Southeast Missouri Truck Accident Attorney
According to the Missouri Department of Transportation’s 2008 Accident Statistics Manual, there were 77,048 total car accidents in the state. Of those accidents, 619 resulted in at least one fatality and 21,055 resulted in injuries to 31,027 individuals. The hour of 5:00-6:00 p.m. had the highest percentage of crashes and the hour of 6:00-7:00 p.m. had the highest percentage of fatal crashes. Fridays accounted for the highest percentage of crashes at 17.16%. The Arkansas State Police show similar numbers in Arkansas for 2007, the last year currently reported. Southeast Missouri truck accidents involving 18-wheelers are the most dangerous because 18-wheelers are easily the largest vehicles on the road. The injuries and damages from an 18-wheeler accident can be devastating.
The statistics reflect numbers. The real story is reflected by the human lives affected by the crashes. Sometimes, motor vehicle accidents happen without the fault of the individuals involved. However, an accident usually occurs because someone is at fault. When you have been harmed in a Southeast Missouri truck accident, the law provides a remedy. The nature of harms generally include bodily injury, past and future medical expenses, and past and future wage loss.
A plaintiff in an Southeast Missouri truck accident case must show some fault of the defendant. The plaintiff must prove the defendant behaved in a negligent, reckless or intentional manner. In some cases, the very activities of the defendant are known to be so dangerous that the defendant is responsible as a matter of law, without the necessity of proving fault.
The legal system attempts to balance the harm the plaintiff has suffered, through a monetary award that is paid by the defendant or the defendant’s insurance company. The law can not place a plaintiff in the position they were in before the injury, however, it can minimize the effects of the harm through a monetary award.
All auto accident cases are governed by a statute of limitations. The exact time allowed to bring a claim will vary on multiple factors. Regardless, if you have been harmed by the conduct of another, you must act immediately or you can lose your legal rights to seek compensation.
An attorney will assist you through the legal system, and counsel you as to the value of your claims. Your personal injury lawyer will gather all information necessary to present your case favorably. This includes reviewing insurance information, talking to witnesses, investigating the accident scene, working with your physicians, and, if necessary, hiring expert consultants to assist a jury in fully understanding the accident or the resulting harms suffered. Your attorney will file the necessary pleadings to institute suit, make multiple court appearances to move your case towards trial, and ultimately present your case to a jury for a decision in the event a settlement can not be reached.
The Southeast Missouri truck accident attorneys at Kennedy, Robbins, Yarbro & Henson, LC have assisted many individuals to protect their legal rights in a personal injury case. The attorneys have settled and tried many different cases in state and federal courts. The attorneys are compensated for their time in a case through a “contingency fee” arrangement. The amount of the fee will depend on the type of case, its complexity and its anticipated value. There is no cost for an initial consultation to discuss your case.
If you need legal assistance, or for further information about a personal injury case, please contact Kennedy, Robbins, Yarbro & Henson, LC, at (573) 686-2459. Our commitment is to earn your confidence by answering all questions and providing quality representation.