Springfield, MO Car Accident Attorneys
Fighting For Car Accident Victims in Springfield, Missouri
Bishop & Hayes P.C. is a distinguished legal practice known for its representation of clients across Missouri and Oklahoma in cases involving auto accidents. Our team of attorneys has committed their careers to managing car accident claims. With the wealth of over 50 years of collective experience and ample resources at our fingertips, we advocate for the compensation necessary to cover your losses. We passionately believe that our clients deserve nothing short of what they require. Should we fail to achieve a just settlement, we stand ready to take your case to trial.
When you choose Bishop & Hayes P.C., our founders, Brad Bishop and Tim Hayes, will personally oversee your case, giving it the respect and attention that it deserves. Unlike other firms, your claim won't relegated to paralegals or associates; our partners are committed to managing it directly.
We are committed to being accessible around the clock, aiming to address all calls and messages the day that we receive them. We have one main goal: securing the compensation you rightfully deserve for your auto accident injuries.
To schedule a free initial case consultation with our car accident attorney in Springfield, MO, call (417) 785-3410.
Springfield, MO, Auto Accident Statistics
As your resolute legal team at Bishop & Hayes P.C., we are committed to staying informed about the trends and statistics surrounding auto accidents in our local area. Understanding these numbers can help us all stay aware and vigilant on the roads.
In the city of Springfield, recent years have seen a considerable number of traffic incidents. In 2023 alone, there were 19 fatal traffic crashes reported.
In 2020, the total number of crashes within city limits on public roads reached 4950, with 1503 of those including at least one injury. Among them, 26 crashes led to at least one fatality.
One intersection in particular, Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street, reported the highest number of crashes in 2020, with a total of 41. This statistic underscores the importance of heightened caution when navigating our city's busiest intersections.
In the broader scope of Missouri, there were 1,016 people killed in traffic crashes in 2021, an increase from the 987 fatalities in 2020. These statewide figures serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks present on the road.
While we don't have control over other drivers' actions, being aware of these statistics can help us make more informed decisions while driving. Let's remain cautious and safe on the roads.
Identifying Risky Intersections in Springfield
In our commitment to fostering awareness and safety, we've identified additional intersections within Springfield that are particularly hazardous for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Beyond the Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street, you should be careful at the following intersections:
- Glenstone Avenue and Chestnut Expressway: This intersection has been the site of many accidents, often attributed to the heavy traffic flow and the complexity of navigating multiple lanes.
- National Avenue and Republic Road: Notorious for its confusing traffic signals and frequent lane changes, this intersection requires extra vigilance.
- Campbell Avenue and Battlefield Road: With high volumes of vehicles merging and turning, there is a higher risk of collision, making defensive driving crucial.
We encourage all drivers in Springfield to exercise heightened caution when approaching these areas. By being more aware and cautious, we contribute to the safety of our community while navigating the roads.
Is Missouri An At-Fault State?
Yes, in Missouri, claims involving personal injury and auto accidents are handled under the "at-fault" system. This implies that whoever is determined to have caused the accident is likewise accountable for any injuries and damages that follow. In Missouri, drivers must have liability insurance to protect themselves from potential losses if they cause an accident.
The "comparative fault" rule is a major component of Missouri's at-fault system. According to this law, your compensation could be lowered if you are determined to have contributed to an accident and you have a percentage of fault. For example, your recoverable damages will be lowered by 20% if you bear 20% of the blame for the accident.
Anyone involved in an auto accident case has to be aware of Missouri's at-fault laws. These laws may have a major effect on your ability to get compensation for your injuries. If you were hurt in a car wreck, get legal help so that you may properly navigate Missouri’s at-fault system and make sure your rights are fully protected. Speak with a qualified Springfield, Missouri car accident lawyer now.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Car Accident Claim?
Victims of car accidents may be entitled to recover several types of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for present and forthcoming medical expenses that are related to the accident, which includes hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for earnings lost because of the inability to work during recovery. This can also include loss of future earning capability if injuries result in long-term disability.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for the restoration or replacement of your vehicle and any personal property that had been damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident. This can also cover loss of enjoyment of life if injuries affect your ability to engage in daily activities or hobbies.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to spouses or family members for loss of companionship and support due to the victim’s injuries.
