If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering what to do next. One of the most important decisions you will make is choosing an experienced personal injury attorney.
At Peterson & Associates, P.C., our St. Charles personal injury attorneys are committed to helping victims of personal injuries obtain the compensation and justice they deserve. We have decades of personal injury law experience fighting for the rights of injured people and their families.
If you are injured in an accident, you will need a knowledgeable St. Charles personal injury lawyer. Please call us today for a free consultation.
What is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is the legal area that deals with any type of injury that occurs as the result of someone else’s negligence. This can include car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and more.
If you have been injured and are looking for legal representation, it’s important to find an experienced lawyer specializing in personal injury law. This way, you can be sure that you are getting the best possible representation and will be able to receive the compensation you deserve.
What are the Causes of Personal Injuries in St. Charles County Missouri?
Different personal injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Here are some causes of personal injuries in St. Charles County Missouri:
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving accidents are among the most common causes of injuries in St. Charles County Missouri. People who have been injured in an accident caused by an intoxicated driver are often left to face a substantial amount of medical bills and lost wages from time spent recovering from their injuries.
Defective Products
One of the leading causes of accidents in St. Charles County is faulty or defective products. These defective products can be due to various reasons but are usually the result of negligent product design, manufacturing, or marketing. Defective products can include anything from toys and clothing to household appliances, and medicine. Defective products can cause a wide range of injuries, illnesses, or death.
Premises Liability Accidents
Missouri property owners must keep their premises safe for those who enter with permission. If those premises are not kept safe, or if there is something unsafe about the conditions on the land, then the property owner can be held liable for injuries that occur on the property. The most common examples of this include St. Charles slip and fall accidents and dog bites.
Motorcycle Accidents
Each year, many accidents in St. Charles County are caused by motorcycle riders. These types of accidents are often more severe than others, due to the lack of protection that a rider has from cars and other vehicles. A major cause of motorcycle accidents is road conditions. Potholes can cause a rider to lose control or be thrown off their bike by hitting the pothole at high speeds, or even causing the bike to fall over. Other causes of Missouri motorcycle accidents include distracted drivers and drunk drivers who have no regard for the safety of those on two wheels.
18-Wheeler Accidents
According to Missouri State Highway Patrol, nearly half of all fatal vehicle accidents in the state are caused by 18-wheelers. The heavier and more massive the vehicle, the more vulnerable you are if you collide with one. For example, a rear-end collision between a car and a semi-truck can be catastrophic, not to mention deadly.
Car Accidents
One of the causes of accidents in St. Charles County Missouri is car accidents. Auto accidents can be due to several reasons, such as poor road conditions, drunk driving, and other issues. Car accidents can cause serious injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injuries that require expensive medical treatment.
Workplace Accidents
A variety of factors are responsible for workplace accidents and injuries, ranging from a simple human error to complex equipment malfunctions. Missouri business owners should be proactive in reducing the risk of workplace accidents by following best practices and compliance with OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations.
Violent Attacks
Personal injuries can occur when someone is assaulted or attacked. If you are assaulted or attacked and it results in an injury, you may be able to sue the attacker or assailant.
If you have been injured, our attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.
How Can I File a Personal Injury Claim in Missouri?
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how to file a personal injury claim in Missouri.
The process of filing a personal injury claim can be complicated, and it is important to speak with an attorney who can help you navigate the system.
In Missouri, there are two main ways to file a personal injury claim:
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File a lawsuit in civil court.
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File a claim with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights.
Each method has its own set of pros and cons, and it is important to speak with an attorney to determine which option is best for you.
What are the Damages I Can File for in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The damages you can file for in a personal injury lawsuit depend on the specific details of your case. However, there are some general categories of damages that you may be able to seek compensation for, including:
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Medical Expenses: One of the damages you can file for in a personal injury claim is medical expenses. This can include your past, current, and future medical bills, as well as your lost wages due to your inability to work. It can also include the cost of your physical therapy sessions.
