St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Have you or a loved one recently been hurt in a car accident? The St. Louis car accident attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can help you maximize your financial award. You may have the right to recover fair compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and other damages. Call us today at (314) 444-4444.

Our AV-rated attorneys have extensive experience fighting insurance companies and going up against the toughest adversaries. We have the skills to help with even the most complex car accident cases and get our clients results.

Contact our St. Louis law office to discover how we can help you get the outcome you deserve. Your first case evaluation is free.

How a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer at Schultz & Myers Can Help With Your Case

How Schultz & Myers Can Help After a Car Accident in St. Louis

Why did your crash happen? Who’s at fault? What’s your car accident case really worth? What happens if someone tries to point fingers and blame you? 

These important questions need to be answered with care – because the answers will have a massive impact on your financial future. That’s why our St. Louis personal injury attorneys should be your first call after your collision.

We have the experience to get the answers you need and the compensation you deserve.

While you focus your energy on getting better from the trauma of your accident and physical injuries, our top-rated St. Louis car accident attorneys will:

  • Investigate the crash to figure out why it happened and who’s at fault
  • Gather evidence, including police reports, photos and videos, witness statements, medical records, vehicle maintenance records, and more
  • Consult with experts as we build your case and figure out what it’s worth
  • Negotiate to get you the most favorable possible terms in a settlement 
  • Bring your case to a jury if insurance companies and others refuse to negotiate fairly

Our goal is to get accident victims life-changing results. Our St. Louis car accident injury law firm works on a contingent fee basis, meaning there’s no upfront cost for us to represent you. You pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. There is no obligation involved, so don’t hesitate to arrange a free consultation.

Why Should I Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?

Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

Hiring a car accident attorney in St. Louis is the best way to ensure you receive a fair value and results for your case. If you don’t have legal representation, you risk settling your claim for less than what it is truly worth – or even getting no compensation at all. 

A few primary reasons why it might be prudent to consult a lawyer include:

  • You’ll level the playing field. Insurance companies care about their profits, not about your well-being. They will try to escape or minimize liability whenever possible. However, attorneys are trained negotiators and can advocate for you effectively.
  • Lawyers have the resources to help strengthen your claim. This means internally investigating your accident, consulting experts along the way as needed, and much more.
  • It is likely that the opposing party will blame you. Per state law, your compensation can be reduced according to your assigned fault. If you acquire an attorney, they can respond to and protect you from these kinds of allegations.
  • You deserve to focus on your health, not worry about the legal side of things. Your lawyer can handle the entirety of your claim during your recovery.

Want to learn more about how an attorney can help with your motor vehicle accident case? Contact our law offices online or by phone as soon as possible for a free case review. 

How Much Money Can I Get After a St. Louis Car Accident?

How Much Money Can I Get For My Missouri Car Accident?

The value of every St. Louis car accident case will be unique to its circumstances.

Every crash situation is different, and so are all accident victims.

However, several factors will be relevant in the evaluation discussion of every case:

  • The injuries you suffered
  • Whether you’re expected to make a full physical recovery
  • How long you’re forced to miss work and lose out on your income
  • If your car accident injuries will result in a permanent physical impairment or disability
  • Whether you require assistance to perform daily tasks, like bathing or driving
  • Your out-of-pocket costs
  • Whether you took proper steps to mitigate your injuries
  • Contributory fault
  • Whether the incident aggravated any pre-existing medical issues

All of these important factors, and others, must be considered when valuing an injury case. However, the extent of your injury is typically the most telling factor regarding valuation.

According to the National Safety Council, the average comprehensive cost of a collision resulting in possible injuries is roughly $160,000. On the other hand, a disabling injury can result in totals exceeding $1.2 million. 

Every case is incredibly unique, so discussing the details of your car wreck with a lawyer is essential. A St. Louis car accident lawyer at our firm is available to take your call.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After an Automobile Crash in Missouri?

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After an Automobile Crash in Missouri?

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations that applies to most lawsuits.

You’ll have just three years in the event of a fatal car accident.

Missouri law requires drivers to report any accident that involves:

  • Injury 
  • Death
  • Or more than $500 in property damage

The quickest way is by calling 911. Law enforcement will respond to the call and complete a writeup with all the information. 

Typically, you will have 30 days to report the car accident if the police do not respond. The quickest way to do this is by visiting the nearest police station and completing an accident form; you can also access it here.

What Damages Are Available After a Car Crash?

What Damages are Available in a St. Louis Car Accident Case?

Missouri law allows you to pursue both economic and non-economic damages after a wreck.

These are called “compensatory damages” and, as the name suggests, are meant to compensate you for the harm you have sustained due to the accident.

Economic Damages

These losses represent the accident-related expenses you have incurred, such as:

These damages can reflect expenses you have already experienced as well as those you may continue to experience.

Non-Economic Damages

These losses represent the other, less quantifiable consequences of your accident, including:

Punitive damages are available in cases involving extreme conduct from the at-fault party. They are not compensatory and are instead meant to “punish” the defendant for their behavior. You must demonstrate with clear and convincing evidence that the defendant acted egregiously, such as with a reckless disregard for your safety. 

