This website is dedicated to providing information regarding automobile accidents in the State of Missouri. The information contained on the site is designed to be informational only. If you have questions about an accident or injury please don't hesitate to contact our offices. We're located in St. Louis (Clayton), Missouri, but represent individuals throughout the state and nation.
Why should I hire a personal injury attorney?
We'll help you through an incredibly difficult situation. We'll make sure that we explore all sources of compensation and maximize your recovery. For example, if the negligent driver's automobile has state minimum coverage of $25,000 we'll determine whether there are other policies that can be stacked. We'll find out if there is any dram shop liability or other sources of liability coverage. We'll also use previous jury verdicts and settlements as precedent to ensure that you receive as much as possible. Your personal injury lawyer can't fix all of your problems, but can potentially make you whole financially.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer?
Consultations are free and representation is based on a contingent fee agreement. This means that you'll never pay anything out-of-pocket. We'll cover all costs and only keep a percentage (usually one-third) of any recovery. So if there is no recovery, you'll pay nothing.
What happens when I hire a personal injury lawyer?
When you hire a personal injury lawyer, we'll interview you and gather as much information from you as possible. After that, we'll work on your case while you focus on your physical recovery and other things that matter to you in life. Obtaining the financial compensation that you deserve usually involves a three-step process:
First, we gather as much information as possible. This includes interviewing you in person or over the phone, reviewing accident reports, interviewing law enforcement and other witnesses, contacting the other driver or his/her insurance company or attorney, obtaining and reviewing insurance policies, examining the vehicle if an auto part is suspected to have failed, obtaining your medical records and sometimes obtaining an expert opinion from a doctor. These are all things that we do so you can spend your time focusing on your recovery.
Second, we will put together a settlement demand with all necessary supporting documents. We'll include case law and statutory authority when necessary. We'll include citations to other similar verdicts and settlements, and then we will enter into settlement negotiations with the opposing driver's insurance company. It roughly half of our cases we're able to reach a favorable settlement prior to filing suit.
Finally, if settlement negotiations fail we will file a suit and present your case to a judge or jury. The decision as to whether to settle, and for how much, is entirely yours. We'll advise you, but won't make the decision for you. If the insurance company is only willing to offer you a low-ball settlement, you should let us present your case to a jury.
Remember, regardless of whether we reach a settlement before filing suit, or take the case to trial, there typically no difference in the amount of your legal fees. We'll only take a fee if we recover money for you.