- Punitive Damages: In circumstances where the at-fault party’s behavior was especially egregious, punitive damages could be awarded to granted the wrongdoer and prevent similar behavior in the future.
FAQs About Car Accidents in Springfield, MO
What should I do if I am involved in a car accident on James River Freeway in Springfield, MO?
If you're involved in a car accident on James River Freeway, it's crucial to prioritize safety. First, move your vehicle to a safe location if possible and check for any injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed. It's also important to exchange information with the other driver, including contact details, insurance information, and vehicle registration. Document the scene with photos and contact your insurance company to report the accident. Given the busy nature of this freeway, taking these steps promptly can help ensure your safety and the proper handling of the incident.
Are there any specific laws in Springfield, MO, regarding car accidents that I should be aware of?
In Springfield, MO, drivers must adhere to Missouri state laws concerning car accidents. Key regulations include the requirement to report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to the local police or highway patrol. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning fault can be distributed among involved parties. Drivers should also be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, which is generally five years from the date of the accident. Understanding these laws can help ensure that you handle the aftermath of an accident correctly and protect your legal rights.
How can I obtain a copy of my accident report in Springfield, MO?
To obtain a copy of your accident report in Springfield, you can contact the Springfield Police Department Records Division. Reports are usually available within a few days of the accident and can be requested in person or online through the police department's website. There may be a small fee associated with obtaining the report. Having a copy of the accident report is essential for insurance claims and any potential legal proceedings, as it provides an official account of the incident.
If you were involved in a serious car wreck, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with a qualified car accident lawyer in Springfield to see if you have a case. Call (417) 785-3410 or complete our online form.
OUR VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
MORE THAN $100,000,000 RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
-
$1.5 Million Auto Accident Rollover
-
$1.1 Million Motorcycle Accident
-
$1 Million Semi-Truck Accident
-
$500,000 Semi-Truck Failure to Secure Load
-
$400,000 Uninsured Motorist Red Light Accident
-
$350,000 Semi-Truck Head-On Collision
The Keys to our success
-
Exclusive Focus on Auto Accident Recovery Law
-
Over $100,000,000 Total Recovered for Our Clients
-
50 Years of Combined Experience in Car Crash Recovery
-
Same-Day Returned Phone Calls and Emails from Our Clients
-
Partners Who Handle Your Claim from Consultation to Recovery
Areas of Focus
Wrongful Death Claims
Learning about the death of a loved one in a car accident is a devastating and life-altering moment. Our legal team understands the deep pain you're going through and aims to ease the burden on your family while pursuing justice for you. We staunchly uphold your right to compensation, never failing to address your family's needs with respect and empathy.
Although filing a claim for wrongful death may not be your main concern at this time, taking prompt action can help alleviate the financial strain after the loss of your loved one and offer a sense of justice during this time of grief.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents are more complex than car crashes. Various parties frequently share responsibility for accidents and tend to blame each other to avoid accountability. Trucking companies deploy a substantial legal team to promptly investigate crashes, sometimes even tampering with evidence under the pretext of clearing away debris from the accident.
Our lawyers take initiative-taking steps instead of reactive measures. Upon your call after an accident, we dispatch investigators to gather crucial evidence and interview witnesses at the scene. Following this, our legal team can submit an emergency motion to halt evidence tampering and safeguard critical crash-related data.
Motorcycle Accidents
Even when riding your motorcycle cautiously, you still face the danger of being struck by a careless driver who may argue they didn't see you in their vehicle's blind spot. Unfortunately, motorcycles lack safety features like seat belts, airbags, and car frames that provide protection in the event of a collision.
Motorists are responsible for checking before changing lanes or merging in front of motorcyclists. When they ignore their duty to drive safely, we fight to hold them accountable.
Car Accidents
Your insurance company is not your friend; it is a business with the goal of making money. The best way for insurers to increase profits is to minimize car accident payouts to policyholders, often duping them into accepting low-ball settlement offers.
Our attorneys, however, can level the playing field.
We understand the complexity of auto injury and insurance laws and can leverage that knowledge in negotiations with insurance providers. You do not need to worry about saying the wrong thing and compromising the value of your claim; we are prepared to manage all negotiations on your behalf.
