Joplin Personal Injury Attorneys
Advocating for the Wrongfully Injured in Missouri
Navigating the fallout of an unexpected accident can be disorienting and overwhelming. From securing time off work to affording life-saving medical care, there can be a lot to worry about in the aftermath of a wrongful injury. That’s where our Joplin attorneys come in. With over 50 years of shared experience, our firm is well-equipped to pursue justice on your behalf after a serious injury.
At Bishop & Hayes, our personal injury lawyers have served thousands of clients and recovered over $100 million for the wrongfully injured. Our comprehensive understanding of personal injury law empowers us to hold offending parties accountable for the harm they’ve inflicted, freeing our clients and their loved ones to focus on their recovery and take back their lives after negligence. When it comes to safeguarding your health and economic security, don’t forgo your right to experienced representation from a qualified attorney.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence jeopardize your health and financial security. Contact us online to discuss your case.
OUR VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS
MORE THAN $100,000,000 RECOVERED FOR OUR CLIENTS
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$1.5 Million Auto Accident Rollover
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$1.1 Million Motorcycle Accident
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$1 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$500,000 Semi-Truck Failure to Secure Load
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$400,000 Uninsured Motorist Red Light Accident
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$350,000 Semi-Truck Head-On Collision
Our Practice Areas
Our seasoned attorneys are well-versed in Missouri law to represent clients in a wide range of personal injury claims. Common types of cases we handle include:
Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle
For decades, our firm has represented the wrongfully injured in all types of motor vehicle accident claims.Common types of claims we handle include:
If you were wrongfully injured in a motor vehicle accident, our lawyers can work to maximize the value of your claim by identifying all liable parties and supporting your case with compelling evidence.
Hear from our clients
WE PUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND YOUR RECOVERY FIRST
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“If you need an attorney that is going to look out for your needs give them a call first.”- Jen F.
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“Two times now we have needed them.”- Kasandra S.
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“There aren't enough words to say how much I appreciate my first meeting with Tim Hayes!!”- Jeanette B.
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“Professional, caring, answered every question, staff very understanding, and they made it easier going thru an accident.”- Campbell C.
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“My husband, family and I are very grateful for the compassion and the help in navigating all the parts.”- Renee T.
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“They made it so easy! Super friendly staff and beautiful office!”- Allie E.
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“They guided me through a confusing time and went above and beyond to help me.”- Bailey D.
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“Their service, communication and professionalism, that's what makes them great!”- Vlad L.
The Keys to our success
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Exclusive Focus on Auto Accident Recovery Law
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Over $100,000,000 Total Recovered for Our Clients
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50 Years of Combined Experience in Car Crash Recovery
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Same-Day Returned Phone Calls and Emails from Our Clients
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Partners Who Handle Your Claim from Consultation to Recovery
Who Is Liable in a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Determining liability in any motor vehicle accident requires a careful evaluation of the unique circumstances involved. Common examples of liable parties include:
- Motor vehicle operators: Negligent drivers are common culprits in motor vehicle accidents. Serious accidents can occur when drivers violate traffic laws or engage in unsafe driving behaviors, such as distracted driving, drowsy driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Employers of commercial drivers: If a motor vehicle accident involves a commercial vehicle, the employer may be held responsible for damages if they fail to uphold appropriate safety regulations or properly train their employees.
- Motor vehicle manufacturers: If a motor vehicle accident occurs due to a defective design or manufacturing error, the manufacturer of the vehicle may be responsible for damages.
- Government entities: Government entities and other regulatory bodies may be liable in a motor vehicle accident if they fail to ensure safe driving conditions, such as if the incident occurred due to poorly maintained roadways or unclear signage.
- Third-party contractors: If the motor vehicle accident occurred due to negligent third-party contractors, such as construction companies that leave hazardous obstacles on the road or fail to provide adequate warning of road work, these contractors may be liable for damages.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
The mere existence of injuries isn’t enough to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Because the plaintiff bears the burden of proof in personal injury claims, securing dependable advocacy is essential to recover fair compensation.
Our attorneys can help you meet the standard of proof in your case by establishing liability “by a preponderance of the evidence.” In other words, you’re responsible for proving that the defendant’s negligence “more likely than not” caused the accident and your resulting injuries.
To have a valid personal injury claim, you must demonstrate the existence of four critical elements.
These include:
- Duty of Care: The first step in establishing liability is showing that the defendant owed you a legal duty of care. This means the defendant had a responsibility to act in a way that avoids causing harm to others. For example, drivers have a duty to obey traffic laws and drive responsibly to prevent accidents.
- Breach of Duty: After establishing the defendant’s duty of care, you must show that they failed to uphold their obligation to ensure the safety of others by acting negligently. For example, if a motorist caused an accident by running a red light, this is considered a breach of duty.
- Causation: Establishing causation is generally the most challenging step to recover damages in a personal injury lawsuit. It isn’t enough to show that the defendant breached their duty. Instead, you must also prove that this breach directly caused your injuries by establishing a clear link between their negligence and the harm you suffered as a result.
- Damages: Finally, you must demonstrate that you suffered actual losses or harm as a result of the breach. This may include physical injuries, property damage, lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering. You can then seek compensation for these damages through the lawsuit.
