If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Pine Lawn, Missouri, you’re likely facing medical bills, lost wages, and pressure from insurance companies while trying to recover from your injuries.
Finding the right car accident lawyer can make the difference between getting fair compensation and settling for far less than you deserve.
Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay you, so having experienced legal representation levels the playing field.
This article explains what our experienced Pine lawn car accident lawyers do, how we can help your case, and what you need to know about Missouri’s car accident laws.
We’ll cover the steps to take after an accident, how much your case might be worth, and how the legal process works so you can make informed decisions about your recovery.
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Have you been injured in a car accident in Pine Lawn, Missouri? Call (314) 207-9996 for a free case evaluation with our experienced Pine Lawn car accident attorneys now!
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How Beck & Beck Helps Car Accident Victims Get Fair Compensation
For more than 35+ years Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers has helped people injured in crashes get money from insurance companies and the drivers who caused their accidents.
When you’re hurt in a car wreck, our attorneys handle the legal work so you can focus on getting better.
Attorneys Paul Beck and John Beck focus only on auto accident cases in Missouri. We know Missouri car accident law inside and out because that’s all we do. Since 1990, our family-run firm has been dedicated to helping clients throughout the state recover fair compensation for their injuries.
When you work with Beck & Beck, you’re not just another case number. You’re our neighbor, and we treat you like family. We handle every detail of your legal case while you focus on healing from your injuries.
Here’s exactly how we help car accident victims:
- Free Case Review: We listen to what happened and tell you if you have a case, at no cost to you
- Evidence Collection: We gather police reports, witness statements, medical records, and photos from the crash scene
- Medical Care Coordination: We help you find doctors and make sure your injuries are properly documented
- Insurance Company Negotiations: We deal with adjusters so they can’t pressure you into accepting a low settlement
- Maximum Compensation Recovery: We fight to get you paid for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering
You don’t pay us anything unless we win money for you. That’s our promise to every client.
What You Should Do After a Car Accident
The moments after a car crash can feel overwhelming and confusing. What you do next can make a big difference in your ability to get compensation later.
Your safety comes first. If you can move safely, get out of traffic and call 911 right away. Missouri law says you must report any accident that causes injuries or property damage over $500.
At the accident scene, take these steps:
- Stay at the scene if it’s safe to do so
- Call 911 for police and medical help
- Get the other driver’s name, phone number, and insurance information
- Take pictures of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any visible injuries
- Ask witnesses for their contact information
- Don’t say you’re sorry or admit the accident was your fault
After you leave the scene:
- See a doctor even if you feel okay, as some injuries don’t show symptoms right away
- Call your insurance company to report the accident
- Keep all medical records, receipts, and paperwork related to the crash
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company until you talk to a lawyer
Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after an accident. They want to settle your claim for as little money as possible. Don’t let them pressure you into accepting their first offer.
What’s Your Pine Lawn Car Accident Case Worth?
There’s no standard amount that car accident cases are worth. Every case is different because every person’s injuries and losses are different. The value of your case depends on how the accident affected your life.
Missouri law lets you recover money for different types of damages. Damages are the legal term for losses you suffered because of the accident.
Economic damages are losses you can calculate with bills and receipts:
- Medical bills from emergency room visits, surgery, physical therapy, and future treatment
- Lost wages from time off work
- Reduced earning capacity if you can’t do your job the same way
- Property damage to repair or replace your vehicle
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate but just as real:
- Physical pain and suffering from your injuries
- Emotional distress and anxiety after the crash
- Permanent scars or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life if you can’t do activities you used to love
Punitive damages are extra money awarded to punish drivers who acted extremely recklessly. These are rare but possible in cases involving drunk driving or street racing.
Several factors affect how much your case is worth. More severe injuries typically mean higher settlements. Permanent disabilities or scars increase the value. Clear evidence that the other driver was at fault helps your case.
The at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits can also affect your recovery. If their policy doesn’t cover all your damages, an experienced attorney will look for other sources of compensation.
Do I Have to Pay Upfront for a Pine Lawn Car Accident Lawyer?
