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 lawyers have extensive experience fighting insurance companies and going up against the toughest adversaries for our clients. We have the skills and resources 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 money you deserve. Your initial case evaluation is free.
How a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Near You at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With Your Case
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 questions need to be answered with care – because the answers will have a massive impact on your financial future. That’s why the 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 award-winning St. Louis car accident attorneys will:
- Investigate the crash to figure out why it happened, who’s at fault, and who’s liable
- 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 other parties refuse to negotiate fairly
Our goal is to get you the life-changing results. Our St. Louis car accident injury law firm works on a contingency 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 risk involved, so don’t hesitate to set up a free consultation.
Why Should I Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer?
Hiring a car accident lawyer in St. Louis is the best way to ensure you receive fair value and results for your case. If you don’t have legal representation, you risk of settling your claim for less than what it’s 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, hiring experts along the way as needed, and much more.
- It’s 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 case? Contact our law offices as soon as possible to set up a free case review.
How Much Money Can I Get for My St. Louis Car Accident?
The value of every St. Louis car accident case will be unique to its circumstances.
Every crash is different, and so is every victim.
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 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 collision aggravated any pre-existing medical conditions
All of these 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, causing a disabling injury can result in total costs exceeding $1.2 million.
Every case is incredibly unique, so discussing the details of your car crash with a lawyer is essential. We are available to take your call whenever you need help the most.
Reach out to arrange a time to discuss the details of your case.
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 if the incident involved a fatality.
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 an accident report 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 the accident form You can also access Missouri’s form here.
What Damages Are Available After a Car Crash?
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 collision.
Economic Damages
These losses represent the financial expenses you have incurred, such as:
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses
These damages can reflect financial 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:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Mental anguish
- Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD
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. To recover punitive, 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
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 financial expenses to get a figure for your pain and suffering damages.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys in Missouri use contingency arrangements. You may be familiar with flat or hourly fees, but contingent fees are 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 a contingency 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 the law usually offer free consultations to prospective clients. Reach out to Schultz & Myers to schedule 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 recover compensation for your injuries.
- Contributory fault. Missouri utilizes pure comparative fault rules in accidents involving more than one negligent party. If you share fault, these rules will reduce your damages to account for your percentage of fault.
- Statute of limitations. Missouri sets a five-year 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 of your crash, 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?
The fact that you were blamed for your car accident will affect your ability to recover compensation. Missouri operates under a comparative negligence system. This means that your right to compensation isn’t barred, but your monetary award will be reduced to reflect your role in causing the crash.
For example, if you’re assigned 20% liability, your award will be reduced by 20%. That could mean getting a check for $80,000 when your case is valued at $100,000.
Other parties, particularly the insurance company, will try to point fingers and blame you. The less blame they share, the less they’ll have to pay. So if you do nothing, you could watch a well-deserved monetary 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?
It’s 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 lead your case to trial can lead to a more favorable outcome for you. Insurance companies often do not want to dedicate the time and costs 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?
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 fair amount. If you only have minor 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 fair compensation. You must reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before understanding your prognosis and past and future medical expenses. Claims involving severe injuries can take up to a year 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 minor accident without injuries, Missouri law requires you to steer your 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 911. If no one is hurt, you can call the non-emergency line of your local police department to report the crash. A police officer will document the scene and create a report. You can also request an ambulance/EMTs if you need emergency transportation to a hospital.
- 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.
- 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 you with any type of car accident case. Some of the primary claims we handle include, but are not limited to, the following:
Rear-End Accidents
Establishing liability in a crash 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 get you the results you need to move forward.
Head-On Crashes
Frontal crashes are some of the most terrifying and can lead to 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 illegal 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’ll work hard to optimize your claim. Get in touch with our multi-vehicle accident lawyers in St. Louis to learn more.
Distracted Driving Car Accidents
Distractions are a major reason why collisions occur. If you were hurt in this type of crash, contact our qualified St. Louis distracted driving accident lawyers for a free case review.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
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 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 collision can be catastrophic for you or a loved one. Our firm can help with any of the following injuries, to name just a few examples:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burn injuries
- Trauma to the eyes and face
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation
- Nerve damage
- Chest injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Whiplash
- Seatbelt Injuries
- Wrongful death and more
Always get medical attention as soon as you can after getting into a car wreck. Prompt care will help to ensure your safety and set the stage for a successful claim, should you decide to pursue compensation. Then, don’t hesitate to speak to our 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 crashes. That means the party responsible for your wreck (or their insurer) may be held accountable for your injuries. 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 collision
When you hire our legal team, we’ll 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 accountable and get you the compensation you need and deserve.
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Crashes?
Most crashes 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’s usually because someone is negligent.
Negligence means 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:
- Texting and driving
- Speeding
- Distractions
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Road rage
- Driving under the influence of drugs
- Rushing through intersections to beat a red or yellow light
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Improper lane changes
- Illegal u-turns or left-turns
- Failure to look for bicyclists or pedestrians
Sometimes accidents happen even when motorists are exercising due care. Some other common contributing factors to accidents include road defects, weather conditions, 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 prepared we will be to seek full compensation from all negligent motorists and parties 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 Consultation With an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney Near You
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, we have decades of combined experience fighting for 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 injury law firm provides a free 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.
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