No, not the at-fault insurance company anyway. You should likely cooperate with your insurance company if they have a duty-to-cooperate clause in your insurance, otherwise they may be able to deny your coverage should it be needed in the matter. In our professional experience, we do not recommend communicating with the opposing insurance company, at-fault party’s insurance, even if they reach out to you. They may be nice, but at-fault insurance companies are not. Often they will “string-along” people and slowly get worse over time. Choose an expert attorney from Dr. Bradshaw’s Law Firm to move your legal claim forward. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better protected you will be from unethical insurance at-fault/defense practices.

Yes. Upon verification from your employer, any loss of income in the period of time between the day of the accident and the day you are able to return to work is recoverable following a car accident. You must also obtain a work release document from your medical provider, detailing that you are unable to work, in order for you to be eligible to recover your lost wages.
Without the proper documentation and verification, you can expect the insurer to contest whether or not you were able to work. Your employer must verify that they received your medical release, and can quantify the wages you lost between the accident and your return to work. These can be in the form of company letterhead or pay stubs.

Yes, we can likely claim any losses you can prove. This includes economic losses, which are losses you can calculate on paper. There are also non-economic damages, not subject to hard math, that are often referred to as pain and suffering. We will make a claim for all these losses, and any other unique to your case. Our experienced attorneys will assist you in proving your damages, and aiding in compensation for a variety of damages. Some damages in car wreck cases include the following: Disability and disfigurement

• Past and future medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Disability and disfigurement
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Out of pocket expenses
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium
• Emotional and mental distress

1. MedPay: MedPay can come from your insurance policy. Most auto policies have MedPay, which pays up to a certain amount (typically $5,000 or $10,000) no matter who is at fault in an accident.
   1. If you are a passenger in someone else’s car, there may be more than one MedPay policy that can pay you. You would be potentially eligible to receive MedPay for the driver of the vehicle you were in, as well as the MedPay on your vehicle.
2. Employer-Provided Health Insurance: Most plans would cover at least portions of hospital and doctor’s visits and/or operations related to a car accident.
3. Public Health Insurance: You may be eligible for Medicare or Medicaid or other public health insurance to help pay your bills.
4. Private Health Insurance: Most plans would cover at least portions of hospital and doctor’s visits and/or operations related to a car accident.
5. Workers’ Compensation: If you were on the job at the time of the accident, Workers’ Compensation would pay your medical bills.
6. Lien: Medical professionals may take a lien out on your medical care. A medical lien authorizes payment of medical bills directly to a health care provider from the settlement or judgment of your car accident injury case in Missouri.

Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect your health, legal rights, and ability to file a claim. Here’s what you should do if you’re involved in a car accident:

1. Check for Injuries and Ensure Safety

• Assess Your Condition: First and foremost, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
• Move to Safety (If Possible): If the accident is minor and you are able to move your vehicle, try to pull over to a safe location to avoid blocking traffic or causing further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

2. Call the Police

Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police. An official accident report will be useful when filing a personal injury claim or dealing with insurance companies. When the police arrive, give a clear and accurate account of what happened, but avoid admitting fault, as this will be determined later based on the investigation.

3. Exchange Information

Gather key information from the other driver(s) involved in the accident, including:

• Full names, addresses, and contact details
• Driver’s license numbers
• License plate numbers
• Insurance company names and policy numbers

If there are any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information as well.

4. Document the Accident Scene

Take photos of the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing:

• Damage to all vehicles involved
• License plates
• Any skid marks, road conditions, or traffic signs that may have contributed to the accident
• Any visible injuries you or your passengers have sustained
• The general surroundings of the accident (such as intersections, traffic lights, etc.)

This documentation will be valuable when filing your insurance claim or working with your attorney.

5. Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not be immediately apparent but can cause significant health problems later. A medical evaluation will also create a record of your injuries, which is crucial for your personal injury claim.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you believe the other driver is at fault. Be honest about the details of the accident but avoid providing recorded statements until you’ve spoken with an attorney, especially if the accident resulted in serious injuries.

7. Consult an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney like Dr. Brad Bradshaw is critical. Insurance companies may offer quick settlements that don’t fully cover your expenses, and an attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Conclusion

Taking these steps after a car accident can help ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. If you’ve been injured, Dr. Brad Bradshaw, with his legal and medical expertise, can guide you through the process and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

If you’re involved in a car accident in Springfield, Missouri, it’s important to understand the local and state laws that could affect your case. Missouri law outlines several key rules and regulations regarding car accidents, fault, and compensation. Here are some of the most important laws to be aware of:

1. Missouri is an “At-Fault” State

Missouri operates under an at-fault system, meaning that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for damages. If you are involved in a car accident in Springfield, you can:

• File a claim with your own insurance company
• File a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
• File a lawsuit against the at-fault driver directly

Since Missouri is an at-fault state, determining liability is crucial for your personal injury claim. Dr. Brad Bradshaw can help you gather the necessary evidence to prove fault and pursue compensation.

2. Comparative Fault in Missouri

Missouri follows the comparative fault rule, which means that if you are partially responsible for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. Even if you are partly to blame, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 100% at fault.

