St. Louis Car Accident Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, you likely have many questions about your legal rights and options.

At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. As experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers, we’re here to answer your most pressing questions about the legal process and your path to recovery. Contact our law firm today at (636) 519-0085 to schedule a free consultation.

What Should I Do Immediately After A Car Accident?

Our car accident attorneys bring over 30 years of combined experience helping injured victims throughout Missouri recover the compensation they deserve. With hundreds of millions of dollars secured for our clients, we have the expertise and dedication to guide you through this challenging time and fight for your rights.

The moments following an accident are crucial for your safety and legal rights. Take these essential steps:

1. Call 911 and seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries
2. Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and traffic signs
3. Collect witness contact information and statements if possible
4. Report the accident to your insurance company
5. Avoid giving recorded statements to other drivers’ insurance companies
6. Keep detailed records of all accident-related expenses
7. Document your injuries with photos and daily pain journals
8. Follow all medical treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments

Taking these steps helps protect your rights and strengthens your potential claim. For more comprehensive guidance, download our e-book.

How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on numerous factors that our team will carefully evaluate. Key factors that influence case value include:

• Injury severity and long-term prognosis
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and impact on future earning capacity
• Property damage costs
• Pain and suffering
• Available insurance coverage
• Impact on daily activities and lifestyle
• Cost of rehabilitation and therapy
• Need for ongoing medical care or assistance

Understanding how these factors interact is crucial for maximizing your compensation. Review our breakdown of a personal injury claim for more details about how settlements are structured.

What Types Of Compensation Can I Recover?

Missouri law provides various avenues for compensation after an accident. Let’s examine the two main categories of damages.

Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, such as:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage repairs
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Rehabilitation costs
• Medical equipment and home modifications
• Transportation to medical appointments
• In-home care services

Non-economic damages address intangible losses, like:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental anguish
• Loss of life enjoyment
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Depression and anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Loss of recreational activities

Every case presents unique circumstances that affect the types of compensation available.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm?

We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. Our contingency fee arrangement includes these key features:

• No upfront costs to begin your case
• Payment only if we win your case
• Fees come from a percentage of your settlement
• Zero out-of-pocket expenses
• Free initial consultation
• We advance all case-related costs
• No hidden fees or surprise charges

This arrangement ensures our interests align with yours as we pursue maximum compensation.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I’m Partially At Fault?

Understanding Missouri’s pure comparative fault system is crucial for protecting your rights. Under this system, you can still recover damages even if you’re up to 99% at fault, although your compensation will be reduced according to your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found to be 30% at fault, you can recover 70% of the total damages. 

However, insurance companies may attempt to assign you a higher degree of fault than what is appropriate. Our team works diligently to minimize your assigned fault percentage by gathering evidence that supports your version of events. Additionally, expert witnesses may be used to help establish more accurate fault percentages, ensuring you receive fair compensation.

Our experienced team knows how to navigate these complex rules to maximize your recovery.

What Are Common Causes Of Car Accidents In St. Louis?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2.38 million people were injured in car crashes nationwide in 2022. The Highway Patrol reports that only 16% of traffic crashes occurred during inclement weather conditions in Missouri. Most accidents are caused by driver error.

We regularly see accidents caused by:

• Distracted driving (texting, eating, or using the phone)
• Speeding and aggressive driving
• Drunk or drugged driving
• Reckless behavior
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Running red lights and stop signs
• Vehicle defects and poor maintenance
• Driver fatigue
• Following too closely
• Improper lane changes
• Road construction

Understanding these causes helps us build stronger cases for our clients.

What Types Of Injuries Do You Handle?

We work with clients suffering from a wide range of accident-related trauma. Our experience includes handling cases involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries and whiplash
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Burns, scarring, and disfigurement
• Neck and back injuries
• Psychological trauma and PTSD
• Amputation and loss of limbs
• Joint injuries
• Nerve damage
• Facial injuries and dental trauma

Each injury requires a unique approach to ensure full compensation for our clients.

How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit?

Missouri law sets specific deadlines for taking legal action. The statute of limitations provides these crucial timeframes: you’ll have five years from the accident date to bring a personal injury claim and three years for wrongful death cases. 

Different deadlines may apply when dealing with government entities, and minors may be given extended deadlines in certain cases. However, missing these deadlines can bar your right to seek compensation. While some exceptions may apply in special circumstances, it is important to act early, as doing so often leads to better results.

We recommend contacting us promptly to protect your legal rights and preserve essential evidence.

How Can Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Help Me?

Our comprehensive approach ensures thorough representation for every client. We provide essential services, including:

• A thorough accident investigation and evidence-gathering
• Expert insurance company negotiations
• Medical expert consultation and testimony
• Accurate damage calculations and documentation
• Aggressive representation in court, if needed
• Regular case updates and communication
• Handling all paperwork and deadlines
• Coordinating with medical providers
• Fighting insurance company tactics
• Protecting your rights throughout the process

Our dedication to client service sets us apart in personal injury law.

Contact a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer For Help

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, don’t face the complex legal process alone. The experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and maximum compensation. Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and understand your legal options.