St. Louis car accident compensation for hydroplaning accident

Hydroplaning accidents can be frightening and result in significant injuries and property damage. If you were involved in a hydroplaning accident in St. Louis caused by someone else's negligence, here's a step-by-step guide to navigate the process of seeking compensation:

Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Priority One: Your top priority after the accident is to check for any injuries and ensure the safety of yourself and others involved. Call 911 if necessary.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay initially, get a comprehensive medical evaluation to diagnose any potential injuries. Documenting your injuries with medical records strengthens your claim.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Accident Details: Collect as much information as possible about the accident, including the date, location, weather conditions, and names and contact details of everyone involved, including witnesses.
Police Report: Request a copy of the police report from the responding officers. The report will document the accident scene, contributing factors (like weather), and statements from those involved.
Insurance Information: Obtain the insurance information of all drivers involved in the accident.
Photos and Videos: If possible, take pictures and videos of the accident scene, skid marks (if any), damage to your vehicle, and any visible injuries.
Weather Report: If the weather contributed to the accident (e.g., heavy rain), obtain a copy of the official weather report for the time and location of the accident.

Step 3: Consider Legal Representation

Complexity of Hydroplaning Cases: Hydroplaning accident claims can be complex, especially if the cause of the accident is disputed. An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer specializing in hydroplaning cases can significantly increase your chances of securing fair compensation.

Step 4: Find the Right Lawyer

Qualifications: Look for a lawyer specializing in personal injury law, particularly car accidents. Experience handling hydroplaning cases is a plus.
Track Record: Research the lawyer's success rate in securing compensation for clients in similar situations.
Location: Consider a lawyer practicing in St. Louis for convenience during consultations and meetings.
Communication Style: Choose a lawyer who can clearly explain complex legal concepts and keep you informed throughout the process.
Consultation: Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. Use this opportunity to discuss your case, ask questions, and get a sense of their approach.

Step 5: The Lawyer's Role

Case Evaluation: Your lawyer will review the details of your accident, medical records, and evidence to assess the strength of your case and the potential for compensation.
Investigation: They will conduct a thorough investigation to gather additional evidence, such as witness statements, accident scene photos, and potentially, expert opinions on factors that might have contributed to the hydroplaning accident (e.g., tire tread depth, road conditions).
Establishing Negligence: To win your case, you (or your lawyer) need to prove that the other driver acted negligently and that their negligence caused the hydroplaning accident. This might involve demonstrating that the other driver was:
- Speeding or driving too fast for the weather conditions.
- Following too closely.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Distracted while driving.
- Failing to maintain proper vehicle maintenance (e.g., worn tires).

Step 6: Negotiation and Potential Litigation:

Negotiation: Your lawyer will negotiate aggressively with the at-fault driver's insurance company to secure a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle damage.
Litigation: If a fair settlement isn't reached, your lawyer will file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

Understanding Comparative Negligence in Missouri:

Pure Comparative Negligence: Missouri is a pure comparative negligence state. This means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident (e.g., hydroplaning due to following too closely), your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault attributed.

Maximizing Your Compensation:

Detailed Medical Records: Maintain meticulous records of all medical bills, doctor visits, specialist consultations, physical therapy sessions, and any other medical expenses related to your injuries.
Lost Wages Documentation: Keep track of lost wages due to the accident and any limitations on your earning capacity moving forward.