Understanding and Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages

Understanding and Calculating Pain and Suffering Damages

Pain and suffering damages do not have a clear financial value. This makes them different from medical expenses and lost income, which do have a definite monetary value.

Pain and suffering losses can be challenging to calculate. Courts and insurance companies often use complex formulas to determine the value. The most common is the multiplier method.

Under the multiplier method, a court, jury, or insurance company will choose a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the seriousness of your injuries. They will then multiply that number by your expenses to get a figure for your pain and suffering damages. 

How Much Does It Cost To Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Louis?

Most car accident attorneys in Missouri use contingency arrangements. You may be familiar with a flat or hourly fee, but a contingent agreement is different. Whereas flat and hourly fees are charged regardless of the outcome of a case, contingency fees are based on whether your attorney recovers compensation for your claim.

Under this structure, if your lawyer fails to recover compensation, you will not owe them any attorney fees. However, if your lawyer successfully negotiates a settlement or obtains a verdict for your claim, they will take a percentage of your payment for the representation. This typically ranges from 33% to 40%, depending on the case.

Also, attorneys in this area of law usually offer free consultations to prospective clients. Contact Schultz & Myers to set up yours.

Legal Considerations for Missouri Car Accident Claims

Many different laws could affect your claim. The ones that apply most frequently are:

  • At-fault insurance rules. Missouri is an at-fault state for auto insurance and auto accidents. Therefore, if you are in an accident, you will have to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver to receive compensation for your injuries.
  • Contributory fault. Missouri utilizes a pure comparative fault standard in accidents involving more than one negligent party. If you share fault, this rule will reduce your damages to account for your level of fault. 
  • Statute of limitations. Missouri sets a time limit on your ability to initiate a lawsuit after an accident. The clock starts ticking on the date of your accident. If you fail to file a claim within five years, you will be barred from recovering compensation.

There may be other legal considerations for your claim. The best way to learn about the laws that apply to your case is to contact a skilled car accident lawyer in St. Louis. Contact Schultz & Myers for help today.

What Happens If I’m Blamed for My Collision?

What Happens If I'm Blamed for My Car Accident in St. Louis?

The fact that you were blamed for your car accident will affect your ability to recover compensation. Missouri operates under a comparative negligence system. Your right to compensation isn’t barred, but your recovery will be reduced to reflect your role in contributing to the crash.

For example, if you’re assigned 20% liability, your compensation will be lessened by 20%. That could mean getting a check for $80,000 when your case is valued at $100,000.

The other side, particularly the insurance company, will try to point fingers at you. The less responsibility they share, the less they’ll have to pay. So if you do nothing, you could watch a well-deserved financial award disappear.

Our expert attorneys will be ready for these tactics and prepared to defend you every step of the way.

Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?

Will My Auto Accident Case Go to Trial?

It is highly unlikely that your case will go to trial. Most car accident cases do not even make it to court; instead, they are resolved through settlement negotiations (usually with an insurance company). 

However, the ability to bring a lawsuit and take your case to trial can lead to a more beneficial outcome for you. Insurance companies often do not want to dedicate the time involved in defending a case in court. As a result, they may be willing to settle for a higher amount if you have a qualified attorney representing you.

In addition, once a lawsuit is filed, it allows our legal team access to the pretrial discovery process. Through this process, we may be able to obtain critical evidence in support of your claim. If that happens, we can negotiate for a higher settlement offer for your case. 

How Long Will My Case Take To Settle?

How Long Will My Case Take?

It depends. Most cases — around 95% — settle. Insurance companies prefer not to risk the unpredictable, involved nature of a lawsuit if they can settle a claim for a just amount. If you only have minimal injuries, your claim could resolve quickly — usually in a matter of a few weeks or months

However, if you have serious injuries, it may take longer to get compensation. You must reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before knowing your prognosis and past and future medical expenses. Claims involving severe injuries can take years to resolve.

Claims that proceed to a lawsuit take the longest to complete. They may involve court appearances, discovery, hearings, negotiations, and (possibly) trial. Therefore, they can take a couple of months or more. We always recommend contacting a highly-rated car accident attorney near you to help get you back on your feet.

What Should I Do After a St. Louis Car Accident?

There are several steps you should follow after a crash. Taking these measures can protect your injury claim.

At a minimum, you should:

  • After a minor accident, move the cars to a safe place. In a fender bender without injuries, Missouri law requires you to steer vehicles to a safe spot, assuming they are driveable.
  • Call 911. If you or anyone else in the accident is injured, you should immediately report it. If no one is hurt, you can call the non-emergency line of your local police department to notify them of the situation. A police officer will document the scene and create a report. You can also request an ambulance/EMTs if you need emergency transportation.
  • Exchange information. You should exchange contact and insurance info with the other driver. You will need this information for your claim. You should also get the information of any witnesses to the accident, including their phone numbers.
  • Take pictures and videos. You should take pictures and videos of the accident scene and your injuries for your accident claim. Try to remember your speed at the time of the accident.
  • Seek prompt medical treatment. If you are hurt, you can take an ambulance to the hospital if you have serious injuries. Or, you can follow up promptly with your medical provider. Either way, you should get immediate medical care. This will protect your rights and provide evidence for your claim.

