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Here are a few important things to understand about the compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident.

If you’ve been the victim of a car accident, you may have many questions running through your mind. Who is going to cover the costs of my medical bills and lost wages? Should I hire a lawyer? And, how much money will I receive from the settlement?

Here are a few important things to understand about the compensation you may be entitled to after a car accident.

To Settle or Go to Trial?

Many people throw the word “settlement” around when it comes to car accident cases. However, few truly understand how car accident claims are settled.

A car accident settlement is an agreement to resolve a legal claim for personal injuries or damages after a car accident. When a settlement is reached, the plaintiff agrees not to sue or drop any charges. 

Most car accident claims are resolved through a settlement as going to court takes a lot of time and effort without guaranteeing that the plaintiff will get the amount he is hoping for. 

Don’t expect to reach a settlement with the at-fault driver’s insurance company quickly. These negotiations can also take some time as the insurance company will generally push back and look for any opportunity to lower the claim. 

How Much Compensation Am I Entitled To After a Car Accident?

There isn’t a simple answer to this question. Each car accident is unique, and the nature and extent of the injuries can differ greatly. However, the insurance company will take certain factors into account when negotiating. 

• The medical expenses related to the injuries;
• Past and future lost wages that occur because of the accident;
• Non-medical expenses that were caused by the accident;
• Pain and suffering, meaning the toll the accident took on the victim’s life and how much their quality of life was affected;
• Punitive damages to punish the behavior that caused the accident. 

The money you will get largely depends on the extent and severity of your injuries. Generally, the more severe your injuries are, the higher the compensation. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can correctly estimate your present and future expenses and fight for a fair settlement.

Other Factors That Can Influence Your Car Accident Settlement

Your costs aren’t the only factor that can influence the value of your settlement. The number of parties involved in the accident, for example, can also affect how much money you will get. If more than one party is found liable for causing the crash, then your settlement will probably be higher. The amount of insurance the at-fault driver carries will also impact the amount of money you will get. 

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

An experienced St. Louis auto accident lawyer can help ensure your legal rights are protected after a car accident and that you receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. If you have been involved in an accident, give us a call 24/7 to benefit from our 20+ years of experience protecting the rights of car accident victims in and around St. Louis, Missouri.

Here is what you need to know about pursuing compensation after being hit by a police car in Missouri.

With so many government employees on the road, including first responders like police or paramedics, getting hit by a police car on a mission is not such a far-fetched scenario. 

What should you do if you get hit by a Missouri police car on a mission? If you suffer injuries or property damage, the usual procedures are to file a claim to an insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. However, going against a police officer might be intimidating for the average person.

Here is what you need to know about pursuing compensation after being hit by a police car in Missouri. 

Sovereign Immunity in Missouri

Police officers and other public employees have sovereign immunity in Missouri by law. This means that they generally cannot be sued by a civilian. There are exceptions to this rule. One instance is if someone suffers injuries due to a police officer’s negligent conduct when driving. 

It is also important to note that their sovereign immunity will generally not be waived if they are responding to an emergency. This means that the sirens and lights are on so that other motorists and pedestrians can notice them coming. 

If a police officer is not responding to an emergency and they cause a car accident due to negligence, you might be able to file a lawsuit.

Insurance Coverage Limit

Even when the police officer can be sued, there most likely is a modest insurance coverage limit for personal injuries. In Missouri, the state can purchase insurance to cover the exceptions to the sovereign immunity law, but the limits generally cannot exceed $2,000,000 for an occurrence and $300,000 per person. 

Also, if a regular personal injury suit can include punitive or exemplary damages, suing a police officer will generally not allow you to pursue these. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for outrageous conduct and to serve as a discouragement for others. 

What to Do If You File a Suit Against a Police Officer

Because of the special circumstances, we highly recommend speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney if you have been involved in a car accident with a police officer.

These types of cases are more complex than regular car accidents. Our experienced legal team can evaluate your case for free and help you determine what your legal rights are.

Things can quickly become more complicated if you are involved in a car accident with an out-of-state driver. Here’s what you should do if it happens.

Pursuing an injury claim can be a stressful experience. If you find yourself in a St. Louis crash involving an out-of-state driver, things can get even more confusing and complicated. Many questions arise: How do you pursue your claim for personal injuries and damages? Where should you report the accident? Which state’s insurance laws will your claim be based on? Let’s consider the answers to these questions and what you should do if you are involved in a St. Louis car accident with an out-of-state driver.

Where Should You Report the Accident?

Generally, since the accident happened in St. Louis, the state of Missouri, under the “Long-Arm” Statute, has jurisdiction over the matter. Therefore, you need to report the incident to St. Louis Police. Also, as with any auto crash, it is important to inform your vehicle’s insurer about the accident right away. Don’t forget to gather evidence and exchange insurance info with the out-of-state driver.

Filing Your Injury Claim: Which State’s Auto-Insurance Laws Will Be Applied?

Each state has its own auto-insurance laws and procedures. The location and state where the accident happened will generally dictate which laws are in effect. So, if your accident happened in Missouri, you’ll generally follow Missouri laws to determine who is liable and how to go about getting compensation.

Since these accidents take time to resolve, it can be difficult to negotiate with an out-of-state party. After all, they will likely head back home before the process is complete.

What To Do If You Are Involved in a Crash With an Out-of-State Driver

Here are some general steps you should follow if you are involved in a car accident with an out -of-state driver:

• Contact the authorities (police, paramedics, etc.)
• Seek prompt medical attention
• Document any injuries and property damage (take as many pictures as possible)
• Collect the information of any witnesses
• Get in touch with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer

Again, it is important to understand that negotiating these types of cases can be more difficult in these situations.

Consult An Experienced Auto Accident Attorney

Before you make any decision regarding your injuries or claim, contact an auto attorney. An experienced attorney can guide you through the process and ensure your legal rights are protected.

If you or one of your family members has been injured in a St. Louis accident involving a non-resident driver, contact The Hoffmann Law Firm today to discuss your legal options.