Losing a loved one in a fatal car accident is an unimaginable tragedy that leaves families facing not only overwhelming grief but also unexpected financial burdens. Funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll can feel impossible to manage alone.
At Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers, our compassionate St. Louis fatal car accident lawyers are here to provide support and legal guidance during this difficult time. We are committed to pursuing justice and securing the compensation your family deserves. Contact us today at (314) 444-4444 for a free consultation with our St. Louis, Missouri, legal team to learn how we can help you move forward.
What Can Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers Do for Me Following a Fatal Car Accident in St. Louis, MO?
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers has over 100 years of combined experience representing Missouri families after tragic accidents. Our firm has recovered more than $100 million for clients and has built a reputation for ensuring negligent drivers and companies are held accountable.
Our St. Louis car accident lawyers can provide comprehensive support by handling tasks such as:
- Investigating the cause of the fatal accident
- Gathering police reports, witness testimony, and crash reconstruction evidence
- Identifying all liable parties, including drivers, employers, or manufacturers
- Coordinating with medical and financial experts to calculate damages
- Managing all communications with insurance companies
- Filing wrongful death claims and survival actions when appropriate
- Pursuing settlement negotiations or preparing the case for trial
By taking on these responsibilities, our legal team allows families to focus on healing while ensuring their legal rights are protected. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
What Causes Fatal Car Accidents?
Fatal car accidents in St. Louis are often preventable. They can stem from dangerous driving behaviors, equipment failures, or hazardous road conditions. When drivers or companies fail to act responsibly, lives are put at risk.
Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, such as texting behind the wheel
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Excessive speeding and reckless driving
- Failure to obey traffic signals or stop signs
- Driver fatigue on long commutes or late-night trips
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures
- Dangerous road conditions or poor maintenance
Each of these causes can be traced back to negligence. Holding the responsible party accountable can provide justice and financial relief for surviving family members.
What Injuries Commonly Occur in Fatal Car Accidents?
Fatal car accidents cause severe trauma that cannot be survived, even with immediate medical care.
These accidents typically involve extreme force, leaving victims with life-ending injuries such as:
- Severe traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Massive internal bleeding or organ damage
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Severe burns from fires or explosions
These injuries often mean families lose their loved one suddenly, without time to prepare. In addition to grief, families must also manage financial and emotional challenges that follow such devastating loss.
Common Challenges in Fatal Car Accident Cases
Wrongful death cases involving fatal car accidents come with significant hurdles. Insurance companies and defense attorneys work relentlessly to limit their own liability, which can make the process even more painful for families.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Insurance companies disputing liability to limit financial exposure
- The need for expert testimony and crash reconstruction evidence
- Delays in the claims process as insurers slow negotiations
- Difficulty in calculating future lost income, benefits, and services
- Insurers undervaluing emotional and financial damages
These challenges can overwhelm grieving families who are not prepared to handle them. Having an experienced legal team ensures these obstacles are addressed strategically and thoroughly so families can pursue the compensation they deserve.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
Missouri law gives families three years from the date of a fatal car accident to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This statute of limitations is strictly enforced, and missing the deadline typically results in losing the right to recover compensation.
Certain cases involving government agencies may carry shorter filing deadlines and additional notice requirements. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible ensures compliance with these rules and helps preserve key evidence while it is still available. Acting quickly also allows attorneys to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Contact Our St. Louis Fatal Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in St. Louis, Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. With more than a century of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for clients, our firm has the knowledge and resources to pursue justice.Schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis fatal car accident attorneys today to discuss your case. Our contingency fee structure means you will not owe legal fees unless we get you the compensation you need for your recovery.