St. Louis Personal Injury Attorneys
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Speeding accidents in St. Louis and St. Louis County can lead to serious injuries and financial stress. When someone else’s reckless driving causes harm, it is important that we understand our rights and what steps we can take next. The costs after a car crash go beyond medical bills, often affecting our ability to work and support our families.
We know how overwhelming it can be to face these challenges while trying to recover. That’s why seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals is crucial. Our team is dedicated to helping victims hold negligent drivers accountable and find a path forward, ensuring that those impacted by speeding accidents receive the support and answers they need.
If we’re in a car or truck accident on roads like I-70, acting quickly is important. The first action we need to take is to call 911. If we are unable to do so, we should ask anyone nearby for help. Reporting collisions is required by Missouri law when there are injuries, deaths, or property damage over $500. Leaving the scene without reporting is considered a hit and run, which is illegal.
After the authorities arrive, we should request a copy of the official crash report. It’s also important to gather contact and insurance information from everyone involved in the accident. If the other driver may have been driving under the influence (DUI or DWI), driving while suspended, or there is suspicion of a defective product or non-moving violation, we need to note those details.
Keeping our records in order can make a big difference, especially if we need to file a claim or prove fault. We should not discuss the accident in detail with the other driver or admit fault. Our main focus must be on safety, documentation, and following the law. For more information on cases involving collisions and coverage, see related legal discussions.
Speeding can result in serious car accidents, causing a range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries from speeding crashes are broken bones, burns, and back injuries. More severe outcomes, like traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage, spinal cord injuries, and even paralysis, can happen as well.
When we get speeding tickets or other traffic violations, like St. Louis speeding tickets, it can hurt our driving record. This often leads to higher insurance rates and extra costs. Sometimes, dealing with a traffic ticket means needing help from a professional, especially if we receive a St. Louis traffic ticket.
Common Consequences Table
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Physical Injuries | Broken bones, burns, back injuries |
| Severe Injuries | Brain/spinal cord injury, paralysis |
| Financial Costs | Higher insurance, fines, legal fees |
| Driving Record Damage | Points, higher risk label |
Staying aware of these outcomes can help us make safer choices and avoid the stress that comes with speeding citations and accidents.
When we look at the money we might get from a speeding accident settlement, we need to add up the different types of compensation. This includes both the bills we must pay and the changes accident injuries cause in our lives. Below is a list of common losses we can claim in these situations:
Many people do not realize that settlements can cover pain, stress, and loss of enjoyment of life, not just the damage we can see or add up with receipts. The amount we receive depends on how serious our injuries are, how long it takes to get better, and how much the accident affects our routine.
| Total Damages | Your Percentage of Fault | Settlement You Receive |
|---|---|---|
| $10,000 | 0% | $10,000 |
| $10,000 | 15% | $8,500 |
| $10,000 | 30% | $7,000 |
This table shows how, under Missouri’s pure comparative fault rules, our share of the blame will lower the amount we can collect. For example, if we are 15% at fault, we get 15% less than our total damages.
If we only have minor injuries or heal quickly, our settlement will likely be lower. High settlement amounts are usually reserved for severe injuries and long recovery times. But even if the injury is small, we can still seek recovery for the costs and effects from the accident. For more information about personal injury settlements and laws, we can check this resource about accident law.
When we are injured by a speeding driver, we may have the option to take legal action against them instead of just relying on an insurance claim. This process involves different steps and is usually more complicated than dealing with insurance alone. Filing a lawsuit means we must have clear and convincing proof showing that the other driver’s actions were negligent and led to our harm.
To build a strong case, we should collect as much evidence as possible. Useful proof can include:
Deadlines Matter:
There is a five-year time limit in Missouri for starting a lawsuit connected to a car crash. If we wait too long and miss this deadline, we lose our chance to sue.
| Lawsuit Step | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Deposition | Answer questions under oath |
| Mediation | Try to resolve before trial |
| Medical Exam | Evaluated by their doctor |
Sometimes, claims settle before trial. But if not, a jury will review all the details and decide if and how much compensation we should get. Because gathering evidence and following deadlines is crucial, we must organize and act quickly when seeking legal action against a speeding driver for negligence and liability.
