How To Get Money After a St. Louis Car Accident Without a Lawyer

Many people think they can handle their car accident claim in St. Louis, MO, on their own, but they frequently run into difficulties. Trying to obtain compensation by yourself after a car accident is risky.

However, if you were not injured and your case only involves simple property damage or small medical expenses, it may be possible to manage the claim without a lawyer. Otherwise, it’s at least worth your time to look into hiring an attorney.

If you encounter any issues, remember that Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers are here to assist with your case. Feel free to contact our law offices in St. Louis, Missouri, at (314) 444-4444 for a free consultation.

How Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim

How Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Can Help With Your Claim

Our St. Louis auto accident attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers bring together over 100 years of combined legal practice. We’ve collected over $100 million for our clients since our founding and are confident we can help you get winning results as well.

Choosing our firm to represent you ensures you get total support for your personal injury case. You can expect us to:

  • Thoroughly investigate your case to identify all liable parties
  • Provide a straightforward explanation of your legal rights in a free initial consultation
  • Collect and safeguard evidence crucial to your claim
  • Handle all dealings with insurance companies and adversaries for you
  • File an insurance claim
  • Assess the full scope of your damages
  • Negotiate to achieve a fair compensation for your claim
  • Take your case to court if negotiation does not result in a satisfactory settlement

Get in touch with our caring and skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyers for a complimentary case review today.

How To Handle Your Own Car Accident Claim in St. Louis, MO

Filing a car accident claim involves several critical steps, such as:

Seeking Medical Attention

Immediate medical care is crucial not only for your health but also to link your injuries directly to the accident through medical documentation.

Reporting the Accident

In Missouri, it’s mandatory to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. An official report by law enforcement aids in an impartial investigation, and obtaining a police report is necessary.

Documenting the Scene

Because accident scenes are promptly cleared to avoid further hazards, it’s important to document everything through photos of damages and injuries, gathering witness statements, securing electronic or physical evidence, and collecting details from the other driver. This task becomes challenging if you have sustained significant injuries, like chest injuries.

Establishing Liability

In Missouri, the at-fault party is responsible for compensating the financial losses incurred. This might involve examining traffic regulations and demonstrating the other driver’s negligence.

Determining Your Claim’s Value

You’re entitled to compensation covering medical bills, property damage, and lost wages. However, future medical treatments and the potential inability to work raise complex questions about compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.

Resolving Medical Liens

If insurance covers your initial medical bills, any compensation received may need to address medical liens placed by providers.

Negotiating With Insurance Companies

While seeking compensation from insurers, you might face claim denials or lowball offers.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Should negotiations falter, filing a lawsuit might be necessary.

Given the complexity of these tasks, you may find it beneficial to consult with a seasoned car accident attorney in St. Louis who can manage these responsibilities on your behalf.

Common Mistakes People Make When Handling Their Own Car Accident Claims in St. Louis

Many individuals attempting to navigate their accident claims alone fall into pitfalls that jeopardize their chance at obtaining just compensation.

Providing a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

Insurance adjusters often reach out to accident victims shortly after the incident, suggesting that a recorded statement is necessary for settlement purposes. Yet, such statements are generally used to find grounds to challenge the claimant’s case, aiming to deny or diminish the claim’s value.

Accepting an Offer Prematurely

Following an accident, with medical expenses accumulating and potential loss of income, victims might feel pressured to accept an insurance settlement quickly. This may be done without fully understanding their damages or the accident’s long-term impact. 

Insurance companies are aware of this pressure and might extend quick, inadequate offers, exploiting the victim’s need for immediate financial relief. It’s crucial for victims to grasp the full extent of their case’s value before agreeing to a settlement.

Taking “No” as a Final Answer

Claims can be denied for various reasons, but such denials should not always be accepted at face value.

Assuming the Insurance Company Acts in Their Best Interest

There’s a common misconception among claimants that insurance companies are on their side. In reality, these entities are profit-driven and aim to increase their bottom line by minimizing or outright denying claims whenever feasible.

Missing Critical Deadlines

In Missouri, accident victims have a two-year window post-accident to initiate legal action against the responsible party. Failing to adhere to this deadline could result in the dismissal of the case and the loss of the right to compensation.

When Do You Need a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?

In certain situations, the help of an attorney can be indispensable, including when:

  • You’ve incurred severe injuries
  • You’re forced to take a leave from work
  • The opposing party disputes their liability
  • Your claim has been rejected by the insurance company
  • The insurance company attributes the accident to you

Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers are ready to assist with your case.

Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys if You Need Help or Have Questions

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident through no fault of your own, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers can outline the ways we can assist you. We’ll clarify your legal rights and potential courses of action during a complimentary case evaluation. 

Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t incur any legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation on your behalf. Reach out to us today to find out more.

Additional St. Louis Car Accident Resources

Learn more about car accident FAQs: