Florissant Car Accident Lawyer

Whenever a crash causes an injury or a fatality, it changes the victim’s lives forever, and the lives of their loved ones. It can cause tremendous economic hardship as well as pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Missouri law says those responsible for auto accidents should be held liable for resulting losses, but it is up to those victims to pursue a claim for justice. 

A Florissant personal injury lawyer from Drafahl Law Firm is here to help. We have a long track record of successfully representing clients after collisions and we will fight for you to be “made whole.” We’ll also charge legal fees only if we win. Give us a call today at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and learn more. 

Why Choose Our Florissant Car Accident Attorneys To Help You 

Car accidents are far too common and the results of these crashes are often life-changing or even fatal. There were 1,057 persons killed in traffic crashes in the State of Missouri in 2022, for example, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Finding the right car accident attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case, as many insurers aim to pay as little as possible to crash victims who have suffered harm. Drafahl Law Firm isn’t afraid to stand up to big insurance companies and we have the experience and skill needed to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. 

Some of the many reasons why our firm is the one you should trust when you need a Florissant car accident attorney include the following: 

• Our extensive car accident experience. In just the last few years alone, we’ve helped clients recover millions in car accident claims including a $1.3 million verdict in a disputed liability school bus case and $1.75 million in a claim where a car crash resulted in a traumatic brain injury. 
• Our commitment to going the extra mile. Clients have praised our team for representing “what attorneys should be,” and for doing more than they expected to help them throughout their car accident case. 
• Our negotiation and litigation experience. As members of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA), the American Association for Justice, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocate Forum, we have the proven track record of success that you need to feel confident in our ability to represent you inside and outside of court. 

You can count on our firm to bring our knowledge and skill to your case, so you stand the best chance of getting the justice you deserve. On the other hand, if you were driving a car, but were hit by a negligent truck driver, contact a truck accident attorney in Florissant to get the justice you deserve.

Awards & Memberships

How An Attorney Can Help You Get Compensation After Your Auto Accident 

After a car accident, there are many steps that should be taken to maximize your chances of a successful outcome. Drafahl Law Firm can help with all of them. Some of the many services our firm offers include:

• Identifying who is responsible for the crash, including other drivers, their employers, vehicle manufacturers, or those who played a role in the design or maintenance of roads that led to a collision. 
• Building a strong case, including gathering evidence, finding expert witnesses, and proving the extent of your loss with pain diaries and medical records. 
• Negotiating a settlement or pursuing a court verdict, depending on what approach allows you to recover the appropriate compensation for injuries (head trauma, broken bones, etc…) and damages with the minimum of time and stress. 

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Liability in Florissant Car Accident Claims

Liability means figuring out who is legally at fault for a car accident and, as a result, responsible for covering financial losses for the harm caused. Proving who should pay is an important part of any car accident claim, whether you were hit as a driver, passenger, or even while walking. To prove who is responsible, you must establish the following elements: 

Showing a Duty to Drive Safely 

Every driver on the road has a responsibility to follow traffic laws and operate their vehicle with care. You first have to show that the other driver owed this “duty of care” to you at the time of the crash – something that is nearly always true on public roads.

Documenting What Went Wrong 

Next, you have to point out what the at-fault driver did wrong. This could be running a red light, speeding, following too closely, or making some other type of reckless move behind the wheel. Collecting evidence is important – photos of the vehicles and the scene, traffic camera footage, statements from people who saw the crash, and information from police reports can all help support your version of events.

Linking Their Actions to Your Injuries 

You must also prove that the other driver’s mistake directly led to your injuries. Medical records, a clear timeline of events, and expert testimony help connect your harm to the accident, ruling out unrelated factors or older injuries.

Showing You Suffered Actual Losses 

Finally, you need to detail your losses, such as medical bills, repair costs, or missed work, so it’s clear what the crash has cost you. Saving all paperwork and documentation will make this step a lot easier.

Holding the right party accountable in a car accident claim is not always clear-cut, so having legal guidance along the way can reduce stress and give you a stronger claim.