When dealing with a speeding accident, many people stress about the price of hiring a lawyer. We understand that medical costs and financial worries can make it difficult to consider legal help. That’s why we provide the first case evaluation for free, giving you a chance to talk with us about the details of your accident and your proof of insurance without worrying about extra costs.
We do not charge upfront fees or retainers. Our legal services use a contingency fee setup. This means you only pay us if you receive a settlement or win at trial. Our fee is a set percentage of the amount you are awarded, which we agree on before taking your case. Here are the main fee highlights:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Free |
| Upfront Fees | None |
| Payment Type | Contingency (you only pay if you win) |
If no compensation is obtained, there is no fee owed by you. This approach lets you seek justice without extra financial pressure.
When you meet with us, bring your proof of insurance and other accident details so we can give you the best advice. For more information on how lawyers charge, visit this guide on car accident lawyer fees.
Many people wonder if hiring an attorney is necessary after a speeding accident. If you suffered injuries and expensive medical bills, having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference. We understand how stressful it is to manage your recovery, bills, and a legal case at the same time.
Here are a few reasons to work with us:
| What We Do | How It Helps You |
|---|---|
| Collect evidence | Builds a stronger case |
| File paperwork on time | Avoids missed deadlines |
| Negotiate with insurers | Aims for fair compensation |
If you need support, we are here to stand by your side.
When a loved one loses their life because of a speeding driver, we may have the right to bring a wrongful death claim. This type of case is available to immediate family members, such as a spouse, child, grandchild, or parent. If there are no surviving immediate relatives, a sibling could file instead.
If we decide to move forward with this legal process, we can try to recover many types of damages, such as:
| Type of Loss | Examples |
|---|---|
| Funeral and Burial Expenses | Costs for burial, services, and arrangements |
| Medical Costs | Bills for hospital stays or emergency care |
| Lost Income and Benefits | Wages and benefits the person would have earned |
| Pain and Suffering | The suffering our loved one experienced |
| Value of Lost Services | Companionship, support, and guidance |
It is important to know that Missouri law sets a limit on some damages in these cases. While medical bills can be fully claimed, amounts for pain, suffering, and similar non-economic losses are capped at $350,000.
We also need to act within a certain period. Missouri law gives us three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. This time limit is strict, so it is important for us to take action as soon as possible if we plan to hold the speeding driver accountable.
If you’ve been hurt in a speeding accident, reaching out to our team can make a difference. We are ready to handle both minor and major cases, using our skills to stand up for your interests.
Why Choose Us?
Next Steps
Call us to arrange your first meeting and discuss your options.
After a speeding accident, it's important to check for injuries and call 911 if needed. We should move to a safe spot if possible and wait for police to arrive. Getting contact and insurance details from everyone involved, along with taking photos of the vehicles and the scene, helps. It's also helpful to speak with witnesses and collect their information. We should get a copy of the police report and contact our insurance provider.
Missouri uses a "comparative fault" rule. This means each driver’s actions are reviewed to see who was responsible and by how much. The insurance companies and sometimes the courts look at crash reports, statements, and physical evidence. The amount we can recover may depend on our share of the blame.
If we are in a wreck caused by speeding, we may be able to claim costs for medical expenses, lost pay from missing work, repairs to our vehicle, and pain and suffering. In some cases, extra damages could be available if the at-fault driver behaved especially recklessly. Possible types of compensation: Type of Compensation Examples Medical costs Doctor visits, surgery, therapy Lost wages Missed work, lost earning ability Property damage Car repair or replacement Pain and suffering Physical pain, emotional distress Punitive damages In rare, serious cases How Much Time Do We Have to Bring Legal Action After a Crash in St. Louis? In Missouri, the deadline, called the statute of limitations, is generally five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If we wait too long, we may lose the right to sue for our damages.
A local lawyer knows Missouri traffic laws and St. Louis court procedures well. We benefit from their understanding of regional rules and their connections with area experts and professionals. This can make our claim stronger and help us get fair compensation. Some legal issues, like use of traffic citations or accident evidence, often need the skills of local attorneys who deal with evidentiary issues in accident cases.
Several things affect a claim’s value: How serious our injuries are The cost of medical treatment Lost wages and time off work Damage to our vehicle Fault or responsibility split between drivers Insurance policy limits The more clear and complete our records and evidence, the higher the chance we have of getting maximum compensation.
