St Louis Car Wreck Lawyer

Have you sustained serious car accident injuries due to someone else’s negligence?

At TorHoerman Law, we’re here for you if you need a St. Louis car accident attorney who can get you the compensation you deserve.

Since 2009, we’ve been the go-to St. Louis car accident law firm for individuals who were injured in car accidents.

Our firm has secured billions of dollars in settlements for clients in their motor vehicle accident claims.

Look no further for a firm that can get you the best possible results in your car accident claim.

Car Accident Expertise and Knowledge

With more than a decade of handling car accident claims, our firm has developed a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in car accident cases.

We know the local laws and regulations inside out, ensuring that your case is managed with the highest level of expertise.

Our in-depth knowledge of Missouri’s statutory deadlines and legal proceedings also enables us to ensure the prompt filing of your motor vehicle accident claim.

Successful Car Accident Case History

Our history is filled with successful outcomes for our clients.

We have secured substantial settlements and verdicts, ensuring that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

The testimonials from our satisfied clients reflect our dedication and effectiveness.

Car accidents in St. Louis and the rest of Missouri happen more frequently than most care to think of.

The statistics from recent years paint a sobering picture of the risks on our roads and the severe consequences that accidents can have.

Rising Fatalities

Between 2015 and 2017, the number of car accident fatalities in St. Louis increased each year, rising from 196 to 228.

This upward trend underscores the growing dangers on our roads and the critical need for effective legal representation to help victims and their families seek justice and compensation.

Serious Injuries

According to the most recent MoDOT St. Louis Crash Report, there were 1,380 reports of serious injuries due to car accidents in St. Louis.

This statistic reveals that nearly 28% of all car accidents in the city result in severe injuries.

These injuries can lead to long-term medical issues, significant financial burdens, and profound impacts on victims’ lives.

Leading Causes of Serious Injuries

Run-off-road collisions are the leading cause of serious injuries in St. Louis.

These types of accidents often result in severe outcomes due to the high speeds and potential for vehicles to collide with stationary objects.

Statewide Perspective

As of 2022, the five-year average for car accident fatalities in Missouri stood at around 948 deaths per year.

This statewide statistic provides context for the risks we face on our roads and the broader impact of car accidents across Missouri.

It also reinforces the importance of having a strong legal advocate to navigate the complexities of accident claims and ensure that victims receive the support and compensation they need.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and trying to recover.

This is why you need to hire an experienced attorney who can handle your car accident claim in St. Louis.

Navigating Legal Complexities

One of the primary roles of a St. Louis car accident lawyer is to navigate the legal complexities of your case.

We provide a thorough case evaluation to understand the specifics of your accident.

During the initial consultation, we listen to your account, gather preliminary information, and offer an honest assessment of your case’s potential.

This evaluation sets the foundation for the entire legal process.

Case Evaluation and Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is your opportunity to discuss the details of your accident with us.

We assess factors like the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the accident, and potential liability.

This meeting is crucial as it helps us determine the best course of action and whether your case has merit.

Evidence Gathering

Gathering and preserving evidence is a critical step in building a strong case.

Our team works diligently to collect all relevant evidence, including police reports, medical records, witness statements, and photographs from the accident scene.

We may also collaborate with accident reconstruction experts and other specialists to provide a comprehensive understanding of how the accident occurred and who is at fault.

Filing and Managing Claims

Filing a car accident claim involves extensive paperwork and procedural requirements.

Our team at TorHoerman Law handles the preparation and submission of all necessary documents, ensuring that everything is filed correctly and on time.

We manage the entire claims process, keeping you informed at every stage and addressing any questions or concerns you may have.

Negotiation and Settlement

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, which is why having a skilled negotiator on your side is essential.

Not only will an attorney represent you in negotiations but they can also maximize your potential car accident settlement payouts through accurate calculations of your damages.

We engage in negotiations with the insurance companies, advocating for a fair settlement that covers all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our goal is to reach a settlement that fully compensates you for your losses.

Trial Preparation and Representation

While many car accident cases are settled out of court, some may require going to trial.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we prepare your case for court meticulously.

This involves gathering additional evidence, preparing witnesses, and crafting compelling arguments.

We represent you in court, presenting your case to the judge and jury, and fighting tirelessly to secure a favorable verdict.

Support and Guidance Throughout the Process

Beyond the legal tasks, we provide ongoing support and guidance.

We understand that a car accident can be a traumatic experience, and our team is here to help you through the emotional and logistical challenges.

From answering your questions to keeping you updated on your case’s progress, we are committed to being a reliable and supportive presence throughout your journey.

The car accident claims process can vary from one person to the next.

The car accident lawsuit process typically begins with an initial consultation with a St. Louis car accident lawyer and culminates in the awarding of a settlement.

Steps of the claims process includes:

1. Initial consultation
2. Investigation and evidence collection
3. Filing your claim within statutory deadlines
4. Negotiation and settlement
5. Trial presentation and representation

1. Initial Consultation

The process starts with an initial consultation.

This meeting is your chance to discuss the details of your accident with us.

This consultation helps us understand your case’s specifics and determine the best course of action.

