What are the typical kinds of injury that you observe as a result of motor vehicle accidents? Approximately 90% of my work is representing people who have been injured in a motor vehicle collision. The most common type of crash is a rear-end collision, but we see plenty of crashes that occur because people run red lights or stop signs, striking a car that has the right of way. Probably the most horrific crashes are those that occur with a tractor trailer or commercial vehicle. Those vehicles tend to be larger and cause more damage to both the car and the people in it. Motor vehicle collisions can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and cervical and lumbar spinal injuries. As a result of a crash, the most common injury is whiplash or an injury to the neck and back caused by the sudden jerking motion that a car crash involved. The types of injuries range from soft tissue, or your average sprains and strains, to herniated discs. While these are the most common types of injuries, we also have client who have broken bones, torn rotator cuffs and knee ligaments, as well as surgeries on their necks and backs. What are the limits to the compensation that an injured party may receive following a motor vehicle accident? A client’s case is most likely limited by the insurance policy limits for the person who hit them. In Missouri, the minimum policy limits for a motor vehicle is $25,000. That means that if the person who hit my client only has a minimum policy, that might be all the coverage they have, regardless of the injury sustained. Not every case has a 88 LAWYER MONTHLY JULY 2023 The Ins and Outs of Vehicle Accidents and Injuries Thought Leader Vehicular accidents are one of the most common causes of personal injury cases, with injuries sustained often resulting in life-altering changes for victims. As a consequence, lawyers who can competently handle such cases are in high demand. Julie Siegel, a highly experienced Missouribased personal injury attorney, provides an in-depth look at motor vehicle accidents in this article.
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