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Lost Income: One of the damages you can file for in a personal injury claim is lost income. If you’re injured on someone else’s property and can’t work, you may be able to collect lost wages from the owner or operator of that property for your time off work. It’s important to note that the lost income has to be a direct result of your injury. For example, if you were hit by a car while walking down the street and then had to miss work because you were recovering from your injuries, that missed time would count toward lost income.
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Pain and Suffering: Under the law, you are entitled to compensation for the physical and mental pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident. Pain and suffering damages are meant to represent a person’s physical and emotional pain caused by the negligence of another. Some examples include physical injuries, such as back pain or head trauma, as well as mental injuries like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety.
If you have been injured, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer to find out what damages you may be able to file for. To learn more about your legal options, contact our St. Charles County personal injury attorneys today.
How Can I Prove Liability in a Personal Injury Case?
Proving liability in a personal injury case can be tricky. You’ll need to provide evidence that the other party was responsible for your injury and that they did not take the necessary precautions to prevent it.
Some common forms of evidence include eyewitness testimony, photos or videos of the incident, medical records, and expert testimony. It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to strengthen your case and increase your chances of winning.
If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in St. Charles, our attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. are here to help. We have years of experience helping victims get the compensation they deserve, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Common Injuries Victims Suffer in Missouri
Some common injuries victims suffer in Missouri include:
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Spinal Cord Injury: One of the common injuries victims suffer in Missouri is spinal cord injuries. They are caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, and other accidents. Many times the spinal cord injury will be so severe that it leaves the victim paralyzed for life.
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Head and Neck Injuries: Head and neck injuries are a common result of accidents in Missouri, and can cause lifelong disabilities for many people. These injuries frequently occur when an individual is involved in a car accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident, or other types of collision. Victims may suffer from whiplash, concussions, or other serious head trauma.
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Broken Bones: Broken bones are injuries that typically result in a fracture of one or more of the long bones in the body. These long bones are found in the arms, legs, hands, and feet and they help in supporting weight, providing stability, and serving as levers. The most common type of break occurs when two or more bones come into direct contact with one another causing them to fracture. There are two basic types of broken bones, open and closed. In an open fracture, the bone breaks through the skin causing an open wound. In a closed fracture, there is no break through the skin and only swelling and pain occur.
If you have been injured in any type of accident, it is important to speak with an experienced St. Charles personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Our attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have several years of experience helping victims get the compensation and justice they deserve. Contact us now to get the compensation and justice you deserve.
How Can I Hire the Right Personal Injury Attorney in St. Charles County Missouri?
It is important that you hire an attorney who has experience in personal injury law and who is licensed to practice in the state of Missouri.
When interviewing attorneys, be sure to ask questions about their experience and what type of cases they have handled in the past. Be sure to also ask about their fees and what, if any, expenses they will incur on your behalf.
You should also feel free to contact us at Peterson & Associates, P.C. to discuss your case. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and can provide you with a free consultation.
How Can I Maximize Compensation for a Personal Injury Case?
There are a few things you can do to maximize your compensation if you’re injured.
The most important thing is to document your injury as thoroughly as possible. This means keeping track of your medical expenses, taking pictures of your injury, and recording the days you missed from work.
It’s also important to have a strong legal team on your side. Our attorneys at Peterson & Associates, P.C. have years of experience dealing with personal injury cases and know exactly what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.
What Should I Ask a Potential Personal Injury Attorney?
Before you hire an attorney, make sure you ask them the following questions:
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How much experience do you have with personal injury cases?
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What is your strategy for handling my case?
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Do you have trial experience?
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What is your policy on contingency fees?
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How often will I hear from you?
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What is the estimated length of my case?
What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?
If you have been injured in an accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Here are some of the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer:
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They will handle all of the paperwork for you.
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They will deal with the insurance company on your behalf.
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They will get you the maximum compensation for your injuries.
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They have extensive knowledge of the law and will use this to your advantage.
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They will guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
If you have been injured in an accident, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation you deserve.
Let Us Fight for You
If you have recently been injured, it is in your best interest to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Peterson & Associates, P.C. is a personal injury law firm that can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve. We have a team of experienced St. Charles personal injury attorneys who are ready to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.