Two drivers and one passenger were taken by ambulance to local hospitals Monday afternoon after a crash at the intersection of US 50 and MO 58 in Johnson County.  35-year-old Amy Nichols was operating her vehicle west on US 50 with Bobbie Douglas, 16, riding as a passenger.  Allegedly 22-year-old Cassandra Wilson was also operating her vehicle on westbound US 50 when her vehicle crashed in to the passenger side of Nichols' vehicle.  Passenger Bobbie Douglas sustained a multitude of injuries from the impact, being seated at the point of impact. 

Both drivers Nichols and Wilson were also injured in the collision.  All three individuals required emergency transport to near hospitals. Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Johnson County Sheriff's office have documented that there is an ongoing investigation in to this crash, as well as pending criminal charges.  Details of reasoning behind this crash are currently unknown and any charges against Ms. Wilson have not yet been filed.  Our Missouri auto crash attorneys will be working with authorities to obtain additional information and piece together the evidence against Ms. Wilson.

Negligent and/or careless actions as a Missouri driver carries a high consequence in that you are responsible for all damages caused, including medical bills, loss of income or employment, emotional distress, and any projected future losses.  A Missouri car accident lawyer works with you - the victim - and document each and every way an unexpected auto accident affects you and your loved ones. 

No injury claim that is too big or too small for an experienced car accident lawyer or injury law firm.  Good lawyers pride ourselves on handling a variety of claims with a variety of clients and their stories. If you have been injured in an auto accident and are curious if legal assistance is right for you, do not hesitate to request a free consultation with an actual attorney.  Respected law firms such as Schultz & Myers provide 24/7 access to attorneys who, at the very least, are able to offer you accurate legal advice.  Don't wait until it's too late to seek advice or assistance.  Dealing with the insurance companies without legal representation is a risky game that you will lose.

The answer is simple, because it increases the bottom line.  For a perfect example, let's look at State Farm and its recent earning release.  In the year 2009, State Farm was able to increase its combined net worth an additional $4.8 billion to $58.1 billion.  Holy cow that's a lot of money!  The insurance giant noted the primary reason for the increase (improvement) were gains in its unaffiliated stock portfolio.  Really?  Isn't the stock market in a two-year slump?  Let's take a closer look at why insurance claims for personal injury are denied or minimized by adjusters.

Insurance companies generally survive off of their investments, typically in the form of annuities and stocks.  However, these investments are funded by insurance premiums collected from policyholders.  So what reduces the amount of funds available to populate insurance company's investments? Personal injury and property damage claims, plain and simple.  So you see, automobile insurance companies such as State Farm may attribute growth based on stock gains, but the bottom line is this:  denied claims and low-ball settlement offers are one, if not the primary, means of making an insurance carrier more "profitable."

As an injury lawyer in St. Louis, Mo, I face State Farm, and other large car insurance companies each day in my law practice.  The experience is never pleasant.  These insurance companies retain expensive defense lawyers and instruct them to drag out, delay, and potentially deny legitimate accident injury claims that result from car accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall, and other incidents that involve negligence and legally-recognized harm. 

Remember when you are involved in a crash or other incident that results in an injury, that ultimately you will be dealing with an insurance company that has but one goal, to be as profitable as possible.  These companies have gone so far as to use claims computer software that completely removes the human element of reviewing an injury.  It's unfortunate because many claims involve horrific injuries or fatalities that require the empathy and sympathy of someone with a brain.  You only have one opportunity to receive fair and just payment for your injuries from that at-fault party's insurance company.  Contact an experienced accident injury lawyer and obtain free advice on the best approach in your specific case.