Pine Lawn Car Accident Attorney

How Our Car Accident Lawyers in Pine Lawn Help You

For more than 35+ years our skilled attorneys have 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.

How Car Accidents Happen

Speeding

The St. Louis region ranks fourth highest among peer regions for fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Speeding reduces reaction times and significantly increases the severity of crashes, often leading to devastating injuries or fatalities.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of car accidents across Missouri and in Pine Lawn. Activities like texting, eating, and adjusting in-car settings divert attention from the road, creating dangerous situations.

Drunk Driving and Alcohol-Related Crashes

Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Missouri.

Aggressive Driving

Common forms of aggressive driving include speeding, tailgating, and erratic lane changes.

Young Drivers and Accident Risk

Inexperience, speeding, and distractions are common factors in these crashes. Parents and guardians should emphasize safe driving practices for teens and young adults.

Weather and Road Conditions

Driving too fast for road or weather conditions is another significant cause of accidents in Pine Lawn, Missouri.

Determining Fault in a Pine Lawn Car Accident Claim

Missouri courts rely on various pieces of evidence to determine which parties are liable for damages.

To determine fault, our experienced Pine Lawn car accident attorneys analyze police reports, witness statements, dashcam footage, photos, physical evidence from the scene, and work with medical experts and accident reconstruction experts.

Police Reports and Their Role

When law enforcement officers arrive at the scene, they conduct an investigation to document the details of the crash. These reports often include observations, diagrams, and statements from those involved.

While they provide critical insight, police reports are typically not admissible in court. However, they serve as a valuable starting point for an attorney to assess liability.

Traffic Violations and Driver Actions

Determining fault also involves evaluating whether any drivers violated traffic laws, such as speeding, improper lane changes, or failure to yield. Traffic violations often play a pivotal role in assigning responsibility, especially in multi-vehicle accidents.

Witness Statements and Impartial Accounts

Statements from third-party witnesses can be instrumental in understanding how the accident occurred. Unlike drivers, who may provide subjective accounts, witnesses offer unbiased perspectives that help reconstruct the event. 

When More Than One Person is Responsible For the Accident

Missouri operates under an “at-fault” system for car accidents. This means that the driver found responsible for causing the accident is liable for compensating the injured parties.

Missouri follows the doctrine of pure comparative negligence, which allocates fault among all parties involved in an accident. This rule, outlined in Missouri Revised Statutes Section 537.765, allows injured parties to recover damages even if they are partially responsible for the collision.

Under pure comparative negligence, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but are found 40% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced to $60,000.

Our award-winning Pine Lawn car accident lawyers will fight to make sure you are not unfairly assigned blame for the crash.

Joint and Several Liability

Missouri also has a joint and several liability law detailed in Missouri Section 537.067. This provision states that defendants who are 51% or more at fault for an injury are jointly and severally liable for the full amount of damages.

In contrast, defendants found less than 51% responsible are only liable for their proportionate share of the damages.

How Comparative Negligence Impacts Your Case

Even if you believe you share fault for an accident, Missouri’s pure comparative negligence rule ensures that you can still pursue compensation for your injuries. However, minimizing your assigned percentage of fault is crucial to maximizing your financial recovery.

How Much Money Can I Get For My Car Accident Claim in Pine Lawn, Missouri?

In Missouri, car accident settlements are calculated based on the specific damages a victim suffers. As a traditional “at-fault” state, Missouri allows you to seek compensation for all your damages from the party responsible for the accident.

With the help of our skilled Pine Lawn personal injury attorneys, you can pursue a settlement that includes economic damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

You may also be entitled to punitive damages if the responsible party’s actions were particularly reckless or intentional. Working with an experienced attorney can help ensure that you understand and receive all possible forms of compensation for your injuries and losses.

Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts

Several factors determine the value of your settlement, including:

• Medical Costs: Current and future expenses for treatment and rehabilitation, including surgery, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Time missed from work due to your injuries, which may also include loss of future earning capacity if your ability to work is permanently affected.
• Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or personal property, including rental car expenses while your vehicle is being repaired.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional hardship, which includes the toll the accident has taken on your mental well-being, quality of life, and future life expectations.

Evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, and photos, can strengthen your case. Additionally, Missouri’s comparative negligence law may impact your final settlement amount if you’re found partially at fault.

Pine Lawn, Missouri

If you’ve been in a car accident in Pine Lawn, Missouri, finding reliable auto repair services is crucial to restoring your vehicle and ensuring your safety. Here are some trusted resources for accident victims:

Brad’s Auto Service provides top-notch automotive repair and maintenance services. Known for their professionalism and expertise, they handle everything from routine maintenance to complex repairs, ensuring your car is back in peak condition.

KC Autoworx 39th is a full-service auto repair facility offering a range of services, including collision repair, engine diagnostics, and brake repairs. Their skilled technicians are equipped to address both minor and significant vehicle damage.

TMS Auto Repair is renowned for quality service and attention to detail. They specialize in various automotive needs, including accident damage repair, routine maintenance, and tire services, ensuring your vehicle is safe and reliable.

Mike’s Service Center provides dependable auto repair services with a focus on customer satisfaction. They offer repairs for collision-related damage, alignments, brake work, and more, making them a trusted choice for accident victims.

If you’re recovering from an accident, these resources can help get your vehicle back on the road. 

Skilled Auto Accident Law Firm in Pine Lawn, Missouri

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 to get you maximum financial compensation for all damages related to the crash. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward.

In addition to Pine Lawn, our legal team also serves St. Louis, Florissant, Kansas City, Cape Girardeau, Independence, Doniphan, Springfield, and more.