St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Fighting for Car Accident Victims in Missouri

Were you seriously injured in a car accident in St. Louis that wasn’t your fault? You shouldn’t have to worry about how you will pay for medical bills or vehicle repairs. You may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver and recover these and other damages.

At Sedey Harper Westhoff, our car accident lawyer in St. Louis can help you seek full and fair compensation for your losses when you suffer injuries in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence. Our personal injury attorneys can deal with the at-fault driver’s insurance company and manage any necessary legal action so that you can focus on your recovery. We understand how to build strong cases and can fight to enforce your rights.

Our Missouri car accident law firm has a track record of obtaining favorable results for personal injury victims in automobile collision claims. We are aggressive advocates and experienced litigators for all car accident cases, including trucking accidents. We are prepared to go to court to get you what you deserve.

Driving in St. Louis presents unique challenges due to its bustling traffic and the presence of numerous intersections and highways that can become accident hotspots. The dense urban environment can contribute to various accident scenarios, including rear-end collisions, side-impact crashes, and multi-vehicle pile-ups. Understanding the local road conditions and traffic patterns can significantly affect handling a car accident claim.

Our understanding of Missouri car accident laws also empowers us to navigate the complexities of insurance policies, liability issues, and damages that victims can pursue. Our commitment extends to utilizing advanced technology for case investigations, such as accident reconstruction software, which bolsters the strength of your claim.

Injured in a car accident and unsure of your next steps? Call (314) 819-0963  or contact us online to find out how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.

Navigating Missouri Car Accident Laws 

Understanding Missouri car accident laws can be daunting for many victims, especially when trying to manage the aftermath of an injury. Missouri is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for compensating the injured parties. This can be through their insurance or personal assets if needed. Navigating these laws requires understanding liability and the compensable damages covered by the at-fault party's insurance policy.

In Missouri, both pecuniary and nonpecuniary damages can be claimed. Pecuniary damages include tangible losses such as medical bills and lost wages, while nonpecuniary damages encompass pain and suffering or emotional distress. The intricacies of calculating nonpecuniary damages can pose challenges, given their subjective nature, which is why legal counsel is crucial in accurately assessing and asserting such claims.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

A driver may be liable for damages when their negligent actions cause a car accident. Negligence implies a failure to act with the level of care that a reasonably prudent person would have exercised under similar circumstances. Understanding the common causes linked to driver negligence can clarify when you may have a car accident claim.

It is crucial to note that negligence isn't always easy to prove. It often requires substantial evidence, such as witness testimonies or technical analyses, like accident reconstruction, to demonstrate a driver's failure to meet standard care expectations.

In addition to driver behavior, external factors such as poor road maintenance and inadequate signage can also play a significant role in accidents. These conditions can exacerbate common negligent behaviors like speeding or failing to yield, putting even cautious drivers at risk.

Common causes of car accidents linked to negligence or carelessness include:

• Distracted Driving. Distracted driving involves texting, talking on the phone, eating, or interacting with in-car technologies that divert attention from the road.
• Speeding. Exceeding the speed limit reduces a driver's ability to react quickly to road changes or hazards, increasing the likelihood of losing control and causing a crash.
• Driving Under the Influence. Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs significantly affects judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, leading to dangerous driving behaviors.
• Reckless Driving. This includes aggressive maneuvers like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and ignoring traffic signals, which can all result in accidents.
• Failure to Yield the Right of Way. Neglecting to yield when required can lead to collisions, particularly at intersections or when merging lanes.
• Drowsy Driving. Fatigue can impair concentration and reaction times, making staying alert and focused while driving more challenging.
• Failing to Adapt to Poor Weather Conditions. Negligence in adapting driving to weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can cause drivers to misjudge stopping distances or visibility, potentially leading to accidents.

Common Types of Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents have the potential to inflict severe physical and emotional trauma on those involved. The force of impact during a collision can result in catastrophic injuries, significantly altering a person’s life and ability to function. These injuries might require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. They may even cause long-term or even permanent disabilities, underlining the need for victims to explore their legal options for recovering compensation in the wake of a crash.

Understanding the different types of injuries resulting from a car accident is crucial for determining the appropriate medical response and legal action. The nature and severity of injuries often influence the level of compensation sought, encompassing immediate medical expenses and potential long-term care costs.

Mental health conditions stemming from accidents, such as anxiety or depression, often accompany physical injuries and are an essential consideration in comprehensive legal claims.