Truck & SUV Accidents
Due to their larger size and weight, SUVs and trucks can cause catastrophic damage when they collide with smaller vehicles. Unfortunately, it is the occupants in lighter vehicles that face the brunt of collisions like these, often sustaining severe injuries.
Our legal team has a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding truck and SUV accidents. We excel at locating and presenting compelling evidence to substantiate your case and evaluate injuries effectively.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorists
Even those with insurance often carry only the bare minimum required by law, leaving them vulnerable in the case of a significant accident. The chances of encountering an uninsured or underinsured driver are alarmingly high in these states.
Our legal team is adept at handling cases involving uninsured motorists and can assist you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Failure to Yield Accidents
The laws are clear about the order in which cars must proceed on roadways and intersections. When all drivers abide by these rules, order prevails. A driver who goes out of turn, however, can create chaos or cause a serious accident.
For example:
- A negligent driver who runs a red light might T-bone another driver at an intersection.
- A negligent driver might cut off a motorcyclist while switching lanes.
- A negligent driver passing on a two-lane road can cause a head-on collision with oncoming traffic.
In failure to yield cases, our lawyers actively seek out video evidence that can demonstrate the driver's failure to yield. We leave no stone unturned as we scour the area for municipal red-light cameras, nearby commercial zones with cameras facing the correct direction, dash camera footage, and even videos captured by bystanders.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Nearly 10,000 individuals lost their lives in drunk driving accidents in 2014, with thousands more enduring life-changing injuries. Driving under the influence is inherently negligent. In every case, the intoxicated driver could have averted the accident by staying where they were, yet they made the reckless choice to drive despite being too impaired to operate a vehicle safely.
When a driver's decision to drive under the influence impacts your life or that of a loved one, we must hold them accountable. Our attorneys can pursue the maximum possible damages available in your case, including punitive damages. We also serve as your advocates throughout the criminal process, protecting your rights as the victim of a crime.
Pedestrian & Bicycle Accidents
Pedestrians and bicyclists are entitled to share the road with vehicles, utilize designated lanes, and safely cross intersections and crosswalks. Drivers are responsible for watching out for pedestrians and yielding to them. However, with 4,735 pedestrian fatalities and 66,000 injuries in 2014 alone, motorists remain a significant risk to pedestrians and cyclists.
Our law firm strives to demonstrate that the driver who collided with you was either engaged in texting, distracted, speeding, intoxicated, or behaving recklessly in another manner. Our goal is to help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Distracted Driver Accidents (Texting)
In our fast-paced society, individuals are pressed for time and expected to be accessible constantly. Productively using drive time has become an unintended consequence of our culture of multitasking. But the truth is, drivers should do only one thing while behind the wheel: drive. All other distractions, such as texting, eating, and drinking, can lead to car accidents.
Our partners have witnessed firsthand the heartbreaking consequences of distracted driving accidents. We are dedicated to supporting your recovery and advocating for laws that genuinely safeguard the public from distracted drivers.
Hear from our clients
WE PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR RECOVERY FIRST
-
“If you need an attorney that is going to look out for your needs give them a call first.”- Jen F.
-
“Two times now we have needed them.”- Kasandra S.
-
“There aren't enough words to say how much I appreciate my first meeting with Tim Hayes!!”- Jeanette B.
-
“Professional, caring, answered every question, staff very understanding, and they made it easier going thru an accident.”- Campbell C.
-
“My husband, family and I are very grateful for the compassion and the help in navigating all the parts.”- Renee T.
-
“They made it so easy! Super friendly staff and beautiful office!”- Allie E.
-
“They guided me through a confusing time and went above and beyond to help me.”- Bailey D.
-
“Their service, communication and professionalism, that's what makes them great!”- Vlad L.
Contact Our Springfield, MO Car Accident Attorney Today
Our commitment at Bishop & Hayes P.C. is unwavering when it comes to serving those affected by auto accidents in Springfield, MO. From wrongful death claims to dealing with uninsured motorists, our legal team is prepared to tackle the complexities of your case with precision and dedication.
With decades of experience in car accident recovery, a focus on community safety, and a range of legal services, we stand ready to support you through every step of your legal journey.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, it's crucial to protect your rights. Contact us online or call (417) 785-3410 to schedule a consultation with our Springfield, MO car accident lawyer.
