A car accident can change your life in a split second. One moment you are driving down I-64 or navigating city streets, and the next, you are dealing with injuries, a damaged vehicle, and mounting bills. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, you do not have to face the aftermath alone.

At The Super Lawyer, we connect you with experienced legal representation right here in St. Louis. Dealing with insurance companies and understanding Missouri traffic laws can be overwhelming when you are trying to recover. A dedicated St. Louis car accident lawyer can handle the legal heavy lifting, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Why You Need Legal Representation After a Crash

Many people wonder if they really need an attorney after a minor fender bender. However, even seemingly simple accidents can lead to complex insurance disputes. Insurance adjusters work for the company, not for you. Their goal is often to pay out as little as possible. They may try to get you to accept a lowball offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries.

Having a skilled lawyer on your side levels the playing field. Your attorney acts as your advocate, handling all communication with the insurance carriers and ensuring that your claim is taken seriously. From investigating the crash scene to calculating your total damages, legal representation is essential for maximizing your recovery.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents We Handle

Car accidents happen in many different ways, and each type of crash requires a specific approach to prove negligence and liability. We assist clients with a wide range of motor vehicle accident cases, including:

• Rear-end collisions: Often caused by distracted driving or following too closely.
• Head-on collisions: These are among the most dangerous crashes and often result in severe injuries.
• Side-impact (T-bone) crashes: Common at intersections when a driver runs a red light or stop sign.
• Drunk driving accidents: Crashes involving drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI/DWI).
• Hit-and-run accidents: When the at-fault driver flees the scene.
• Rideshare accidents: Complex cases involving Uber or Lyft drivers.
• Commercial truck accidents: Collisions with 18-wheelers or delivery vehicles.
• Motorcycle accidents: Riders often suffer serious injuries due to lack of protection.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Cases where vulnerable road users are struck by vehicles.
• Uninsured/Underinsured motorist claims: When the at-fault driver lacks adequate coverage.

Understanding Missouri Car Accident Laws

Every state has its own rules regarding traffic accidents. Understanding Missouri car accident law is vital for your case. Here are a few key legal concepts that apply in St. Louis:

The Fault System

Missouri is a “fault” state. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. To get compensation, you must prove that the other driver was negligent—for example, by speeding, texting, or breaking traffic laws.

Pure Comparative Negligence

Missouri follows a rule called pure comparative negligence. This is good news for injury victims. It means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially to blame for the accident. However, your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages were $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

Statute of Limitations

You do not have unlimited time to take legal action. The statute of limitations in Missouri sets a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your right to sue. It is crucial to contact a lawyer early to ensure all filings are done on time.

What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis

The steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your ability to file a successful claim. If you are involved in a wreck, try to stay calm and follow this checklist:

1. Check for injuries: Call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention.
2. Move to safety: If the vehicles are movable and it is safe to do so, move out of traffic.
3. Call the police: Request a St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department crash report or a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. This official record is a key piece of evidence.
4. Exchange information: Get names, phone numbers, insurance details, and license plate numbers from all drivers involved.
5. Gather evidence: Take photos of the vehicle damage, the crash scene, skid marks, and your injuries. Get contact info for any witnesses.
6. Seek medical care: Go to a doctor or hospital right away, even if you feel okay. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately.
7. Contact a lawyer: Speak to an attorney before giving a recorded statement to any insurance company.

Common Injuries and Damages

Car accidents can result in a wide variety of physical and emotional harms. We help clients who have suffered from:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries and herniated discs
• Internal injuries
• Emotional distress and PTSD

When pursuing a claim, we look at the full picture of how the accident has affected your life. You may be entitled to economic damages (like medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages) as well as non-economic damages (like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life). In tragic cases involving the loss of a loved one, we can also help families pursue a wrongful death claim.

The Legal Process: How We Help

Navigating the legal system can be confusing. A St. Louis car accident lawyer guides you through every stage of the process:

1. Investigation

We start by gathering all necessary evidence. This includes police reports, medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage. We may also work with accident reconstruction experts to prove exactly how the crash happened.

2. Dealing with Insurance Companies

We handle all correspondence with the insurers. We know the tactics they use to deny or devalue claims, such as arguing that your injuries were pre-existing. We protect you from bad-faith insurance practices.

3. Negotiation and Settlement

Most cases are resolved through a settlement before ever going to court. We send a demand letter outlining your case and negotiate aggressively to get you a fair offer that covers all your past and future needs.

4. Litigation and Trial

If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. We will represent you in court, present the evidence to a judge or jury, and fight for a favorable verdict.

Fees and Costs: No Fee Unless You Win

We understand that money is tight after an accident. That is why most St. Louis car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay $0 upfront to hire a lawyer.
• We advance the costs of the lawsuit (like filing fees and expert witness costs).
• You only pay legal fees if we recover money for you through a settlement or verdict.
• The fee is a percentage of the total amount recovered.

This system ensures that everyone has access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.

Why Choose a Local St. Louis Lawyer?

While national firms exist, there is a distinct advantage to hiring a local attorney. A lawyer based in St. Louis understands the local landscape. They are familiar with the Missouri courts, local judges, and the specific procedures in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County.

Local lawyers also know the dangerous roads and intersections in our area, from the congestion on I-270 to the busy streets downtown. This local knowledge can be a powerful asset when investigating your accident and building a persuasive case.