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Phone: 816-421-3400
Email: info@edawilliamslaw.com
339 Dorchester St, South Boston, MA 02127, United States of America
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With decades of experience, Edward Alan Williams Attorney at Law is here to provide you and your loved ones with the expert legal support you deserve. The moment you reach out to us, you'll receive immediate attention, comprehensive guidance, and unwavering support. At our firm, we believe in transparency and communication. You will always be informed about your situation every step of the way.
Personal Injury & Criminal Defense
Attorney in Kansas City, Missouri
Whether you've been injured due to negligence or accused of a crime, we are here to help. Serving Kansas City, Missouri, we offer expert legal support with personalized attention and clear advice. With years of experience, we are deeply dedicated to fighting for your rights.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
In the aftermath of an auto accident, the steps you take are crucial for safeguarding your rights and ensuring a smooth claims process. At Edward A. Williams Attorney at Law, we specialize in guiding clients through these challenging times. Here’s what you need to know about handling auto accidents and communicating with insurance companies. Gather Essential Information Immediately after an accident, it's vital to collect as much information as possible from the other driver. This includes their name, contact details, driver's license number, and insurance information. Also, take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. These details will be invaluable for your insurance claim and any potential legal actions. Limit Communication with the Insurance Company Insurance companies may contact you soon after the accident to discuss the incident. While it’s important to notify your insurer promptly, you should limit the information you share about the accident. Stick to the basic facts and avoid making any statements about fault or the specifics of your injuries. Insurance adjusters often seek to minimize the payout, and any misstep could affect your claim adversely. Consult with Our Office First Before you provide detailed statements to any insurance company, consult with an attorney at Edward A. Williams Attorney at Law. Our team can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and ensure that your rights are protected. We advise clients on how to handle insurance communications and represent them in negotiations to secure fair compensation. Why Choose Edward A. Williams Attorney at Law? Our firm brings a wealth of experience in handling auto accident cases, ensuring that you receive expert legal support. We understand the intricacies of insurance claims and will guide you through each step, from gathering evidence to negotiating settlements. Contact Our Business  If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, don’t go it alone. Contact Edward A. Williams Attorney at Law to schedule a consultation and get the expert legal assistance you need. Let us help you navigate the aftermath of an accident and communicate effectively with your insurance company. By following these steps and consulting with our office, you can protect your interests and achieve a fair resolution.
Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a platform to share experiences, connect with friends, and even vent frustrations. However, for those involved in a personal injury case, social media can become a double-edged sword. While it might seem harmless to post updates about your life, doing so can severely impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why it’s crucial to refrain from social media activity after an accident. Everything is Discoverable One of the most important things to understand is that social media posts are discoverable. This means that anything you post online can be accessed and used as evidence in court. Insurance companies and opposing legal teams often monitor claimants’ social media profiles for information that can be used to dispute the severity of their injuries or even the events surrounding the accident. For instance, a seemingly innocent post about attending a social event or a picture of you smiling can be misinterpreted as evidence that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Even comments or interactions on friends’ posts can be scrutinized and taken out of context. Therefore, it’s best to avoid posting anything until your case is fully resolved. The Impact of Negative Statements In the heat of the moment, it’s natural to feel anger or frustration, especially if you believe the accident was due to someone else’s negligence. However, posting derogatory statements about the other party, the accident, or the legal process can backfire. Such statements can be perceived as attempts to influence or bias witnesses, and they can undermine your credibility in court. Moreover, negative posts can provoke responses that may escalate the situation, leading to additional stress and complications in your case. Remember, staying professional and composed, both online and offline, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your claim. Privacy Settings Are Not Foolproof You might think that adjusting your privacy settings will protect you from prying eyes. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Even with the highest privacy settings, there are still ways for insurance companies and legal teams to access your posts. Friends or followers might share your content, or your posts could be subpoenaed during the discovery process. Additionally, some investigators create fake profiles to gain access to private information. Hence, the safest approach is to avoid posting anything related to your accident or daily activities that could be misinterpreted. What Should You Do Instead? While it may be challenging to stay off social media, especially during a time when you might seek support from your network, it’s vital for the success of your personal injury case. Here are some steps to take: Limit Social Media Use: Refrain from posting about your accident, injuries, or any activities that could be misconstrued. Educate Friends and Family: Ask those close to you not to post or tag you in anything related to the accident or your condition. Consult Your Attorney: Always seek advice from your attorney before making any posts or changes to your social media profiles. By exercising caution and refraining from social media activity, you can help protect your personal injury case and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation. Your focus should be on recovery and letting your legal team handle the complexities of your case without additional hurdles.
Driving safely is not just about avoiding accidents—it's also about managing the legal and financial implications of traffic violations. In Missouri, the cumulative point system plays a crucial role in determining your driving privileges and insurance rates. Here’s what you need to know about how this system works and why it’s important to address traffic tickets promptly. How the Point System Works Missouri assigns points to your driving record for various traffic violations. Paying a fine for a ticket may seem like the easiest solution, but it automatically leads to points being added to your record. These points accumulate over time and can have severe consequences. Key Thresholds and Penalties: 8 Points in 18 Months: Your license will be suspended for at least 30 days. 12 Points in 12 Months: Your license will be revoked for a year. 18 Points in 24 Months: Your license will be revoked. 24 Points in 36 Months: Your license will be revoked. These penalties highlight the importance of keeping your driving record clean. Accumulating points not only affects your ability to drive but also has a direct impact on your insurance rates. The Impact on Insurance Rates Insurance companies use your driving record to assess risk. More points on your record indicate higher risk, which translates to higher insurance premiums. Even a single traffic violation can lead to a noticeable increase in your insurance rates. Multiple violations can make insurance unaffordable and might even lead to policy cancellations. Reducing Points Over Time The good news is that Missouri offers a way to reduce points on your record over time, provided you avoid new violations. Here’s how the reduction system works: 1 Year without New Points: The total remaining points are reduced by one-third. 2 Years without New Points: The remaining points are reduced by one-half. 3 Years without New Points: The points are reduced to zero. This system rewards safe driving habits and encourages drivers to maintain a clean record. Amending Tickets: A Better Solution While paying a fine might seem like the easiest way to deal with a traffic ticket, it’s often more beneficial to have the ticket amended by a lawyer. Here’s why: Lower Long-term Costs: Although hiring a lawyer involves an upfront cost, it can be less expensive in the long run compared to the increased insurance premiums resulting from points on your record. Avoiding Points: Lawyers can often negotiate to have your violation reduced to a non-moving violation, which typically doesn’t add points to your record. Less Stress: Dealing with legal proceedings and potential license suspensions can be stressful. A lawyer can handle the complexities of your case, providing peace of mind. Understanding and managing Missouri’s point system is essential for maintaining your driving privileges and keeping insurance costs down. Paying fines for traffic tickets leads to points on your record, higher insurance rates, and potential license suspensions. However, reducing points over time by avoiding new violations and seeking legal assistance to amend tickets can significantly benefit your long-term driving record and financial well-being. Remember, investing in legal help now can save you money and stress in the future.
