Automobile Accident Information Center
According to the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration, 2.49 million people were injured in motor vehicle collisions in 2007. 41,059 did not survive. As the numbers suggest, motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of injury in the United States. Ryan R. Cox Associates has handled hundreds of cases involving injury from motor vehicle crashes. Our firm stands ready to assist you when you are injured as a result of another's negligence in a motor vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents?
How many people are hurt or killed a year in motor vehicle accidents?
What should I do if I'm hurt in a motor vehicle accident?
Can I be injured even if there is not significant physical damage to my vehicle?
What are some common distractions that cause motor vehicle accidents?
How can I encourage others to minimize distractions?
Who can I sue if I am injured in a motor vehicle accident?
What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages, and which can I get?
What are some of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents?
Motor vehicle accidents can be caused for any number of reasons but the most common causes are speeding, not paying attention, distractions inside the car, driving too fast for weather conditions, failing to yield, and a failure to obey traffic signals.
How many people are hurt or killed a year in motor vehicle accidents?
In the U.S. alone, 2.49 million people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2007. Of this number, 41,059 were killed.
What should I do if I'm hurt in a motor vehicle accident?
Please see "What Should I Do If I'm Hurt in an Accident".
Can I be injured even if there is not significant physical damage to my vehicle?
Yes. Insurance companies and at-fault drivers are prone to argue that if there is insignificant or even non-visible damage to an automobile in an accident this automatically means that physical injury to the occupant cannot result. This is simply not true. Just as a person can walk away from a terribly damaged vehicle without any injuries, an occupant of a vehicle with little or no visible damage can sustain injury. When any motor vehicle is struck at any speed, forces are put in motion which can cause injury. Furthermore, some people are more prone to injury given pre-existing conditions such as spinal stenosis and degeneration, which even a minor amount of force can cause to become symptomatic and painful.
What are some common distractions that cause motor vehicle accidents?
Common distractions inside a motor vehicle which can lead to accidents and collisions include cell phone use, adjusting a radio dial, connecting an MP3 device or inserting CD's, children, eating and drinking, exhaustion, unfamiliarity with an area, text messaging, and applying makeup.
How can I encourage others to minimize distractions?
We should all encourage others to drive safely and to minimize any distractions while driving. First, you should know where you're going and how you're getting there. Second, you should never eat or drink inside your car. Third, we should all encourage others not to use cell phones while driving. Of particular concern is texting others while driving. Some municipalities and states have passed legislation banning such activity.
Who can I sue if I am injured in a motor vehicle accident?
Any one who contributes to cause a motor vehicle accident can be sued for damages. Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. This means that even if someone is 99% at fault, he or she can still recover 1% of his or her damages. Oftentimes, vehicles are owned or operated by businesses or used during the scope or course of employment. Under such circumstances, the owners of the vehicle can be pursued for damages via vicarious liability.
Recovery for injuries and damages in motor vehicle accidents depend on a number of factors. Such factors include but are not limited to, the liability of the parties, comparative fault, the nature and extent of injury, the amount of lost wages, credibility of witnesses, the underlying facts, insurance coverage, and the collectability of a judgment. Unfortunately, there is no mathematical formula which determines the value of each individual claim. However, when you damages become reasonably certain, Mr. Cox can discuss potential values with you.
What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages, and which can I get?
In Missouri, compensatory damages can include actual economic losses, like medical bills and lost income, and "non economic" damages such as compensation for things like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. While no injury is ever worth any amount of money, the purpose of compensatory damages is to return you as nearly as possible to the position in which you would have been had the defendant's negligence and your injury not taken place. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the defendant and to discourage others from engaging in similar conduct. An award of punitive damages typically requires showing a conscious disregard for the safety of others.
Your first priority should always be receiving appropriate medical treatment. After this, it's never too soon to contact an attorney. You must keep in mind that your case has a statute of limitations, or a time period within which you must file suit in court or be forever barred from any recovery. Even if you are well within the limitations period timely legal advice can be critical.
If you or a family member has been injured, Ryan R. Cox and Associates has the knowledge, experience, and resources to help you. Call Mr. Cox directly at 636-946-6886 or contact us online for a free consultation.