There are thousands of car accidents every year in St. Louis. Thankfully, some result in little to no damage. But many have deeply harmful effects for the people involved, who have to deal with damage to their vehicles or, worse, injuries to themselves or their loved ones. The medical bills and lost wages can add up quickly.
What can you do to protect and provide for yourself and your family after a car accident in St.
Louis?
You can contact St. Louis car accident lawyer Wolfgram & Associates for a consultation.
Our attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience in St. Louis and can make sure you and your family get what you deserve.
But when should you hire a lawyer? Let’s consult an expert, managing partner Kurt Wolfgram, a lifelong St. Louisan who’s been practicing law for 30 years.
You should hire a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident to get all the information you need,” Mr. Wolfgram said. “What should I do about my car?” Where should I go to get treated? for my injuries? These are things that Wolfgram & Associates’ attorneys handle frequently, and “We can use our expertise to help you and your loved ones.”
There is a sense of urgency in contacting a St. Louis car accident lawyer because some elements of your case might be time-sensitive.
“We might need to collect evidence,” Mr. Wolfgram said. “We like to say, ‘Cases are not like fine wine — they don’t get better with time.’ It’s important to begin the process as soon as possible. ” While there are cameras at many intersections, few are recorded. If there is a recording, you need to ask for it right away, or the evidence can be lost. The same is true of skid marks and witnesses; all evidence spoils over time. This is why, at Wolfgram & Associates, we work quickly to preserve the critical evidence needed to prove your case.
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Missouri?
There is no set average settlement for a car accident in Missouri because the amount of compensation you can receive is determined by a variety of factors, including the extent of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and the facts of your case. Some of the factors that can influence the amount of a Missouri car accident settlement include:
- Severity of your injuries
- Cost of medical care and rehabilitation
- Amount of wages and income lost
- Extent of property damage
- Each party’s degree of fault
- The responsible party’s insurance policy limits
In general, the more serious your injuries, the higher the settlement amount is likely to be. However, it’s important to keep in mind that every case is unique, and the specific settlement amount that you may receive will depend on the individual circumstances of your case.
It is also worth noting that settlement negotiations can be difficult and time-consuming to complete. A St. Louis car accident lawyer with a lot of experience can help you negotiate a fair settlement and get the money you deserve.
How long after an accident can you sue in Missouri?
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is generally 5 years. This means that you have 5 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and other damages. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there can be exceptions to this rule, such as if the injured person is a minor or if the defendant is a government entity, which may have different time limits for filing a lawsuit. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to consult with a St. Louis car accident lawyer to understand your rights and the specific deadlines that apply to your case.
Note: The Missouri Legislature is working right now to shorten the time for all lawsuits. While cases that occur before the change of law will not be effective, you need to consult a lawyer with Wolfgram & Associates to make sure you know how long you have to pursue your legal rights.
Should I hire a St. Louis car accident lawyer for a minor accident?
Several factors determine whether or not you should retain a St. Louis car accident lawyer for a minor accident. Here are a few things to think about:
- Injury severity:You might not need legal representation if you only have minor injuries, like cuts, bruises, or sprains. However, it is advisable to seek legal counsel if you sustained more severe wounds, such as broken bones, head trauma, or internal wounds.
- Responsibility for the accident: You might not need a lawyer if it is obvious that you were not responsible for the accident. However, it is a good idea to have a lawyer review your case if liability is unclear or if the other driver was at fault.
- Insurance: If the other driver had insurance, you might be able to negotiate a direct settlement with their insurance provider. However, a lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation from additional sources, such as your own insurance policy or through litigation, if their insurance coverage is limited or they are not insured.
- Case complexity: It is best to have a lawyer handle your case if there are numerous parties involved, complicated legal or factual issues, or if there is a dispute over fault or the amount of damages.
In general, even in the case of a minor accident, hiring a St. Louis car accident lawyer can be beneficial in ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages. A lawyer can also take care of the paperwork, deal with the insurance companies, and, if necessary, represent you in court.
Is Missouri an at-fault state for car accidents?
Yes, Missouri is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the person responsible for the accident must compensate the victims for their injuries and other damages. In Missouri, the person found to be at fault for the accident is liable for all medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other costs incurred as a result of the accident.
While the negligent person remains liable, their insurance company will cover your damages up to the maximum limits of insurance. In addition to the other driver’s insurance, we check our clients’ policies to see if there is any additional coverage, such as underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage.We also look for household family members to see if there is any additional coverage. There are prerequisites to obtaining other insurance; make sure you consult the lawyers at Wolfgram & Associates to make sure your case is set up properly. Do not settle with an at-fault party without seeking legal advice. You don’t want to miss out on additional coverage.
If you are not at fault in a car accident in Missouri, you can seek compensation from the responsible party or their insurance company. If you are found to be at fault for the accident, your own insurance policy may cover the damages caused by the other driver. It is a good idea to speak with an attorney about your rights and options for pursuing compensation after a Missouri car accident.
Conclusion:
You might think all of this sounds expensive. But Wolfgram & Associates fees only apply after a
victory. If you don’t win, you owe nothing.
“Talking to one of our Wolfgram & Associates lawyers is totally free,” Mr. Wolfgram said. “You will never pay a dime in fees unless we win.”
“We will never ask you for a check; we will only hand you a check.”
To find out the next steps in your car accident case, contact Wolfgram and Associates today at
wolfgramlaw.com, by calling (314) 361-2700, or by texting (314) 366-9510.
