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Columbia, MO Car Accident Lawyer

Being involved in a car accident can be a terrifying experience, and sustaining a serious injury in the crash could make matters even worse. Due to the actions of a careless or reckless driver, you could face weeks or even months of recovery time for the injuries you sustained in a car accident. You should not have to take on additional stress and worry over the financial strain that your injury has caused.

If you or a loved one were injured in an automobile collision due to another party’s negligence, call a Columbia, MO car accident lawyer for assistance with your claim. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney could investigate and examine all the evidence relating to your claim to help prove your case in court and assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries.

Our talented legal team at The AW Smith Law Firm has more than three decades of successful investigation, reconstruction, and litigation experience. Our car accident lawyers have recovered over $100 million for injured clients.

At The AW Smith Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys choose to focus on serious auto accidents. We devote 100% of our legal team’s time and effort, in protecting injured victims rights. We will get you the settlement you need to move forward.

Common Types of Injuries in Columbia Car Crashes

Automobile accidents often produce serious injuries and can inflict deadly harm upon the parties involved in the most extreme cases. The size and speed of the cars involved in the crash may impact the severity of these injuries, but even a minor collision could result in significant physical and psychological trauma. Some of the most common forms of harm that are caused by car accidents in Columbia include:

  • Whiplash: neck injury caused by extreme force
  • Head trauma: concussions, skull fractures or severe bleeding
  • Broken bones: broken ribs, arms, and legs are common in these cases
  • Spinal cord injuries: may cause paralysis or paraplegia
  • Organ damage or other internal injuries
  • Burns: may occur if the crash involved a fire or explosion
  • Lacerations: cuts or scrapes from broken glass or other sharp objects

These injuries cause serious pain and suffering, and their treatments carry hefty financial costs that may place another overwhelming burden on the injured party. It may be essential for an individual who was injured in a car accident and wishes to file a claim for damages to consult a local attorney right away. They should provide their lawyer with all the facts surrounding the extent of their car accident injuries so that they may be included in their filing.

Recoverable Damages for an Automobile Wreck

Typically, medical expenses make up a significant part of a civil damage award, since the devastating injuries that may occur in an auto accident may require rigorous and expensive treatment. The costs of rehabilitation services, emergency medical care, physical therapy, and other services may also be recoverable in a personal injury claim.

Depending on the type and severity of the injury, future medical expenses may also be recoverable. In cases involving severe or permanent injuries, a medical advisor may be able to provide more insight regarding an injured individual’s future health care needs. A car crash attorney in Columbia could provide further assistance in obtaining expert opinions.

Lost wages may be recoverable in a personal injury claim stemming from an auto collision, as may, compensation for lost earning capacity if their ability to earn wages is diminished due to the injury. A car wreck victim may also be able to recover for non-economic damages, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship

Diligent legal counsel could help determine which damages an injured individual may be eligible to recover based on their specific situation.

We have experience fighting huge insurance companies. We know the rules insurance companies are required to follow. Many insurance companies know which lawyers they can bluff and which law firms are known for getting the maximum settlements for their clients. At The AW Smith Law Firm, we get the results that many law firms cannot achieve.

At The AW Smith Law Firm, we settle many cases for our clients without the need of a trial. However, if insurance companies try to take advantage of our clients, we have a history of huge successes with a jury trial. We will work diligently to help you and your family recover compensation.

The Statute of Limitations in Columbia

Each state has its own statute of limitations—which varies depending on the type of lawsuit—establishing the deadline to file a claim. According to Missouri Revised Statutes §516.120, injured parties have five years to file a lawsuit for damages from a car wreck.

If the injured party does not file the lawsuit within the five-year period, they may face dismissal of their claim, meaning they would no longer be eligible to recover damages. There are certain exceptions that may apply depending on the circumstances surrounding the claim, though, so it may be worthwhile to discuss the statute of limitations with a knowledgeable car wreck lawyer in Columbia.

Contact a Columbia Car Accident Attorney Today

After an automobile wreck, insurance companies may offer you a settlement in order to mitigate any damages. It could be important to have a seasoned attorney evaluate your claim before signing any documents, since understanding the value of your claim is essential to making informed decisions regarding your situation.

A Columbia car accident lawyer could answer all your questions about your legal options, compensable damages, and how negligence applies to your claim. Call The AW Smith Law Firm today for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.

Access to Higher Education Scholarship

The A.W. Smith Law Firm, P.C. is proud to announce the Access to Higher Education Scholarship! We want to hear students’ opinions on the biggest factors that prevent people from seeking higher education and the ways in which these factors can be addressed. The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to help them achieve their educational goals. Visit our scholarship page for application requirements and eligibility information.