Sedalia Car Accident Attorney

Navigating Car Accident Claims in Missouri

When you've been injured in an auto accident, turn to Kempton & Russell for personalized guidance every step of the claims process. The hours and days following a motor vehicle collision are often chaotic with insurance adjusters wanting to get your side of the story.

Injured in an auto accident? Contact Kempton & Russell for a free consultation today!

Before you take an offer or discuss your claim with insurers, always speak to a lawyer to learn your rights. The insurer's job is to minimize your compensation. Our Sedalia car accident attorneys work to maximize your claim and make sure that adjusters do not take advantage of you. We won't settle for anything less than what you are entitled to receive by law.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, victims of injuries sustained in car accidents have up to five years from the date of their accident to file a claim. While five years is a lot of time in which to file a claim, it may be in your best interest to contact an attorney sooner rather than later. In the days following your accident there may be documents or evidence from the scene of the accident that can be helpful in your case. Working with an attorney has many benefits and can give you time to focus on recovery while we focus on getting you the compensation you deserve.

We have handled a wide range of auto accidents in Missouri, including those involving:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Severe burns
• Lost limbs
• Damage to organs

Our attorneys take an individualized approach to each claim, working directly with a client from start to finish. We never pass cases on to anyone with less experience. The same attorney will be by your side from start to finish, and each claim will be tailored to fit your unique needs.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

• Call the police. Filing a police report can be beneficial to your claim, as this can help verify liability and increase the chances of recovering payment for your injuries
• Collect information. Get information from the other driver such as insurance details, contact information, witness contact, etc. The more information you have, the better.
• Take pictures. If you are able to, take photographs of the damage to your car, your injuries, and the surrounding scene.
• Seek medical attention. Some injuries often don't appear until hours after the accident. See a doctor to get the right treatment for your injuries as soon as possible.
• Contact an attorney. Kempton & Russell can represent your claim and fight for a fair recovery.

Understanding the Common Causes of Car Accidents

While there are tons of advances in vehicle technology, like backup cameras and collision systems, they don't completely prevent car accidents. The injuries you can suffer can be life altering, whether the accident was severe or minor. Knowing common causes can help you to keep an eye out for their signs. Here are some common causes of car accidents:

• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Speeding
• Reckless driving
• Road rage
• Running red lights/stop signs
• Inclement weather
• Road conditions
• Vehicle defects

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

No one should be distracted while driving; when you receive your driver’s license, it is implicit that you will uphold the duty to keep your eyes on the road and prevent an accident from occurring. In the few seconds it takes to lean over and read a text message, the mind has lost focus on the road and can lead to a very serious accident.

Some of the most common forms of distracted driving:

• Reading
• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting the radio dial
• Grooming or applying makeup
• Talking with passengers
• Texting while driving

Beyond these, there are countless other ways that distracted driving occurs. You may have grounds to seek financial compensation for yours or a loved one’s accident. You can hold the driver accountable for the accident if he or she was texting while driving, as an example. In these cases of negligence, it is incredibly important that you understand your legal options. You have every right to seek justice, and obtain legal counsel. If you were injured in a car carsh because of a negligent, distracted driver, it should never go unnoticed.

Texting and Driving

There are countless ways a driver can become distracted, from talking to their passengers to reading a billboard alongside the road. Out of all the distractions possible, it is widely agreed that texting and driving is the worst. This is due to the fact that it engages a driver in all three forms of distractions, as outlined by the CDC.

The three forms of driver distraction are:

1. Manual: Taking hands off the wheel; picking up a cellphone just to check a text can take hands off the steering wheel for seconds at a time.
2. Visual: Taking eyes off the road; in the time it takes someone to read a short text, they will have blindly driven the length of a football field if they are traveling at highway speeds.
3. Cognitive: Taking mind off the task of driving; focus is key to avoid car accidents, and a lack of focus is nearly a guaranteed way to cause a traffic collision.

Texting combines all three of these distractions into one terrible idea. Texting also never happens by accident. If you can show that the driver who hit you was using their cellphone, you could have the entirety of the liability lifted off you.

Contact Our Sedalia Car Accident Lawyer Today

During your free consultation, we can discuss your injuries and answer any questions you have about your claim. Our office is conveniently located in downtown Sedalia, right across from the courthouse.

Contact us at (660) 722-4115 to get started.