A car accident lawyer in St. Louis investigates the crash, handles the insurance companies, calculates your losses, negotiates for compensation, and files a lawsuit when necessary.
Call our firm at (314) 300-6260 today.
A Lawyer Investigates What Happened
One of the first things a lawyer can do after a St. Louis car accident is gather and preserve evidence showing how the crash happened and who was responsible. Depending on the case, this may include:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Surveillance or dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage
- Medical records
- Electronic or phone records
Evidence can disappear quickly after a collision, so beginning the investigation early can make a difference.
A Lawyer Handles the Insurance Company
After a crash, insurance adjusters may ask for statements, medical records, or other information about your injuries. Your St. Louis injury lawyer can communicate with the insurers on your behalf and respond to requests related to the claim.
This also helps prevent you from accepting a settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses.
A Lawyer Determines What Your Claim Is Worth
A car accident claim can involve more than your immediate medical bills. An attorney can identify losses such as:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering (TBIs, spinal cord injuries, etc…)
- Other accident-related losses
The value of a claim depends on the injuries, available insurance, fault, and other facts unique to the crash.
A Lawyer Negotiates a Settlement
Once the evidence and damages are documented, your attorney can submit a demand to the insurance company and negotiate for a settlement. They can also evaluate an offer and explain whether it reasonably accounts for your current and anticipated losses.
A Lawyer Can File a Lawsuit
If the insurance company will not agree to an acceptable settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and continue pursuing the case through litigation.
Missouri generally provides a five-year limitations period for many personal injury actions, although exceptions and different deadlines can apply depending on the claim. While this sounds like a long time, waiting until the deadline approaches can create problems because evidence and witnesses may become harder to locate.
Do You Need a Lawyer After Every St. Louis Car Accident?
Not every minor collision requires an attorney. However, speaking with a lawyer may be particularly useful when you suffered significant injuries, fault is disputed, multiple vehicles were involved, the insurer denied or undervalued the claim, or you are unsure what your future medical needs will be.
How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in St. Louis?
Most St. Louis car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee, typically a percentage of the recovery. You pay no upfront costs and no fee at all unless the lawyer wins your case. Consultations are free.
Talk to a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
A St. Louis car accident lawyer can take over the legal and insurance aspects of your claim while you focus on your recovery.
If you were injured in a crash, contact our team today to schedule your free consultation.