If you’ve been involved in a car accident, the last thing you need to worry about is if there will be any financial repercussions for the injuries and damages you’ve sustained. Unfortunately, financial devastation is always a risk in serious accidents. You’ll want to protect yourself, your rights, and your finances with the help of a Columbia car accident lawyer from Thomas Law Offices.
Car accidents are traumatic experiences. In the immediate aftermath of a car crash you might feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The most important thing to remember is to prioritize the health and safety of yourself and everyone around you. Call 911 right away if anyone appears seriously injured.
After that, you’ll want to do the following when it’s safe to do so.
Exchange contact information with the other driver, including name, phone number, insurance information, driver’s license number, and license plate number. Don’t discuss blame at all, as some insurance companies will try to shift liability in accident cases based solely on these discussions.
To preserve important information, take pictures of the accident scene, skid marks, debris, the other driver’s license plate, and your damaged vehicle. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to use these photos to support your claim.
Firsthand accounts from witnesses can help support your claim. If anyone saw the accident occur, ask them if they’d be willing to speak on your behalf and get their contact information.
Keep records of absolutely everything, including the police report, your medical records, and proof of any time you spent off work. An experienced personal injury attorney can sift through these documents and decide what is important.
After a car accident, you’ll need to contact your auto insurance agency. Keep track of every conversation you have, including:
Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company. They may try to force you to sign off on the insurance claim before you’re ready or may even try to pin the blame on you.
If you feel the case may be difficult, it’s in your best interest to contact Thomas Law Offices for legal assistance as quickly as possible. Our Columbia car accident lawyers understand how state laws impact the claims process.
If a medical mistake harmed you or your newborn, we’ll investigate what went wrong and fight for funds for lifelong care. Start with a free case evaluation today.
A head injury can change everything. We pursue negligent drivers, companies, and providers to seek compensation for treatment, lost income, and long-term needs. Get a free case evaluation now.
Exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune (1953–1987)? This page explains what happened and potential harms—note the firm is no longer taking these cases. Explore the details and see other options.
From fender-benders to serious crashes, we help you pursue the money you need for medical bills, repairs, and time off work. Don’t face insurers alone—request a free case evaluation.
Hurt on a jobsite? We’ll identify who’s responsible beyond workers’ comp and pursue the recovery you deserve for pain, lost wages, and medical costs. Talk to us for a free case evaluation.
When care goes wrong, you deserve answers and accountability. We review records, build strong claims, and pursue compensation for the harm you suffered. Schedule a free case evaluation.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable—and insurers know it. We fight for riders injured by careless drivers and push for full compensation for medical care and recovery. Request a free case evaluation.
If your premature baby developed NEC after cow’s milk-based formula, your family may have legal options. We’re representing families seeking justice and compensation—act now for a free case evaluation.
Attacked because a property lacked basic security? We investigate owners’ failures—lighting, locks, cameras, staffing—and pursue compensation for your injuries. Start with a free case evaluation.
If a loved one was neglected or harmed in a facility, we’ll help you hold the home accountable and pursue compensation. Take action today—get a free case evaluation.
Injured because someone else was careless? We’ll handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing and getting life back on track. Start with a free case evaluation.
Used a recalled Philips CPAP/BiPAP or ventilator? We help people harmed by defective devices pursue claims tied to the recall and alleged foam exposure. Get a free case evaluation.
Hurt on someone else’s property? We pinpoint unsafe conditions, prove negligence, and pursue damages for medical bills and lost time. Don’t wait—get a free case evaluation.
Defective products shouldn’t cost you your health. We pursue manufacturers and sellers when unsafe designs or warnings lead to injury. Find out if you have a claim—free case evaluation.
Survivors deserve support and accountability. We help you understand your rights and pursue civil action against abusers and enablers. When you’re ready, request a free case evaluation.
A fall can mean ER visits, missed work, and lasting pain. If poor maintenance or hazards caused your injury, we’ll help you pursue compensation. Get a free case evaluation today.
Benefits can be hard to win alone. If a condition keeps you from working, we’ll guide you through the SSA process and strengthen your claim. Start with a free case evaluation.
Spinal trauma can bring lifelong care needs and huge costs. We fight for compensation that reflects the full impact on your mobility, work, and future. Request a free case evaluation.
Crashes with semis are complex and high-stakes. We investigate drivers and trucking companies and pursue the recovery you need after serious injuries. Get a free case evaluation now.
Injured at work in Kentucky? We help Louisville workers fight delays, denials, and lowball benefits so you can get medical care and wage support. Request a free consultation.
When negligence takes a life, accountability matters. We help families pursue a wrongful death claim and seek financial stability during an impossible time. Start with a free case evaluation.
You have enough on your plate. Get a free case evaluation and clear answers from our experienced attorneys today — we’ll take it from here.
Agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Missouri Department of Transportation collect data on car accidents in Missouri. This information can help us better evaluate our own safety and driving practices on the road.
