Stephen Schultz | February 21, 2024 | Car Accidents
There’s no rule requiring you to hire an attorney after a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri. However, there are good reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim and any potential lawsuit. At the least, it’s probably worth your time to set up a free consultation and receive some initial legal advice.
An experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, manage your case so you can focus on your recovery, and may help you recover a greater financial award than if you are unrepresented.
Let’s discuss exactly what a St. Louis car accident lawyer does in more detail.
Review Your Case and Explain the Claim Process
One of the first ways a personal injury lawyer can help you is by reviewing your case and evaluating whether you can seek compensation for your injuries. This may include reviewing the accident report and listening to your description of events.
Your attorney will then explain the claim process. This may include the next steps you need to take to move forward—such as seeking further medical care.
Gather Evidence and Assess Your Damages
Your attorney will collect evidence regarding the accident and your injuries to begin building your case. This could include police reports, video footage, witness statements, or opinions from expert witnesses, such as accident reconstructionists. This evidence will help explain how the accident occurred and build your case that the defendant was at fault.
An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney will also assess the extent of your damages. They’ll review your medical history, current injuries, medical costs, property damage, and other losses you sustained and calculate the value of those losses.
Negotiate a Settlement With the Insurance Provider
A car accident lawyer will contact the insurance provider and demand a settlement on your behalf. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about speaking with them directly. This can be beneficial to car accident victims, as insurance companies will often pressure you to settle quickly and for less than the full amount of your injuries.
When you receive a settlement offer from the insurance company, your attorney can give you their advice. They have years of education, training, and experience, and have seen many car accident settlements. Their insight about your settlement offer may be invaluable.
Keep in mind that any decision to accept or reject a settlement offer is yours alone.
Take Your Case to Court
If a favorable settlement can’t be reached with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit in court. Your attorney will file the appropriate paperwork, present evidence to prove that the defendant was negligent, and argue your case before a jury, if necessary.
An attorney can also respond to any arguments by the defendant that you were partially to blame, if necessary.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Lous?
Most personal injury lawyers accept cases for a contingency fee. This is a fee that’s paid at the end of the case as a percentage of the client’s overall financial recovery. A standard contingency fee in car accident cases is between 33% and 40%.
The attorney only collects a fee if they successfully recover compensation for their client.
Contact Our Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation
The car accident claim process can be complicated, and insurance companies may try to pressure you to accept less than full compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in a car accident in St. Louis, our experienced car accident lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and fight for full compensation for your injuries.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in St. Louis, MO
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:
St. Louis, MO Law Office
1430 Washington Ave Ste 225, St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 444-4444
Ladue, MO Law Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
Columbia, MO Law Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
Creve Coeur, MO Law Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
