Columbia, MO Car Accident Lawyer
Experienced Auto Injury Representation From Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer
A serious auto accident in Columbia, MO can change your life without warning. Medical bills grow quickly, missed time from work affects your income, and dealing with insurance companies often feels overwhelming. During a period filled with stress and uncertainty, the right attorney provides steady support and dependable guidance.
Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer has represented injured individuals across Columbia, Boone County, and surrounding areas for decades. Our team handles severe collisions on Stadium Boulevard, I 70, Providence Road, Route 63, Nifong Boulevard, and throughout neighborhoods like Benton Stephens, Grasslands, Rock Bridge, Highlands, and Old Southwest. If you are searching for an experienced car accident lawyer in Columbia, MO, we are ready to help.
We offer personal attention throughout the entire claim process and focus on building strong cases that pursue fair results. Our record includes hundreds of millions recovered for clients across Missouri. You pay no fees unless we win your case.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Columbia
Accidents happen on highways, at stoplights, in residential neighborhoods, and in parking lots across Columbia. After the immediate shock, the steps you take next may influence your health, your finances, and the outcome of your case.
Stay at the scene and call 911
Never leave the scene before law enforcement arrives. Officers gather details, talk to witnesses, and create an accident report.
Move to a safe location
If possible, move vehicles to the side of the road to prevent another collision. High traffic areas like Providence Road or Stadium Boulevard require extra caution.
Document the scene
Take photos of damage, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, signage, and the overall layout. Capture images from multiple angles. Write down what happened in your own words while the details are still fresh.
Exchange information
Collect insurance details, names, phone numbers, and license plate numbers. Avoid discussing fault with the other driver.
Identify witnesses
If anyone nearby saw the collision, ask for their contact information. Independent witnesses can make a significant difference in disputed liability cases.
Follow up with medical care
Even mild pain can point to a more serious problem. Medical documentation supports your injury claim and protects your wellbeing.
Contact a Columbia car accident lawyer
The earlier you speak with legal counsel, the stronger your case may become. Insurance companies often call victims soon after a crash and may push for quick statements or early settlements. Your lawyer handles those communications and protects your rights.
Keep records
Store medical bills, prescription receipts, repair estimates, and anything tied to the collision. These records shape the value of your claim.
What Types of Damages Are Available to Car Accident Victims in Columbia?
A collision affects many areas of a person’s life. Missouri law allows injured victims to pursue compensation for several types of losses.
Medical expenses
This covers emergency care, hospital stays, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, surgeries, medication, follow up appointments, mobility devices, and ongoing treatment. Severe crashes may involve long term rehabilitation, home modifications, or future medical needs that require expert evaluation.
Lost income and future earnings
Missing work can strain any household. If the injury limits your ability to return to your previous position, your attorney can pursue projected lost earnings based on your occupation, training, and long term limitations.
Pain and physical suffering
Injuries affect more than the body. Daily discomfort, reduced mobility, and ongoing treatment all carry personal costs.
Emotional suffering
Anxiety, stress, sleep issues, and the emotional struggle tied to a traumatic event may qualify for compensation.
Property damage
This includes car repairs or replacement, towing costs, rental vehicle expenses, and damaged personal items inside the vehicle.
Loss of enjoyment of life
Hobbies and activities that once brought joy may become difficult or impossible. Missouri courts recognize the importance of these losses.
Wrongful death damages
Families who lose a loved one in a fatal accident may pursue funeral costs, lost income, companionship losses, and other damages.
Every case is different. A rollover crash on I 70 may involve catastrophic injuries, while a rear end collision on Forum Boulevard may lead to persistent but less severe physical problems. Our firm builds each claim based on detailed evidence and expert analysis.
How Do I Choose the Right Car Accident Attorney in Columbia?
Selecting the right attorney influences the strength of your case and the quality of support you receive. Proven results matter, and a firm’s history of successful cases reflects its skill in handling complex injury claims. Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer has secured hundreds of millions in compensation for injured Missourians.
Experience with similar injuries is also important. Auto accident cases involve a wide range of medical conditions, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. A lawyer familiar with these injuries can present your case more effectively.
Client service is another important factor. A law firm should communicate clearly, return calls promptly, and take time to answer questions. Our attorneys remain closely involved throughout each case and provide regular updates.