Why Hire Bishop & Hayes?
An unexpected injury can derail your life, employment, and health in a heartbeat. Securing trusted representation is imperative to recover the damages you’re rightfully entitled to. That’s why our firm is committed to bringing liable parties to justice. Some reasons to work with us include:
- Extensive legal experience: With decades of experience in personal injury lawsuits and litigation, you can trust our attorneys to prioritize your needs while guiding your legal steps with wisdom and care.
- Personalized representation: When you partner with us, we’ll give your claim the full time and attention it deserves. We understand that every personal injury claim is unique, which is why we provide high-end representation tailored to your individual needs. You can trust us to keep you fully informed throughout your case, empowering you to make wise decisions and pursue maximum compensation.
- Pay nothing until we win: Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you’ll pay nothing until we achieve a fair settlement on your behalf. With free virtual and in-person consultations available, we go above and beyond to put our clients first.
- Vast professional network: With our vast network of professional connections and resources, you can rest assured that your claim is being prioritized at all times. From arranging expert testimonies to interviewing witnesses, we can fortify your claim with compelling evidence to ensure you’re compensated fairly.
At Bishop & Hayes, we believe that no one deserves to pay the price for someone else’s negligence. No matter the type or size of your claim, we can work tirelessly to ease the physical, financial, and emotional burdens you were unjustly forced to carry.
If you were harmed by someone else’s negligence, call (417) 479-3510 to schedule a free consultation with our skilled Joplin attorneys.
Answers to Common Questions
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I was in an auto accident. What should I do next?
If you have been involved in an auto accident, time is of the essence.
Most importantly, you should seek medical treatment right away. Call 9-1-1 from the scene of the accident. Placing this call will not only prompt emergency medical personnel to come and assess your injuries but also serve as an official record of the incident.
Never leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information with any other people involved in the crash. If you are able, obtain information from witnesses and try to take pictures or videos of the crash site. The more evidence you can provide, the stronger your case will be. Let your insurance company and health insurance provider know what has happened, but do not go into detail; we can handle all negotiations with insurance providers on your behalf.
Finally, contact an attorney as soon as possible. We know how to build a case that aggressively seeks the maximum compensation available.
Getting in touch with us early allows us to take on the insurance companies full force, help you secure necessary medical care, and conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident to substantiate your claim.
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What can you do to help with my insurance claim?
Insurance companies aim to increase profits by providing injury victims with settlements that fall short of the compensation they deserve. Research conducted by the Insurance Research Council revealed that 85% of total compensation for personal injury claims was awarded to individuals who had legal representation. This underscores the importance of legal counsel in ensuring fair compensation from insurance companies.
Auto injury victims represented by a personal injury attorney receive, on average, 3.5 times more in settlement claims than those who choose not to hire an attorney.
Insurance companies exploit individuals without representation who lack the means to assess their cases accurately. You have a single opportunity to secure the rightful compensation for you and your loved ones. Let our team fight for what you deserve.
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What does it cost to work with your firm?
We believe that you shouldn't be charged to determine the validity of your claim. Our consultations come at no cost and carry no obligation to hire our team. If you choose to work with our team, there will be no upfront expenses. Our policy of risk-free recovery guarantees that you do not have to pay for our services unless we secure compensation for you.
At Bishop & Hayes, cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, meaning that our fees are not paid until damages are recovered in your case. We work tirelessly to maximize damages for our clients so that you receive total and fair compensation for your injuries.
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How much is my case worth?
One of the most common (and complex) inquiries we receive is, "what is the value of my case?" Since each case is unique, determining its worth cannot be calculated by a formula. Numerous factors come into play, including the extent of injuries, an individual's lifestyle and life expectancy, the behavior and responsibility of all involved parties, and various other considerations.
Our legal team assertively seeks compensation for various losses such as medical bills, future treatments, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, disabilities, scarring, pain and suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and other financial and emotional damages.
We collaborate with a network of skilled medical specialists to establish the cause, characteristics, and severity of debilitating injuries, such as:
- Brain and head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Psychological injuries
- Permanent disabilities
- Neck injuries
The best way to get an accurate case valuation is to speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer. Our goal is to recover the damages you need to improve your health and live a fulfilling life following an accident.
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Who do I meet with when I hire Bishop & Hayes?
We believe that when you hire a legal team, you should be represented by the lawyers whose names are on the door. Although we have a phenomenal professional staff to assist us with your case, our partners do the work, not a paralegal or an associate.
Our partners can:
- Advise you at your free case evaluation
- Prepare all of your documents
- Appear at mediation to negotiate the best settlement we can for you
- Advocate for your rights in motions and trials
- Take responsibility for every aspect of your claim
Brad Bishop is authorized to practice law in Missouri and Oklahoma. With a career spanning over 25 years, he initially worked in insurance defense before transitioning to assisting crash victims in battling the corporations he once defended. Leveraging his knowledge of insurance company strategies, he now safeguards the rights of our injured clients.
Tim Hayes is a licensed attorney practicing in Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas with over 20 years of experience in civil auto accident litigation. His career began at a prominent law firm, leading the personal injury trial division. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tim served as a U.S. Army Reserve JAG Corps lawyer, embodying a steadfast commitment to discipline and honor in his legal practice.