Missoula Car Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Car Accidents

All drivers are legally required to operate their vehicles with reasonable care. When drivers fail to uphold this duty, accidents may occur. Some common causes of accidents include, but are not limited to:

• Distracted driving: Every year, distracted driving causes over 3,500 fatalities (NHTSA). Texting, applying makeup, cell phone usage, drinking, eating, and talking with passengers are some of the most common distractions that lead to accidents.
• Speeding: Speeding not only makes maintaining control of a vehicle harder but also intensifies the force of an accident, intensifying the severity of injuries.
• Illegal turns: Disregarding traffic laws while making a turn significantly increases the likelihood of an accident.
• Failure to yield: Collisions can result from failing to yield the right-of-way to other vehicles.
• Improper maintenance: Overlooking essential vehicle maintenance tasks, including regular tire replacements and care for brakes, engines, and steering systems, elevates the likelihood of a malfunction that could result in an accident.
• Fatigued drivers: Similar to driving while intoxicated, drowsy driving has comparable impacts. It substantially elevates the likelihood of an accident occurring.
• Poor conditions: The presence of hazardous road conditions, such as damaged roads, inclement weather, and debris, elevates the likelihood of accidents.

In almost all of these cases, the car accident directly resulted from someone else’s reckless or negligent behavior. Individuals or entities who fail to keep others safe could be held liable for all losses and damages.

What Types of Injuries Are Common?

When you are involved in a vehicle crash, you could walk away with minor scrapes and cuts. However, many of these inquiries can be catastrophic, leading to months or a lifetime of medical assistance. In some of the most serious accidents, it can even lead to fatal injuries.

Some of the most common injuries from car accidents include:

• Eye injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Loss of limbs
• Scrapes and cuts
• Internal injuries, such as damage to organs
• Back injuries
• Hearing loss
• Soft tissue injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Neck and whiplash injuries
• Emotional injuries

You may be entitled to seek compensation from the negligent party if you have experienced minor injuries or suffered a life-altering condition. In these situations, getting medical assistance as soon as possible is important, as is documenting and recording your medical treatments.

Taking these first steps in your case can build a stronger foundation for your claim.

Compensation for a Car Crash

The aftermath of a car accident can bring substantial physical, emotional, and financial strain. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few types of compensation you may be eligible to receive, such as:

• Medical expenses cover the costs associated with hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, prescription medications, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses stemming from the accident.
• If the accident hindered your ability to work or reduced your earning capacity, you could be compensated for both the lost income during the recovery period and any projected future earnings.
• Property damage compensation covers the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle and any other personal belongings that were damaged or lost as a result of the accident.
• Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional distress endured as a consequence of the accident. It may also include compensation for any diminished quality of life or physical disfigurement resulting from the incident.
• In the event that the accident resulted in fatalities, surviving family members can file a wrongful death.

Keep in mind that every legal case is unique. If you want to know if you qualify for compensation in your case, contact a Missoula car accident lawyer.

What To Expect from the Legal Process

It can be a complex process if you have been involved in a car accident and are considering filing a claim to seek compensation for damages.

Since there are many pitfalls, you might not want to handle it by yourself. Working with an experienced Missoula car accident lawyer can help you through this complicated process. Here is what you can expect for your case:

• File a claim: When you want to start the legal process, you need to file the paperwork with the appropriate court of law. Your attorney will file all necessary legal documents within the statute of limitations.
• Participate in the discovery process: Your attorney will participate in the discovery process, gathering evidence and information essential to building a strong case on your behalf.
• Assist with negotiations: If you try to negotiate with the insurance company on your own, they may not want to offer you a fair deal. An experienced Missoula car accident has the skills to help you receive a fair settlement.
• Take your case to court: If a fair settlement offer that compensates you for your damages is not presented, your attorney may proceed with trial to seek justice through the legal system. In the courtroom, your lawyer will advocate on your behalf, ensuring your rights and interests are protected.

No matter your situation, you need an experienced and skilled Missoula car accident lawyer to help with these claims.

When it comes time to find a qualified attorney for your case, reach out to Western Justice Associates, PLLC. We have helped accident victims recover compensation for their losses. If someone else’s neglect has injured you, it is time to take action.

Schedule your consultation today.