The final thing you should do is consult an attorney for legal advice. Our St. Louis team can help you understand and exercise your rights and options for recovering compensation after your wreck.

Types of Car Accident Claims We Handle in St. Louis

With over 100 years of combined experience, our attorneys are equipped to help victims with all types of car accident cases. Some of the primary claims we handle include, but are not limited to, the following:

Rear-End Accidents

Establishing liability isn’t always straightforward; you may need a seasoned attorney to help with your case. Contact our St. Louis rear-end car accident attorneys. We can fight for the results you need to move forward.

Head-On Crashes

Frontal collisions are some of the most terrifying and can lead to fatal and life-altering injuries. You deserve full compensation after this type of accident; our St. Louis head-on crash attorneys can help. 

Speeding Accidents

Driving too fast is a common cause of accidents in this area. As an unlawful driving practice, exceeding the speed limit can constitute negligence per se. Our St. Louis speeding accident lawyers are here to pursue and secure compensation on your behalf.

Multi-Vehicle Car Accidents

More than one person may share liability for your multi-vehicle accident. We will work hard to optimize your claim. Get in touch with our multi-vehicle accident lawyers in St. Louis to learn more.

Inattentive Driving Car Accidents

Distractions are a major reason why collisions occur. If you were hurt, contact our qualified St. Louis distracted driving accident attorneys for a free case review.

Hit-and-Run Collisions

Even if the fleeing driver isn’t located, you may have legal options available for compensation. Get in touch with our hit-and-run accident lawyers in St. Louis to learn about your best next steps. 

You could be entitled to substantial compensation if you’ve been injured in one of these car or truck accidents. Contact us to get started on your claim.

What Types of Catastrophic Injuries Can Result From a Collision?

The injuries you sustain in a vehicle accident can be catastrophic for you or a loved one.

Our firm can help car accident victims who have suffered any of the following injuries, to name just a few examples:

Always get medical attention as soon as you can after getting into a car wreck. Immediate care will help to ensure your well-being and set the stage for a successful claim, should you decide to pursue compensation. Then, don’t hesitate to speak to a qualified lawyer to help with your financial recovery.

Who Could Be Liable for My Injuries and Damages?

Missouri is considered an “at-fault’ state for motor vehicle wrecks. The party responsible for your wreck (or their insurer) may be held accountable for the car accident injuries you suffered.

Overall, examples of potentially liable parties include:

  • Other individual drivers
  • Insurance companies
  • Employers, if the at-fault driver was working at the time of your collision
  • Government entities, if poor road conditions caused your accident
  • Businesses, if a defective part is what led to your wreck

When you retain our legal team, we will conduct a thorough internal investigation of your accident. One goal of this investigation will be to determine who caused your crash. From there, we will do everything in our power to hold them responsible and get you the compensation you need and deserve. 

What Are the Leading Causes of Car Crashes?

What Causes Most Car Crashes in St. Louis?

Most collisions are entirely avoidable events. Drivers on the road must demonstrate knowledge and skill before being issued a driver’s license. Everyone must exercise reasonable caution behind the wheel. The State of Missouri and the City of St. Louis have traffic laws in effect to keep everyone safe. 

Despite these things, accidents still happen all too often. It is usually because someone is negligent.

Negligence is displaying a lack of reasonable care under the circumstances and causing someone else to get hurt.

Some common causes of car accidents in St. Louis include:

Sometimes accidents happen even when motorists are exercising due care. Some other common contributing factors to accidents include road defects, weather, and vehicle malfunctions or defects (e.g., faulty brakes and defective airbags).

It’s crucial to identify every potential cause of your accident. The more we understand why your accident happened, the better prepped we will be to seek full compensation from all negligent motorists on your behalf.

These cases can be complicated. We always recommend contacting a highly-rated car accident attorney near you to help get you back on your feet.

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

At Schultz & Myers, we have decades of combined experience fighting for thousands of injury victims and families. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers have won over 50 million dollars in settlements and verdicts and are ready to help you fight for the justice you deserve. While you focus on your medical recovery, we’ll work hard to maximize the value of your claim.

Our St. Louis car accident law firm provides a complimentary consultation. We’re available by phone or online to arrange a time for you today.


St. Louis Car Accident Testimonial

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Schultz & Myers was amazing! Love this law firm! Stephen and Josh treated us like family. We still talk today. And they got us a lot more money than the insurance company was originally offering. Schultz & Myers is the best. Case Closed!

  • Brantley D.

https://goo.gl/maps/cLqtGN4hzDN3kQaa8


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Car Accidents Infographic

Car Accidents Infographic