Car Accidents in Missouri

Car accidents in Missouri have significantly decreased from 157,038 in 2019 to 131,390 in 2020, as reported by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Despite this reduction, the sheer number of those affected remains unsettling, with 47,894 people injured in 2020 alone. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, understanding Missouri car accident laws is essential.

Types of Missouri Car Accidents

Missouri sees a variety of car accidents each year. Car accidents in Missouri typically take many forms, including rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, drunk driving incidents, and rollover accidents. With such diverse types, understanding Missouri car accident laws becomes crucial for every driver and accident victim.

Rear-end Collisions

These occur when a vehicle hits the one in front of it. They’re often due to distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops by the front vehicle.

T-bone or Side-Impact Accidents

These are accidents where one vehicle’s front end strikes the side of another vehicle, forming a “T” shape. They often occur at intersections when one vehicle fails to stop at a stop sign or red light.

Head-On Collisions

These are accidents where the fronts of two vehicles collide. These accidents are particularly deadly, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Drunk Driving Accidents

These accidents involve a driver who is operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Impaired judgment, reduced motor control, and decreased reaction times contribute to the likelihood of accidents, often with catastrophic results.

Rollover Accidents

These occur when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof. High-speed, sharp turns, or collision impact can cause a vehicle, especially taller ones like SUVs, to roll over. Rollovers are dangerous, potentially leading to serious injuries or death.

With vast experience in managing car accident cases of all kinds, Grayson & Grayson is the ally you need. We ensure you understand your rights, assist in complex insurance claim processes, and work diligently to secure fair compensation for you. Contact us today for support in navigating your path toward justice and recovery.

Who is Liable for My Dog Bite Injuries in Missouri?

It was just another quiet afternoon stroll, you never expected that the neighbor’s furry friend would transform into a biting menace. Suddenly, you find yourself nursing a dog bite, puzzled and in pain, wondering who’s really at fault. Is it the dog? The owner? Or perhaps even you?

As seasoned dog bite attorneys in Jefferson City, Grayson & Grayson are here to guide you through this complex landscape, explaining the ins and outs of dog bite laws in Missouri.

Missouri’s Dog Bite Statute

The Show-Me State adheres to the strict liability principle when it comes to dog bite incidents. This means that the owner of the dog is held liable for any injuries caused, even if they had no prior knowledge of their dog’s vicious propensities. Missouri’s statute applies not only to bites but to any injuries caused by a dog’s aggressive behavior. However, as with most laws, there are a few exceptions.

Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim

Our personal injury attorneys at Grayson & Grayson know that navigating dog bite laws in Missouri can be challenging. The burden of proof lies with the victim to demonstrate that they were on the property lawfully and did not provoke the dog.

The importance of acting quickly and properly preserving evidence cannot be understated. Missouri law sets a strict statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bite claims.

Grayson & Grayson: Your Ally in the Fight

With the minefield of legal complexities surrounding dog bite injuries, it’s crucial to secure skilled and experienced representation. As dog bite attorneys in Jefferson City, Grayson & Grayson can provide the assistance you need.

When you choose us, you’re not just getting a law firm. You’re getting a committed partner dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that justice is served.

If you or a loved one have suffered from a dog bite injury, don’t wait. Reach out to Grayson & Grayson. Let us be the ones to guide you through this challenging time and secure the compensation you deserve.

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

Experiencing a car accident can be traumatic, frustrating, and challenging. It’s crucial to understand the appropriate measures to protect your legal rights. Here are some vital steps to take if you find yourself in a car accident in Missouri.

Prioritize Safety

The first step is ensuring everyone’s safety. If possible, move your vehicle off the road to a safe location and check for injuries. In case of severe injuries, immediately call an ambulance.

Alert Law Enforcement

It’s essential to involve the police, as they will prepare an official report about the incident. This report can be crucial when seeking compensation for damages.

Gather Evidence

If you can, take photographs or videos of the accident scene. This could include the vehicles involved, any injuries, road conditions, and other relevant details.

Exchange Information

Collect names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers from all involved parties. Avoid discussing fault or liability at this stage.

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the apparent severity, seek medical attention as some injuries may not be immediately noticeable. Maintain all medical records and bills for future reference.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

Finally, contact our office to speak with one of our personal injury lawyers. They will help you navigate through the complex legalities and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. But it’s critical not to let the shock obstruct your judgment. If you’ve been in a car accident, stay calm, follow these steps, and remember to reach out to one of our accident attorneys.