Common Car Accident Injuries Include:

• Whiplash. Whiplash involves soft tissue injuries in the neck resulting from the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head during a collision, especially in rear-end accidents. The sudden acceleration and deceleration can force the neck into extreme positions, causing muscles and ligaments to stretch and tear.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. They can occur when the brain is violently shaken inside the skull. The impact of a crash can cause the head to strike a hard surface, or a TBI might result from a rapid change in velocity.
• Fractures and Broken Bones. Collisions often result in fractures, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones, due to the immense force on the body. Bones may break from the direct impact with vehicle parts or during ejection from the car.
• Spinal Cord Injuries. Severe collisions can compress, fracture, or dislocate vertebrae, damaging the spinal cord. Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly impacting mobility and quality of life.
• Internal Injuries. The intense pressure or trauma during an accident can bruise or rupture organs, requiring urgent medical attention. Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, can be life-threatening and may not present immediate symptoms.
• Lacerations and Abrasions. Broken glass, sharp metal fragments, or being thrown against hard surfaces can cause cuts ranging from minor scrapes to deep wounds, potentially leading to significant blood loss or infection.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The shock and fear experienced during and after an accident can trigger emotional and psychological responses that may require treatment.

Recoverable Damages in a Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit

When pursuing a personal injury claim for car accident injuries, you can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, which aim to make you as “whole” as feasibly possible after a crash. Economic damages cover quantifiable financial losses incurred due to your injuries, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for the intangible losses that don’t have a specific monetary value, like your pain and suffering.

Understanding the full scope of recoverable damages means accurately assessing both current costs and future needs. This includes projected future medical expenses, ongoing therapy or rehabilitation, and adjustments to accommodate changes in lifestyle or ability to work. Legal counsel can guide you in collecting comprehensive documentation to substantiate these claims.

The outcome of a successful claim can significantly ease the financial burden of recovery, allowing victims to focus on healing rather than financial stress.

Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Can Work to Secure Maximum Compensation for All Economic and Non-Economic Damages, Including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Reduced earning potential
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits in Missouri

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit is generally five years from the accident date. Failing to bring your claim within this period typically results in the court dismissing your case, preventing you from recovering any damages.

Although five years is a long time, acting promptly can significantly enhance the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Early involvement allows for timely evidence gathering and witness interviews while details are still fresh, which can be pivotal in substantiating your claim.

It’s important to note that certain elements, such as claims for minors or municipal liability, might operate on different timelines. Consulting with a legal professional ensures all aspects of the statute are appropriately considered.

What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and even chaotic, especially if anyone has suffered serious injuries. You should still do everything you can to take specific steps to preserve evidence and protect your ability to recover compensation down the road.

Knowing what to do immediately after an accident in St. Louis can significantly affect your claim. Begin by ensuring the safety of everyone involved and, if possible, move vehicles out of the flow of traffic to prevent secondary accidents. Documenting the accident through photos and notes can serve as crucial evidence.

Another critical step involves notifying your insurance company promptly while being cautious about the information shared, as initial statements can affect the outcome of your insurance claim. Early on, consulting with a legal professional can help clarify the legalities involved and guide you through the process to maximize your compensation.

After a car crash, you should make every effort to:

• Check for Injuries & Call Emergency Services. Assess your condition and that of any passengers to determine if immediate medical attention is required. Contact emergency services to report the accident to the police and request an ambulance if necessary. If possible, move to a safe location and wait for first responders. Avoid moving anyone severely injured unless it's dangerous to leave them where they are.
• Wait for the Police. Do not leave the accident scene until a law enforcement officer arrives. The responding officer will document the scene by taking notes and photographs and speaking with all parties involved, including witnesses. They will use this information to create a police report that provides an official account of the accident, which can be valuable evidence when pursuing a personal injury claim. Request a copy of this police report for your records.
• Document the Scene. Use your phone to take photos or videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and visible injuries. Note the time, date, and weather conditions.
• Exchange Information. Obtain names, phone numbers, addresses, driver's license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details of all drivers involved in the collision. Limit unnecessary conversation and do not say anything that might imply fault or suggest your injuries are minor, as anything you say could be eventually used against you. Try to get the contact information for any witnesses, too.
• Seek Medical Attention. Prompt medical evaluation can uncover injuries that aren't immediately apparent, help prevent complications, and establish a medical record that can support your injury claim. If you feel fine, visit a healthcare provider to check for injuries. Follow all prescribed medical treatments and retain all related documents.
• Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer in St. Louis. Our team at Sedey Harper Westhoff is ready to help you understand your rights and legal options after you suffer injuries in a car crash. If the collision resulted from negligence, our St. Louis car accident attorneys can fight to get you just compensation.