No, you don’t pay anything upfront to hire a car accident lawyer. Our experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyers work on what’s called a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee means we only get paid if we win money for you.
If we don’t recover compensation, you don’t owe us any attorney fees. This system lets anyone afford quality legal help, regardless of their financial situation.
When you win your case, our attorneys take a percentage of your settlement or court award as our fee. This percentage is typically between 33% and 40%, depending on how complex your case is and whether it goes to trial.
Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers also advances all the costs needed to build your case. We pay for expert witnesses, medical record copies, accident reconstruction, and court filing fees.
You don’t pay these costs back unless we win your case. This arrangement means our interests are aligned with yours. We’re motivated to get you the maximum possible compensation because that’s how we get paid too.
What Car Accident Laws Apply in Missouri?
Missouri has specific laws that affect your car accident claim. Understanding these rules helps you know what to expect and protects your rights to compensation.
Is Missouri a No-Fault State?
Missouri is not a no-fault state. It’s what lawyers call an “at-fault” or “tort” state. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages they caused.
In no-fault states, your own insurance pays your medical bills first, regardless of who caused the crash. In Missouri, you file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company to get compensation.
Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance. Missouri requires all drivers to carry liability insurance that covers bodily injury to others in the event of an accident. This coverage pays for injuries the driver causes to other people.
Many drivers only carry these minimum amounts, which may not be enough to cover serious injuries. An attorney can help identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.
Can You Still Recover Compensation If You’re Partially at Fault?
Yes, you can still get compensation even if you were partly to blame for the accident. Missouri follows a rule called pure comparative fault.
Pure comparative fault means your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover something even if you were mostly to blame. For example, if you were 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $70,000.
This rule is more favorable than many other states. Some states don’t let you recover anything if you’re 50% or more at fault for the accident.
Insurance companies often try to blame you for more of the accident than you deserve. They do this to reduce how much they have to pay. Having a lawyer protects you from these tactics.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Claim?
Missouri gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries. This time limit is called the statute of limitations.
Five years might seem like plenty of time, but you shouldn’t wait. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away or forget what they saw, and your memories of the accident fade. The sooner you start your claim, the stronger your case will be.
Insurance claims work differently than lawsuits. You should notify insurance companies about the accident as soon as possible, ideally within a few days. Your own insurance policy probably requires prompt notification.
If the accident involved a government vehicle or happened on government property, you may have much shorter deadlines to file a claim. Our experienced Pine Lawn car accident lawyers will make sure you meet all important deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims in Missouri
How much money can I get for my car accident injuries?
The amount depends on your specific injuries and how they’ve affected your life. Minor soft tissue injuries might result in settlements of a few thousand dollars, while serious injuries like broken bones or traumatic brain injuries can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
No, you should never accept the first offer from an insurance company. Their initial offers are typically much lower than what your case is actually worth, and they’re hoping you’ll take it before talking to a lawyer.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver has no insurance, our attorneys can help you use your own uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. You might also be able to sue the driver personally, though collecting money from uninsured drivers can be difficult.
How long does it take to settle a car accident case?
Simple cases with minor injuries might settle in a few months, while complex cases with serious injuries can take a year or more. The timeline depends on how long your medical treatment lasts and how cooperative the insurance company is.
What if I was hurt as a passenger in a car accident?
As a passenger, you’re rarely at fault for an accident. You can typically file a claim against the driver of the car you were in, the other driver involved, or both, depending on who caused the crash.
Skilled Car Accident Law Firm in Pine Lawn, Missouri
At our law firm, we are dedicated to helping Pine Lawn accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. As experienced Pine Lawn car accident lawyers, we handle every aspect of your case—from investigating the accident and negotiating with insurance companies to taking the case to court if needed.
With a focus on personalized support and proven results, we fight for maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.
In addition to Pine Lawn, we have helped auto accident injury victims in cities including St. Louis, Florissant, Kansas City, Cape Girardeau, Independence, Doniphan, Springfield, and more.