Set Up a Consultation With Our Jefferson Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident doesn’t have to result in despair. With the right actions and legal counsel, you can turn a potentially disastrous event into a manageable situation. Contact Grayson & Grayson today for any car accident in Missouri and rest assured that your case is in capable hands.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

When it comes to a dog bite, a seemingly simple incident can quickly transform into a whirlwind of stress and uncertainty. Amid the physical pain and emotional distress, you might be left wondering what steps you need to take to safeguard your rights and ensure you are duly compensated for your injury. This is especially crucial in the state of Missouri, where specific dog bite laws govern such incidents.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Missouri

Missouri is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bite cases. This means the owner of the dog is held accountable for any damages caused by the pet, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. This law stands even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression or bitten anyone before. The law exists not only to protect victims but also to encourage responsible pet ownership.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, your first step should be to seek immediate medical attention. Even minor bites can lead to serious infections if not treated promptly. Next, report the incident to local animal control authorities and/or law enforcement, providing a clear and concise account of what occurred. Gather as much evidence as possible – photographs of your injuries; record time, date, and location of the incident; details of the dog and its owner; and contact information of any witnesses.

Following these steps will help bolster your case, should you need to make a claim.

Legal Support From Dog Bite Attorneys in Jefferson City

While the laws seem straightforward, navigating a dog bite case isn’t always a walk in the park. An experienced attorney is often instrumental in ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. The team at Grayson & Grayson, premier dog bite attorneys in Jefferson City, are adept at handling such cases, providing you with valuable legal advice and robust representation.

Remember, not all attorneys are created equal when it comes to dealing with dog bite cases. Specialized Jefferson City personal injury attorneys at Grayson & Grayson understand the unique intricacies of these cases, ensuring your rights are thoroughly protected and that you receive the best possible outcome.

If you, or someone you know, has suffered a dog bite, don’t hesitate to contact us. Because at Grayson & Grayson, your path to justice starts with us.

Differences Between a Will and a Trust

There are distinct legal differences between a will and a trust. Although these two documents are key factors in estate planning, they are distinct. It is important to understand each of them as you put together or update your estate plan.

Wills Versus Trusts

A will is a document that directs the distribution of your property after your passing to the heirs and beneficiaries that you designate.

A trust, on the other hand, is a more complex document that can be created for a variety of purposes, such as estate planning, charitable giving, and tax benefits, to name a few. Trusts are generally more flexible than wills. They may transfer assets while you are living or after you pass. Because they can be created for a variety of purposes, there are many types of trusts, including revocable trusts, living trusts, charitable trusts, and special-needs trusts.

Trusts and wills also differ in two important ways:

1. Trusts take effect as soon as they are created, whereas wills only take effect upon the death of a person.
2. Wills generally must pass through probate, whereas trusts are insulated from probate.

Because every situation is unique, neither a will or a trust is better than the other. Some people even have both a will and a trust for different reasons. An estate planning lawyer in Jefferson City Missouri can help you decide on the best options for your individual situation.

 

Why a Skilled Attorney is Important

Because of the complexity and legal precision required in creating trusts and wills, your best option is to seek out an experienced estate planning lawyer in Jefferson City Missouri. This helps avoid any costly mistakes that could create problems in the future. A knowledgeable lawyer who specializes in estate planning will be able to give you valuable advice and help you create a plan specifically for your individual situation. Additionally, the attorney will ensure that the documents conform to the letter of the law, protect your interests, and meet your wishes.

Contact Skilled Estate Planning Attorneys in Jefferson City

When it comes to estate planning, you want to make sure it is done right. Experienced attorneys from Grayson & Grayson can give you valuable advice and answer your estate planning questions. Call us today to set up a consultation.

When do I Need an Administrative Attorney?

Administrative law attorneys in Missouri work with the administration and regulation of federal and state government agencies, and also alongside individuals and businesses that interact with these agencies. Government rules and regulations can influence the economic and logistic functions of a business. Knowing the intricacies of administrative law will ensure compliance with the law and allow both businesses and agencies to operate more efficiently. Administrative attorneys may represent an agency, an individual, or a business when legal challenges arise. Administrative law attorneys at Grayson & Grayson ensure zealous representation of their clients in front of administrative commissions, circuit courts, and appellate courts.

What Does an Administrative Law Attorney in Jefferson City Do?

