St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys
Missouri Law Firm Fighting for Car Accident Victims
Were you seriously injured in a car accident 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 St. Louis car accident lawyers 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 cases. We are aggressive advocates and experienced litigators for all car accident cases including trucking accidents. who are prepared to go to court to get you what you deserve.
Our St. Louis car accident lawyers take these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we win. Schedule a consultation today by calling (314) 819-0963 or contacting us online.
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 certain steps to preserve evidence and protect your ability to recover compensation down the road.
After a car crash, you should make every effort to:
- Check for injuries and 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 a valuable piece of 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 any 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. Even if you feel fine, visit a healthcare provider to check for any injuries. Follow all prescribed medical treatments and retain all related documents.
- Speak to a personal injury lawyer. 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 was the result of negligence, our St. Louis car accident attorneys can fight to get you just compensation.
Don’t wait to discuss your case with our St. Louis car accident attorneys. Call g (314) 819-0963 or contact us online now!
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Car Accident Lawsuits
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Can I Represent Myself in a Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit?
While you can represent yourself in a car accident lawsuit, doing so can often be more disadvantageous than beneficial. Car accident cases involve complex legal standards, intricate procedures, and rigorous documentation requirements that can overwhelm those without a legal background.
Personal injury attorneys are well-versed in the nuances of these cases. They possess the skills to interpret legal jargon and meet specific court requirements and deadlines. Without this knowledge and experience, individuals might make costly errors, miss critical deadlines, or fail to adequately present evidence, potentially undermining their case. Furthermore, insurance companies often take advantage of unrepresented plaintiffs by offering lower settlements, knowing they lack the negotiation experience that seasoned attorneys bring to the table. By hiring a seasoned legal professional, plaintiffs may be more likely to achieve a fair compensation outcome and have the support needed to navigate the negotiation and litigation processes successfully.
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How Long Does a Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit Typically Take?
The duration of a car accident lawsuit in Missouri can vary greatly, often spanning from several months to a few years. Several factors influence the timeline, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, the severity of injuries, and the court's schedule.
Initially, a lawsuit involves stages like filing a complaint, discovery, negotiations, and potentially going to trial. Discovery, a critical phase where both sides gather and exchange information, can extend the timeline based on the volume of evidence and the number of witnesses. If the case reaches a settlement, this may occur relatively quickly. However, if it proceeds to trial, it can take significantly longer. Retaining an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate these processes efficiently.
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What If I Was Partially at Fault for a Missouri Car Accident?
If you are involved in a Missouri car accident where you may bear some responsibility, it is crucial to understand how the state's pure comparative negligence system impacts your ability to recover damages. Under this system, you can still seek compensation even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you can receive will be adjusted according to your degree of fault.
In practice, this means that if you are deemed to have contributed to the accident, the total damages you are awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if the court determines you are 30% at fault and awards $100,000 in damages, you would only receive $70,000, reflecting a deduction equivalent to your share of the liability.
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Will My Missouri Car Accident Case Go to Trial?Not necessarily. Whether a Missouri car accident case goes to trial largely depends on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and the decisions of the involved parties. While many personal injury claims are resolved through settlements before reaching a courtroom, certain cases may require a trial for a variety of reasons. Key factors that influence this outcome include the complexity of the case, the degree of fault disputed, the amount of damages claimed, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate. If an insurance company contests the claim or offers an unsatisfactory settlement, going to trial might be the best avenue for obtaining fair compensation.
- We investigate and evaluate your injury and the harm you have suffered.
- We negotiate a quick, fair settlement with the insurance company where possible.
- We work with your medical providers to develop a strong case of negligence.
- We take your case to court to get you the best result.
We Get Results!
Our clients say we are smart, hard-working, aggressive advocates, who will fight for your rights.
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"I have the utmost respect for Sedey Harper Westhoff."
They are a unique group of smart, talented, dedicated and passionate attorneys working together to represent their clients with the highest degree of legal expertise, and to make a positive difference in the world. Their work is unparalleled.
- Francine K. -
"The counsel that I received from Sedey Harper Westhoff during each phase of my discrimination and retaliation case was excellent."
The professionalism and knowledge exhibited, and the personal touch my family received, was comforting during a very difficult time in my life.
- Rickey D. -
"You don’t just get one attorney… you get an entire firm on your side. I can’t recommend them highly enough."
Their reputation with the court system and the opposing firm / defendant spoke volumes in getting this case to a winning settlement. Most importantly, they are real people in a sea of so many attorneys.
- Terry H.
Saint Louis, MO 63139 Map & Directions