We’ll also explain the legal process, answer your questions, and provide an honest assessment of your case’s potential.

2. Investigation and Evidence Collection

Once we take on your case, the next step is a thorough investigation.

We gather various types of evidence to build a strong foundation for your claim.

Types of evidence includes:

• Police Reports: Official records of the accident.
• Medical Records: Documentation of your injuries and treatment.
• Witness Statements: Accounts from those who saw the accident.
• Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence from the accident scene.
• Expert Analysis: Collaboration with accident reconstruction experts to understand how the accident occurred and establish liability.

Preserving evidence is crucial, as it supports your claim and helps establish fault.

3. Filing Your Claim Within Statutory Deadlines

With the evidence in hand, we prepare and file your car accident claim.

This involves drafting and submitting all necessary legal documents to the appropriate parties, such as insurance companies and, if needed, the court.

Proper and timely filing is essential to avoid delays and ensure that your case proceeds smoothly.

4. Negotiation and Settlement

Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts.

Our role as your motor vehicle accident lawyers is to negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement.

We use our extensive experience and understanding of the law to counter lowball offers and push for compensation that adequately covers your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

The negotiation process can involve back-and-forth discussions, but our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for you without the need for a lengthy court battle.

5. Trial Preparation and Representation

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial.

Preparing for trial is a meticulous process.

We gather additional evidence, prepare witnesses, and develop compelling arguments to present in court.

We represent you throughout the trial, advocating passionately on your behalf to secure a favorable verdict.

Our team is experienced in courtroom litigation and committed to achieving justice for our clients.

In Missouri, the concept of liability plays a significant role in deciding who is responsible for the damages and how compensation is distributed.

Determining liability involves proving that one party’s negligence directly caused the accident and the resulting injuries.

Determining Who’s the At-Fault Party

The first step in any car accident claim is determining fault.

Fault is established by examining the evidence related to the accident, such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and expert testimony.

In Missouri, the driver who is found to be negligent or at fault for causing the accident is typically held liable for the damages.

Driver negligence can include actions like speeding, running a red light, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.

Comparative Negligence

Missouri follows the doctrine of “pure comparative negligence.”

This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages.

Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, you would be entitled to recover $70,000 (which is 70% of the total damages).

This approach ensures that fault is fairly distributed and that victims can still receive compensation even if they share some responsibility for the accident.

Missouri Statutes and Regulations

Several statutes and regulations govern car accident cases in Missouri, providing the framework for how these cases are handled.

Understanding these laws is crucial for effectively navigating a car accident claim.

Regulations include:

• Statute of Limitations: In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to file within this period can result in losing your right to pursue compensation.
• Mandatory Reporting: Missouri law requires that car accidents resulting in injury, death, or property damage over a certain amount be reported to the local police or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
• Minimum Insurance Requirements: Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. This includes $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. Insurance must also cover $10,000 in property damage.

Role of a Car Wreck Lawyer in Establishing Liability

Under Missouri’s comparative negligence principle, proving that the other driver is fully at fault is essential to maximizing your settlement, which is why you need a St. Louis car accident lawyer to handle your case.

An attorney can leverage evidence and legal expertise to shift all liability to the at-fault driver.

You can claim the compensation you deserve without forfeiting any portion of it.

Prompt action can significantly impact the outcome of your case, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Preserving Crucial Evidence

Evidence is the cornerstone of any car accident claim.

The sooner you consult a lawyer, the quicker we can begin gathering and preserving critical evidence.

Evidence can be lost or become less reliable.

Handling Communications With Insurance Companies

Remember that the goal of insurance companies is to minimize the amount paid out in claims.

By consulting our car accident lawyers early, we can handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf.

This protects you from making statements that could be used against you and ensures that your interests are represented in all negotiations.

Meeting Statutory Deadlines

In Missouri, there are strict deadlines known as statutes of limitations for filing car accident claims.

You have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Failing to file within the statutory period can result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Here are some practical steps to take after you’ve been in a car accident.

1. Ensure Safety and Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the top priorities. Immediately after an accident, check yourself and any passengers for injuries.

If anyone is hurt, call 911 for medical assistance. If it’s safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid further collisions and turn on your hazard lights.

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor as soon as possible since some injuries may not be immediately apparent.

2. Call the Police

It’s crucial to have an official report of the accident.

Call the police to report the incident, and provide them with accurate and detailed information when they arrive.

Make sure to get a copy of the police report or instructions on how to obtain one later.

This report will serve as important evidence in your case.

3. Document the Accident Scene

Gathering information and evidence at the scene can strengthen your claim.

Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.

Collect contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved, including names, phone numbers, addresses, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Provide them with the details of the accident, but stick to the facts and avoid making statements that could be used against you later.

Follow their instructions and provide any requested documentation promptly to ensure a smooth claims process.

Seeking legal assistance early can protect your rights and help you navigate the claims process.

When seeking legal representation, you need more than a car accident attorney.

You need seasoned St. Louis car accident attorneys with a proven track record and years of experience in car accident cases.

That’s where our car accident lawyers at TorHoerman Law come in.

If you’ve been in a car accident, we’re here for you.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you’re eligible for a car accident claim instantly.