Cape Girardeau Rush Hour Accidents

Certain studies have concluded that nearly 25% of auto accidents occur during rush hour traffic. There is a higher volume of cars on the road at this time, so naturally accidents are more common than at any other time of the day. Many drivers are eating, talking on the phone, applying makeup, or texting while they drive, and others are speeding so that they are not late to work or school. All of these factors make rush hour a dangerous time to be on the road.

If you have been injured in a collision with a negligent driver during rush hour traffic, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced car attorney in the Cape Girardeau area who can investigate the facts of the collision and gather available evidence or eyewitness testimony that helps to prove that the other driver was at fault for the accident. Many rush hour accidents involve three or more vehicles due to traffic congestion. If your accident resulted in a pile-up or chain reaction, an attorney will be able to review the police report, speak with witnesses, and examine the accident scene to try to determine which driver should be held liable for the accident as well as your injuries and losses.

Since rush hour accidents may involve high speeds and multiple vehicles, they tend to result in more serious injuries than other types of collisions. Injuries can vary, depending on the speed of the vehicles, the force of the impact, and safety mechanisms in use. If the crash occurred at a low speed and the parties were wearing their seatbelts, then they may suffer bruising, stiffness, soreness, and similar levels of pain. If the impact was heavy, victims may sustain more serious injuries like broken bones, neck and head injuries, and cuts and lacerations.

Under Missouri law, you may recover damages for both your economic and non-economic losses, including medical expenses, lost income, lost earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you fail to pursue your claim during the applicable statute of limitation, then it will be barred by the lapse of time and your right to sue for your injuries may be lost forever. Rush hour accidents can be complex due to the number of vehicles involved and the severity of the injuries, so it is important to consult with an attorney soon after the accident to provide sufficient time to investigate the claim, try to negotiate a fair settlement, and prepare the case for litigation if appropriate.