Local insight brings additional value. Crashes in Columbia often occur near MU campus, downtown, Business Loop 70, and other high traffic areas. Familiarity with these locations and the traffic patterns surrounding them helps when determining fault and building evidence.
Finally, the fee structure should be fully explained. Most car accident lawyers in Columbia, including our firm, work on a contingency basis. This arrangement removes financial pressure from victims and allows them to pursue compensation regardless of income level.
When individuals search online for the best car accident lawyer near me, they usually want a lawyer with strong results, supportive communication, and a firm grasp of local conditions. These factors shape the quality of legal representation.
Why Auto Accidents Are Common in Columbia
Columbia has a mix of college traffic, commuter routes, and busy commercial corridors. This creates several risk factors that contribute to frequent accidents:
- Heavy traffic near MU campus and student housing areas
- Congestion on I 70 during rush hours
- Distracted driving on roads lined with shops and restaurants
- Speeding on rural stretches surrounding Boone County
- Weather related hazards, especially icy roads during winter months
Large intersections near Broadway, Grindstone Parkway, and Clark Lane often see higher crash numbers due to turning movements and changing traffic flow.
Common Types of Auto Accidents Our Firm Handles
Our experience covers a wide range of collision types:
Rear end accidents
Often linked to distracted driving or sudden stops in traffic near downtown Columbia or Business Loop 70.
T bone collisions
Common at intersections where drivers run red lights or fail to yield.
Head on collisions
These crashes may occur on rural roads outside the city or on divided highways when a driver crosses the center line.
Multi vehicle pileups
Often tied to highway congestion or winter weather on I 70 or Route 63.
Hit and run accidents
Victims may still recover compensation through uninsured motorist coverage.
Drunk driving accidents
Too many drivers make reckless choices after nights out near college bars or entertainment spots.
Common Injuries From Columbia Car Accidents
Injuries vary widely depending on speed, angle of impact, safety features, and road conditions. Our attorneys often represent clients suffering from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Herniated discs and spinal damage
- Shoulder and knee injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns and lacerations
- Long term psychological trauma
Some clients face surgery, long recovery periods, or permanent limitations. A strong claim accounts for current treatment and projected future needs.
How Our Legal Team Builds Strong Cases
Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer takes a detailed approach to every claim. Steps may include:
Thorough investigation
We examine crash reports, photos, witness statements, traffic camera footage if available, and vehicle data.
Collaboration with experts
Accident reconstruction professionals, medical experts, financial specialists, and vocational experts may contribute to your case.
Careful review of medical records
We document the full impact of your injuries on your daily life, work, and long term wellness.
Strategic negotiation
Insurance companies often attempt to reduce payouts. Our attorneys present clear evidence that supports the full value of your damages.
Litigation when needed
If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take the case to court. Our trial experience often encourages insurers to reevaluate their positions.
Why Choose Our Car Accident Attorneys
Choosing Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer means partnering with a firm that places your needs at the center of your case.
Free initial consultation
Speak with an attorney at no cost. Ask questions and learn about your options.
No fees unless we win your case
Our contingency structure allows injured clients to seek representation without financial pressure. Most firms take 40–45% of your settlement. We take 33⅓%—and only 40% if your case goes to trial.
Hundreds of millions recovered
Our record reflects our commitment to results.
Personal attention to every case
We treat clients with respect and compassion from start to finish. You will never feel overlooked or rushed.
Our history in Columbia gives us insight into local roads, insurance practices, and court procedures. We stand by clients through every stage, from the first phone call to the final resolution.
Contact a Columbia Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
If you or someone close to you has been injured in an auto accident in Columbia, MO, you deserve reliable guidance and strong representation. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more support you have during medical treatment, insurance discussions, and settlement evaluation.
Call Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer to schedule your free consultation. Our office proudly serves residents throughout Columbia, including neighborhoods such as Old Hawthorne, Smithton Ridge, The Pines, East Campus, and surrounding Boone County communities.
We are ready to listen, ready to explain your options, and ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Do you think you have a Personal Injury case?
Request a free personal injury case evaluation. Send us a message below or call today.
Missouri’s Most Trusted Personal Injury Attorneys
Personal injury attorneys, Ron Netemeyer and Jill Harper, have won millions for their Missouri clients by focusing on the details and developing a winning process. Instead of working cases on an individual basis, they work as a team to focus on every detail and provide an exceptional experience and outcome.
