. He can help you pursue an appropriate settlement or bring your claim to trial if needed.
Establishing Negligence In Car Accidents
Someone who inflicts harm on a victim through their careless conduct may be held liable for any resulting injuries through a negligence claim. In the context of operating a motor vehicle, negligence occurs when someone fails to use the level of ordinary care that a reasonably prudent person would use under the same circumstances. To establish negligence, the injured person must show that the defendant owed them a duty of care but breached it, and they were hurt as a direct result of the defendant’s breach.
Missouri adheres to the legal theory of comparative negligence, meaning that the amount of damages that a plaintiff will be entitled to receive will be reduced by their percentage of fault, if any. For instance, a driver may make an improper lane change and strike another car in a side-impact crash. However, if the victim was failing to keep a proper lookout and drive defensively, this may worsen their injuries. In this situation, if the victim is deemed to be 20% at fault, for example, they still will be able to receive compensation for 80% of their damages.
An Attorney Can Help You Gather The Facts
Car accident claims are highly fact-intensive, and an attorney can help build your case by conducting a thorough investigation. This may involve gathering relevant police reports, eyewitness testimony, expert opinions, medical documents and any other evidence that may be relevant to your case.
Car accidents often lead to serious and long-term injuries that may be extremely costly to treat. As a result, a victim may be entitled to many forms of damages, depending on the circumstances. These often include:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income and benefits
- Property damage
For over 35 years, Columbia car accident lawyer Dan Pingelton and the staff at the Pingelton Law Firm have guided Missouri residents through the legal process and can help you as well. Mr. Pingelton also represents victims in Jefferson City, Boonville, Fulton, and Moberly, among other cities.
Discuss Your Car Accident Claim with A Columbia Attorney
If you have been hurt in a car or truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your harm. For a free initial consultation about your case, call the firm at 573-283-0817 or contact them online. Dan Pingelton also can assist people who need a criminal defense attorney or assistance in the areas of family law or education law.