An administrative lawyer deals with potential issues that may arise with local, state, or federal government agencies. For example, the attorney helps monitor the passing of regulations that may impact a business. Attorneys may assist individuals with driver’s license issues or in filing worker’s compensation claims. Administrative attorneys also represent government agencies to ensure compliance with regulations and represent the agency’s interest before judicial tribunals. Because it can be difficult to navigate the vast reaches of administrative law, it is a good idea to consult with a skilled attorney.

How Do I Know If I Need an Administrative Lawyer?

Some common issues that may require working with an administrative attorney include new regulations that affect your business, denial of social security, worker’s compensation benefits, and creating a business entity. Conversely, agency regulations are occasionally challenged by individuals or businesses. Our administrative lawyers can assist government agencies when their processes, decisions or regulations are challenged. Consulting with an administrative attorney can help determine how to proceed.

How Can a Skilled Administrative Law Attorney Help My Business? 

An attorney experienced with administrative law in Jefferson City can help you with legal issues related to procedures and regulations. For example, the attorney can communicate with the government agency on your behalf and, if needed, exhaust your administrative remedies. Your attorney can then help negotiate and settle your case out of court, or if no settlement can be reached, they may take your case before a judge or commissioner. Because every circumstance varies, it is best to hire an attorney who is experienced in administrative law.

If you are looking for an attorney to help with handling issues related to local, state, and federal agency laws, Grayson & Grayson Trial Lawyers are experienced and dedicated to helping you. Call our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our administrative trial lawyers.

Do Not Leave Your Assets Unprotected | The Importance of Estate Planning  

Estate planning is important for everyone regardless of age, wealth, or social status. An estate plan will not only make things easier for your loved ones, but also ensure that your wishes are carried out. Working with an experienced estate planning lawyer in Jefferson City is the best way to protect and preserve your assets while you are alive and upon death. A few of the most important components of estate planning is writing a will or creating a trust.

Write a Will
One of the easiest and inexpensive ways to get started with estate planning is with the creation of a personal will. A will is a document outlining your intentions for asset distribution upon your passing and one that is enforceable by law. Therefore, with a will, you can control how your assets are distributed and to whom. It is a roadmap of your intentions on handling your personal and financial affairs after you are gone.

Working with our estate planning attorneys in Jefferson City to create a will not only protects your assets, but your family’s interests as well. Making sure that everything is in order will help matters go smoothly for your loved ones later on.

Create a Trust
A trust is legal instrument tailored to be more precise with your assets. Some trusts are designed to offer you benefits while alive in addition to providing asset protection. Your assets can be transferred into a living trust, where it may be legally protected during your lifetime and beyond.

Living trusts are generally revocable or irrevocable. Revocable trusts allow you to make changes to the trust or cancel it when you are ready. You will maintain control over the trust, and then the control will shift to the named beneficiary upon your passing. Irrevocable trusts will not be under your control, but they do offer heightened legal protection.

Do You Need an Attorney?
While there are many endeavors that can be done on your own, it is advisable to seek help with estate planning. In order to fully protect yourself, your assets, and secure your family’s future, you should speak with an experienced Grayson & Grayson estate planning lawyer who has knowledge of state and federal laws, tax consequences, creation of wills and trusts, and more. Something of this importance needs to be done correctly. Little mistakes can make things difficult or impossible for your loved ones.

If you have questions regarding estate planning, contact our estate planning attorneys at Grayson & Grayson to schedule a consultation.

Catastrophic Injuries | Why Having an Attorney is Crucial

A catastrophic injury is a serious injury that may result in permanent disability, long-term medical problems, reduced life expectancy, or even death. Such injuries can have a lasting impact on your life and the lives of people around you. Sometimes, these types of injuries are caused by the acts, series of acts, failures to act, or omissions by another. In this type of situation, it is important to know your legal rights and know that there is help available. Contacting a skilled Jefferson City accident attorney at Grayson & Grayson can help you receive fair compensation and make sure you get the care you need. 

Catastrophic injuries can happen in a variety of ways:

• Neck and spinal cord injuries- Injuries to the neck and spinal cord can cause paralysis. These are most common with car accidents, sports injuries, and falls.
• Brain injuries- Brain injuries can be caused by a blow to the head, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, assault, or caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. Such injuries are generally critical and life changing.
• Broken bones- These types of injuries are common in the workplace and in car accidents. They can take a long time to heal, and some may never heal properly.
• Amputations- This is the loss of a limb. It can be caused by a major accident, around power equipment, or it can be the result of severe burns that damage the tissue beyond repair.

