Neosho, the most populous city in Newton County, Missouri, is included in the Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Statistical Area. Neosho is located on the western edge of the Ozarks. The name means “clear, cold water” referring to the local freshwater springs that originally benefited the various Native American inhabitants for thousands of years. Neosho has long been an agricultural center and home of the Neosho National Fish Hatchery.
One thing that even very experienced drivers often do not realize is the fact that anyone can be a victim of a car accident and they are not always caused by the negligence of other drivers. Many accidents are the result of roadway hazards. If you happen to be one of the unfortunate Neosho residents who is injured in a car accident, our car accident attorney is ready to help.
Neosho Roadways and Traffic
If you are familiar with the area near the Love’s Travel Stop east of the intersection of Interstate 49 and Missouri Highway 86, you are aware of the traffic congestion particularly at lunchtime. According to the Neosho Police Department, since 2015 when the Love’s Travel Stop first opened, there have been at least 15 traffic accidents in the mile stretch around that area. Nearly half of the accidents in that area resulted in injuries. According to many citizens, the congestion in the morning and evening, when drivers are traveling to and from work, can be extremely heavy.
Be careful what you say at the accident scene
Whether it’s admitting liability in some way or saying the accident was not your fault, it is always a bad idea to say anything that relates to liability. The best advice is to say as little as possible until you have spoken to your car accident attorney.
When you report the accident to your insurance company, which you are required to do within a certain period of time, only give them the acts and nothing more. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their job is to try to pay as little as possible on your claim, so don’t stray beyond the basic facts. Be sure to let them know that you were injured and you intend to seek medical treatment. Beyond that, let your Neosho car accident attorney do the talking.
Carefully consider settlement offers
Another common mistake in car accident cases is settling too soon. You are not required to accept the first settlement offer an insurance company makes to you. In fact, it is wise in most cases not to. If you settle too soon, you run the risk of limiting your recovery because all of your losses may not be known. Right after the accident, your physical injuries are not always known because it can take days or weeks for pain and injuries to manifest themselves. Neosho accident attorneys know when to reject a settlement offer and how to negotiate for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t sign any waivers
In addition to attempting to limit your settlement amount, car insurance companies often pressure car accident victims into signing a waiver. The purpose of a waiver is to get you to accept a check while agreeing you won’t file a lawsuit for your claims. If you sign a waiver or release you are forfeiting your legal right to recover for your injuries. You should not sign a release until you are sure you are satisfied with your settlement, so do not be afraid to speak to your attorney first and let them review the waiver or release. Once you sign, it’s too late.
What Can the Cottrell Law Office do for you?
An accident attorney at the Cottrell Law Office will get you the results you deserve. As our case results reflect, we have obtained verdicts or settlements in car accident cases ranging from 100,000 to more than 300,000 in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. We handle more than car accidents, though. We also handle accidents involving commercial trucks, motorcycles, defective vehicles, pedestrian collisions, and other types of accident cases. With more than 29 years of experience, we are dedicated to putting that experience to work to provide you with top-quality service and zealous legal representation.
Advice about what to do after a car accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, contacting a Neosho car accident lawyer as soon as possible is important in order to obtain the compensation you deserve. When the time comes to file your claim, there are several common mistakes that you need to avoid. The Cottrell Law Office is here to help you avoid those mistakes.
If you have questions regarding car accidents or any other personal injury matters in Arkansas or Missouri, please contact the Cottrell Law Office for a free consultation. You can contact us either online or by calling us toll-free at (888) 433-4861.