Getting into a car accident in St. Louis, MO, can be overwhelming. Many people wonder if they have to go to court after a car accident. The good news is that most car accident cases settle outside of court through negotiations between insurance companies and St. Louis car accident lawyers.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers understands the local legal landscape and Missouri traffic laws. They work to resolve cases efficiently while protecting their clients’ rights. Most accident victims never step foot in a courtroom.
Contact our St. Louis personal injury attorneys at (636) 519-0085 to schedule a free consultation about your car accident case.
When Court May Be Necessary
While most cases settle, some situations require court intervention with the help of a St. Louis car accident attorney, including:
- Insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- The other driver disputes fault or liability for the accident or blames you.
- Your case involves serious injuries with significant damages.
- Cases involving several drivers, pedestrians, commercial vehicles, or other complicated liability issues.
These situations represent a small percentage of car accident cases in St. Louis, Missouri. If you need help determining whether your case might need to proceed to trial, call our St. Louis personal injury lawyers for a free consultation today.
The Settlement Process
Most car accident cases resolve through settlement negotiations, which typically involve several steps that keep you out of court:
- Your attorney will gather evidence about the accident. This includes police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photographs of the scene and vehicle damage.
- Insurance adjusters investigate the claim and determine fault. They review the evidence and calculate potential damages based on Missouri’s comparative negligence laws.
- Negotiations begin between your attorney and the insurance company. Experienced lawyers can present your case effectively and push for the compensation you deserve.
This systematic approach helps avoid court proceedings while ensuring fair compensation.
Benefits of Avoiding Court
Settling outside of court offers several advantages for accident victims:
- The process moves much faster than litigation, which can drag on for months or years.
- Settlement negotiations remain private and confidential, while court proceedings become public records anyone can access. Privacy protection matters when dealing with personal injury details.
- You avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial. Juries can be unpredictable, and there’s always risk involved when letting strangers decide your case.
- Legal costs stay lower when cases settle quickly. Extended litigation increases attorney fees, court costs, and expert witness expenses.
These benefits make settlement the preferred option for most car accident victims in St. Louis.
Understanding Missouri Law
Missouri uses a pure comparative negligence system in car accident cases. This means you can usually recover damages even if you were mostly at fault, but your percentage of responsibility will likely reduce your compensation.
The state typically has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents. While this provides flexibility, acting promptly to preserve your rights is still important. Exceptions may also exist that shorten that deadline.
Missouri is an at-fault state, not a no-fault state. If you’re injured in a crash, you can pursue claims directly against the driver who caused the accident, including for medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering.
When to Contact an Attorney
You should speak with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash. Early legal representation protects your rights and prevents insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
Consider these important steps:
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice. These statements can be used against you later to reduce or deny your claim.
- Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses and communications. Your attorney will use this information to build a compelling case for maximum compensation.
- Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine after the accident. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and medical documentation strengthens your claim.
Taking these steps immediately after an accident can significantly impact your case outcome.
What to Expect During Settlement Negotiations
The settlement process typically takes several weeks to several months. Your attorney will inform you about negotiations and any offers from insurance companies.
Don’t accept the first settlement offer you receive. Insurance companies almost always start with lowball offers, hoping you’ll accept quickly. Your lawyer will negotiate for fair compensation that covers all your damages.
You’ll sign an agreement once both parties agree on a settlement amount. This document prevents you from pursuing additional claims related to the accident.
Preparing for Potential Court Action
While most cases settle, your attorney will prepare as if your case might go to trial. This preparation also strengthens settlement negotiations because insurance companies know you’re ready to fight in court if necessary.
Key preparation steps include:
- Your lawyer will identify and interview potential witnesses who saw the accident. Witness testimony can be crucial if your case does go to trial.
- Medical experts may need to review your injuries and provide opinions about future treatment needs. This helps establish the full extent of your damages.
- Accident reconstruction specialists might analyze the crash scene and vehicle damage. Their expertise helps prove fault and liability in complex cases.
This thorough preparation demonstrates your commitment to pursuing fair compensation through all available legal channels.
Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Most car accident victims never have to go to court after a crash. Our skilled St. Louis car accident lawyers work diligently to resolve cases through settlement negotiations that provide fair compensation without the stress and uncertainty of a trial.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Louis, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.