| Personal injury is a complex area of law that is | | | | Will I have to go to trial if I hire an attorney? |
| different depending on what state you are in. | | | | No, an injury lawyer is there to represent you, to |
| What follows are five things that you need to | | | | advise you on the best route forward and to |
| know before filing a personal injury case in the | | | | argue your side of the case - whether that leads |
| state of Missouri. | | | | to full trial, or settlement beforehand will depend |
| Is there a time limit for filing a case? | | | | on the individual case. Often times it is the threat |
| Yes, all Missouri personal injury claims and lawsuits | | | | of full trial that leads to a fair settlement. Your |
| must be filed within the time limit from the date | | | | Missouri injury attorney can advise you on the |
| of the loss or accident. This is why it is important | | | | best way to play your hand. |
| to contact a Missouri injury attorney as soon as | | | | Will the insurance company spy on me? |
| possible after the accident so he can advise you | | | | Absolutely. They will have insurance investigators |
| on the applicable deadline. | | | | watching you to see if you have lied about your |
| Is an attorney required? | | | | injuries. This is why it is critical that you be |
| No, Missouri law does not require you to hire an | | | | entirely honest with your lawyer. It is also |
| attorney for your case. You should be aware, | | | | important that you set aside pride. Often when |
| however, that the insurance company is sure to | | | | our doctors tell us we must rest for five days, |
| have an entire team of highly skilled lawyers | | | | by day three we are up and about in a limited |
| working on your case. These lawyers are | | | | fashion and we are resuming full activity by day |
| instructed to pay attention only to the bottom | | | | four. In personal injury cases this is crucifying. If |
| line. They will be skilled at selling their offers and | | | | the doctor says to use the brace for two |
| making you believe that they are offering what is | | | | months then you need to use it for two months, |
| best for you. A trained personal injury lawyer will | | | | period. |
| have a great deal of experience dealing with | | | | How much will a personal injury lawyer cost? |
| insurance company lawyers. | | | | |