The Importance of an Attorney

Seeking medical attention and contacting a lawyer immediately are the first steps to take after an accident. An experienced accident attorney at Grayson and Grayson can help you or a loved one who has experienced a catastrophic injury. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, time off work, lost opportunity, pain, and suffering. The sooner you have an attorney representing you, the better. Not only to protect your rights, but to handle the legal complexities of your catastrophic injury, so you can focus on recovery.

It is also important to keep in mind that there may be a time limit for your claim. This is called a statute of limitations. Your attorney will advise you on all time limitations and ensure everything is filed correctly and on time.

Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident it is key to hire a personal injury attorney who has experience handling these types of cases. Let our experienced catastrophic injury lawyers in Jefferson City Missouri help you get the compensation you deserve. We proudly provide services throughout the state of Missouri.

Accidents involving a large truck often include serious injuries. An empty 18-wheel truck weighs 30,000 pounds. If it is carrying cargo, the weight may increase to 80,000 pounds (40 tons). That’s a considerable mass colliding with a 5,000-pound car and the people inside. Trucking accidents are also are more complex to resolve than car accidents because they not only involve the drivers but the trucking and shipping companies as well.

Many trucks are owned and operated by corporations with corporate lawyers. They will do everything they can to protect their assets. This is why you should contact a Missouri truck injury attorney who has the necessary experience to deal with these types of accidents.

The cause of the accident is not always cut and dry. The accident could have been due to poor road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, improper maintenance, driver fatigue, etc. Possible defendants can include the driver, mechanics, trucking company, or truck manufacturer. Your attorney will investigate the accident to find out the cause and who was at fault.

An attorney who specializes in truck accidents is able to effectively navigate the tangle of state and federal regulations. For an example, the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations (FMCSRs) require commercial trucking operations to ensure compliance by passing a roadside inspection. If the truck is hauling potentially dangerous materials, the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMRs) may apply. These are important points to review in trucking accidents, and the attorneys at Grayson & Grayson know how to do just that.

It is also possible that the trucking company may have skirted safety laws. State and federal laws require truckers to have proper training and licensing, set maximum hours that can be driven in a day, and require background checks. At Grayson & Grayson, the attorneys know how to investigate non-compliance and find any existing negligence.

Adding to the complications, many insurance companies with different insurance policies are likely to be involved. The trucking company will insure the truck, the driver will have their own insurance, and in many cases the cargo may also be insured. Many of these insurance companies will give you a low offer, hoping to settle quickly, which is another reason why you need an attorney on your side. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, contact the qualified Missouri accident attorneys at Grayson and Grayson, LLC at (573) 635-0308 today.

Estate planning is not always a simple matter. There are taxes, debts, and assets to consider. Many aspects of estate planning can be complicated and if not done properly can lead to major problems later. This is why it is always best to contact an estate planning lawyer in Missouri to help with your estate planning needs. Below are some common mistakes to avoid when estate planning.

Delaying the Drafting of Legal Paperwork
It is important to draft your estate planning documents as early in life as possible. Too many people keep putting it off since they think this should only be done by elderly individuals. If you have children or other dependents, it is better to have your estate plan figured out sooner rather than later. The estate planning attorneys at Grayson & Grayson can guide you through the process.

Forgetting to Update
Wills and other estate planning documents should be updated over time. These documents are not something to draft and forget about for years. Beneficiaries may need updating, assets or liabilities may change, and the value of things may increase or decrease over time. These are all things to take into consideration, and it is important to review and update your estate planning documents periodically.

Forgetting to Coordinate Your Beneficiaries 
If you have different beneficiaries listed for your life insurance, retirement accounts, and will, then there is going to be trouble. What is listed in your will may be superseded by the beneficiaries listed in your other accounts.

Signing an Estate Plan You do not Completely Understand 
If you sign legal documents, it is crucial that you know what the terms and conditions mean. An estate planning attorney at Grayson & Grayson will be able to help you understand everything involved in the estate plan and answer your questions. If there is anything in the estate plan that needs to be updated or changed, it is best to change it right away.

Mistakes in your estate plan can result in many costly and time consuming problems in the future. Save yourself and your family from the hassle by contacting a Grayson & Grayson attorney. A skilled estate planning lawyer will be able to help you avoid these costly mistakes and make sure everything is done correctly. Contact our office at (573) 635-0308 today to schedule your consultation.