Cost to Hire an Attorney For a Car Accident in Florissant

If you’re thinking about hiring a lawyer after a car accident in Florissant, understanding the cost is important, especially when you’re already worried about medical bills or lost wages. Most personal injury attorneys, including our firm, use what’s called a contingency fee arrangement. 

A contingency fee means your lawyer’s payment is based on how much money they recover for you, rather than billing by the hour. Instead of paying out of pocket up front, your attorney takes an agreed percentage of your settlement or award if your case is successful. 

Typical Percentages 

Most attorneys charge somewhere between 33% and 40% of the total settlement or amount awarded. The exact percentage can depend on the lawyer, how complex your case is, and whether your claim settles before trial or goes to court. 

Other Costs That May Arise

Some expenses may come up during your case that aren’t part of attorney fees, such as fees for court filings, expert witnesses, or obtaining medical records. Most lawyers will pay for these up front and then collect reimbursement from the final settlement. Make sure you ask which costs are your responsibility and when they’re due.

Benefits of Contingency Fee Agreements 

Some of the primary benefits of this type of agreement include:

• A contingency fee arrangement can make it easier for accident victims to get legal help, even if money is tight after a crash.
• Because your attorney’s payment is tied to the money they recover for you, they are motivated to work hard to recover as much as possible.
• This type of fee structure helps equalize the playing field, giving regular people the chance to stand up to insurance companies or large businesses.

Contingency fees open the door to legal representation for many who otherwise could never afford to hire an attorney after a car accident.

Factors Affecting Settlement Values in Florissant Car Accidents

The amount you might get in a car accident settlement in Florissant is different for every case – there’s no average amount that you should expect to receive. Some of the most important factors that play a role in these cases include: 

Severity of Your Injuries 

The extent and type of injuries you suffer are often the biggest factors in your settlement. More serious or long-lasting injuries usually mean greater medical bills, longer recovery time, and more pain and suffering. This should lead to higher payouts.

Lost Wages and Impact on Your Job 

If you’ve had to miss work because of your injuries or can’t do your job like you did before, that loss has to be factored into your settlement. Sometimes an injury can leave you unable to earn as much over the long term, not just in the weeks after the crash. Proof like pay stubs or a letter from your employer helps capture these losses.

Fault and Responsibility 

Who caused the accident, and how easy it is to prove it, impacts your case. If responsibility is clear, insurance companies may be more willing to pay out fairly. If there is any argument that you share some blame for the events, it could reduce your settlement or slow down negotiations.

In Missouri, car accident claims are governed by pure comparative negligence. 

537.765.  Contributory fault as complete bar to plaintiff’s recovery abolished — doctrine of comparative fault to apply — fault of plaintiff an affirmative defense to diminish damages — fault defined. — 1.  Contributory fault, as a complete bar to plaintiff’s recovery in a products liability claim, is abolished.  The doctrine of pure comparative fault shall apply to products liability claims as provided in this section.

  2.  Defendant may plead and prove the fault of the plaintiff as an affirmative defense.  Any fault chargeable to the plaintiff shall diminish proportionately the amount awarded as compensatory damages but shall not bar recovery.

This means if you are partially responsible for the accident, you can still recover compensation but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

Available Insurance Limits 

The other driver’s insurance coverage – or your own, in some cases – sets limits for what can be collected. Even if your damages are significant, the available policy limits are the limit unless the at-fault driver has substantial personal assets and you file a lawsuit.

Pain, Suffering, and Other Personal Losses 

Not every loss comes with receipts. Damage to your peace of mind, enjoyment of life, or ability to participate in activities can also be included in a settlement. These damages are harder to put a price tag on, but documentation like therapy notes, journal entries, or statements from loved ones can be important. 

The best way to get an idea of what you could be entitled to is to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. 

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These are just some of the many ways in which Drafahl Law Firm will fight for you to get the compensation you need and deserve. Give us a call today at (314) 300-6260 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and find out more.