This is important to keep in mind, as insurance companies may try to assign partial blame to reduce the amount they have to pay. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.

3. Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, it’s always better to act sooner rather than later, as evidence can be lost, and memories can fade. If the accident involved a government vehicle or entity, there may be shorter deadlines.

4. Mandatory Reporting

Missouri law requires that any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage of more than $500 must be reported to the local police or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Failing to report such an accident could result in penalties, including fines or license suspension. In Springfield, you should contact local law enforcement to report accidents that meet these criteria.

5. Minimum Insurance Requirements

Missouri law mandates that all drivers carry liability insurance with the following minimum coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage

In addition, Missouri drivers are required to carry uninsured motorist coverage with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This coverage helps protect you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance.

6. Hit-and-Run Laws

Leaving the scene of an accident without exchanging information or checking for injuries is a crime in Missouri. Hit-and-run accidents can lead to severe criminal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and license suspension. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may still be able to recover damages through your own uninsured motorist coverage.

7. Right of Way and Traffic Violations

Springfield, like the rest of Missouri, adheres to standard traffic laws regarding right of way, speed limits, and traffic signals. Violations of these laws often contribute to car accidents, and breaking these rules may result in the at-fault party being held liable. Common traffic violations that could impact car accident claims include:

• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Speeding or reckless driving

If the other driver violated a traffic law, this could strengthen your personal injury claim, as it demonstrates negligence.

Conclusion

If you’re involved in a car accident in Springfield, Missouri, understanding these local laws can help you navigate the aftermath and protect your legal rights. Whether it’s dealing with Missouri’s comparative fault rule, understanding insurance requirements, or following the statute of limitations, it’s essential to know the legal landscape. Dr. Brad Bradshaw, with his expertise in both law and medicine, can guide you through the complexities of your case and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.

After being involved in a car accident in Springfield, Missouri, obtaining a copy of your accident report is an important step in the claims process. The accident report contains crucial details about the incident, including information about the parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s assessment of the accident. Here’s how you can obtain your accident report:

1. Springfield Police Department

If the accident occurred within Springfield city limits and was handled by the Springfield Police Department, you can request a copy of your accident report directly from them. Here’s how to do it:

• In Person or By Mail:
  You can visit the Springfield Police Department in person or send a written request by mail.
  Address:
  Springfield Police Department
  Records Section
  321 E. Chestnut Expressway
  Springfield, MO 65802Include details like the date and location of the accident, names of the drivers involved, and your contact information. There may be a small fee for obtaining the report, typically around $10.
• Online:
  Springfield Police also provides an online service for accident reports via the BuyCrash website. You can visit www.buycrash.com and search for your report by entering information such as the date of the accident, your name, and the location. There is usually a processing fee for downloading the report online.

2. Missouri State Highway Patrol

If your accident was outside city limits but within Greene County, or if the Missouri State Highway Patrol handled the investigation, you can request your report through the state agency. Here’s how:

• Online:
  Accident reports handled by the Missouri State Highway Patrol can be accessed online via the Missouri State Highway Patrol website. You will need the accident date, report number, or the name of someone involved. Website: Missouri State Highway Patrol Accident Report Request
• By Mail or In Person:
  You can also request your accident report in person or by mail from the State Highway Patrol’s local troop office. For accidents in the Springfield area, you will likely need to contact Troop D in Springfield.
  Address:
  Missouri State Highway Patrol – Troop D Headquarters
  3131 E. Kearney Street
  Springfield, MO 65803

3. What Information Do You Need?

When requesting your accident report, be sure to provide as much information as possible, such as:

• The date and time of the accident
• Location of the accident
• The names of the drivers involved
• Report number (if available)
• Your contact information

4. Why You Need Your Accident Report

Obtaining your accident report is essential when filing a personal injury claim. The report contains:

• Details about the accident
• The responding officer’s findings
• Potential citations issued
• Witness statements and contact information

This documentation can be invaluable when proving fault in your case and seeking compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Conclusion

Getting a copy of your accident report in Springfield, Missouri, is a straightforward process whether through the Springfield Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, or an online service like BuyCrash. Having this report is critical for building a strong personal injury claim. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Dr. Brad Bradshaw and his team can help you review the accident report and guide you through the next steps in pursuing compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Certain intersections and roadways in Springfield are known for having higher accident rates due to increased traffic volume and road design. Some of the most dangerous areas include:

• Glenstone Avenue: One of Springfield’s busiest thoroughfares, Glenstone Avenue sees frequent accidents, especially during rush hours.
• Sunshine Street: Another high-traffic roadway with numerous intersections, Sunshine Street often experiences rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents.
• Kansas Expressway & Battlefield Road Intersection: Known for heavy traffic and frequent accidents, this intersection is one of the most dangerous in the city.
• I-44 and US-65 Interchanges: These major highways are hotspots for high-speed collisions and accidents involving semi-trucks.

According to recent data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield Police Department, Springfield consistently experiences a significant number of auto accidents each year. In 2023, there were approximately 5,000 auto accidents reported within the city limits. This number has remained relatively steady over the past several years, highlighting the ongoing traffic safety challenges in the area.