Consider some of Missouri’s NHTSA traffic safety performance data collected in 2019:
Unexpectedly losing a loved one is a traumatic experience, but you may be able to seek compensation on their behalf. A personal injury lawyer from Thomas Law Offices can help you better understand your rights in this and other types of car accident cases.
According to NHTSA, there were 4,678 serious car accident injuries in 2019. This figure only accounts for injuries that were considered serious, and does not paint a full picture of the harm that car crashes cause.
All it takes is one act of negligence to permanently alter the course of your life. Below are notable accident injury figures:
You might think that you will never be in a wreck because you drive safely. In reality, negligent drivers who speed, drive drunk, and text can still hit your vehicle even if you do everything right.
Your Columbia car accident lawyer knows how auto wrecks can result in debilitating injuries. At our law office, we’ve worked with clients who have suffered serious injuries like:
Some of these are referred to as catastrophic injuries—they cause permanent damage and can limit the ability of victims of auto accidents to remain gainfully employed and earn a living.
Post-accident medical care will vary. You may require weeks, months, years, or a lifetime of medical treatments. The entire process is not only expensive, but can also be physically and emotionally draining.
After being involved in an accident, you need to understand the types of treatments you may undergo as well as who might be providing that care.
Medical providers routinely provide the following for victims who suffered a serious injury at the hands of a reckless driver:
A reputable law firm will always advise that you prioritize your health. You should promptly seek medical care after an accident. Adhere to all treatment plans, take medications as prescribed, and show up for appointments.
When you seek compensation for an accident, you must show the extent of your injuries. If you fail to follow your treatment plan, the insurance adjuster might claim that your injuries are not that serious.
At our law firm, we offer a free consultation during which we make sure injury victims understand their rights in these types of legal matters.
An emergency room physician might be the first medical professional you see after a wreck, but they probably won’t be your last. Aside from your primary care doctor, you may also see:
Never be afraid to seek a second opinion. You need an accurate diagnosis to secure the full compensation you need for recovery. Don’t settle for less than what you deserve based solely on a doctor’s refusal to take your injuries seriously.
Severe car accidents impact every aspect of your daily life. Everyday tasks that might have once been easy can take hours to accomplish or become altogether impossible.
When deciding what a fair settlement is, you will need to consider not only your current needs, but also any lost income and the extent of your injuries.
This is not a task that most people can accomplish on their own. Accident lawyers in Columbia can evaluate the full breadth of your injuries and related damages. They will consider a wide range of factors when calculating possible damages, including:
Experienced car accident lawyers know where to look for this information. They can further distill this information into a claim that addresses the full scope of the harm caused by any responsible parties.
Your auto accident attorney in Missouri will determine what kind of accident you were involved in. Often, the kind of accident can relate to specific injuries. Rear-end crashes frequently cause whiplash, whereas side impact collisions are likely to cause shoulder injuries.
A few examples of accidents include:
Your attorney will be able to determine the type of wreck you were in based on the police report, your account of what happened, and any eyewitnesses who come forward.
There are many factors at play in a typical car accident, but one commonality is negligence. Drivers often fail to truly consider the gravity of their actions. What might seem like a simple glance at a text message could be a death sentence for another motorist.
Here are some of the most common examples of negligent driving behavior that can lead to serious or even fatal car accidents:
You may need help examining all of the evidence to prove negligence in your car accident case.
At Thomas Law Offices, we know what it takes to help car accident victims recover the compensation they need in a personal injury claim, even if they are unsure how the accident happened.
Vehicles that are in poor condition or have defective parts can also cause an accident. A Columbia car accident attorney can help you check whether there have been any consumer complaints against the other driver’s make and model of vehicle.
Insurance companies are notorious for pushing victims to settle car accident claims as quickly as possible. This might seem like the answer to all your problems, but what the insurance adjuster won’t tell you is that they’re offering you far less than you deserve.
Columbia car accident lawyers at a reputable law firm will tell you to never rush insurance claims. Car accident injuries are not something that can be easily rectified with a small settlement.
It may take more time to fully hold the negligent driver responsible for your injuries, but victims who hire experienced car accident attorneys will benefit in the long run.
Is filing an auto accident lawsuit in your best interest? Columbia car accident lawyers will advise their injured clients that there are two basic requirements to proving fault:
If your case is successful, you may be financially compensated for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of earning capacity. Your Columbia car accident attorney will fight for a settlement that accurately reflects the damages you incurred.
No one should have to pay for an accident that wasn’t their fault. With the right Columbia car accident lawyer on your side, you can seek compensation that supports your recovery and removes unfair financial burdens by filing a lawsuit against the negligent driver.
Do not delay—personal injury cases have a statute of limitations. In Missouri, you have only five years to come forward with your claim. Your legal representation will help you move forward without worrying about deadlines or a dismissal of your case because you waited too long.
The experienced car accident lawyers at Thomas Law Offices have dedicated their careers to fighting for injured individuals in Columbia, MO, and we will advocate for you until you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
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Have You Been Injured? We're Ready to Fight for You.
