A car crash in St. Louis, Missouri, can turn a person’s live upside down in an instant. At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, our team has seen unexpected car wrecks leave victims with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and overwhelming financial burdens overnight.
For this reason, working with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer from our top-rated auto accident law firm is in your best interest.
Without the help of a knowledgeable attorney, most people find dealing with the complexities of insurance claims, proving liability, and dealing with opposing parties extremely challenging.
At our law firm, we understand the intricacies of Missouri’s car accident laws. Our top rated car accident attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri, are dedicated to helping victims fight for their rights by thoroughly investigating each case, gathering crucial evidence, and aggressively advocating for our clients to ensure they receive the maximum compensation possible.
Contact our legal team today for a free consultation by filling out our contact form or by calling our office at 314.207.9996. We are open now and are available 24/7 to help you understand your rights after a car accident in St. Louis, MO.
You can also visit our office in person, follow this link for directions to our St. Louis office located near me at 8770 Rose Ave, St. Louis, MO 63144.
Frequent Car Crash Injuries in St. Louis
Every year thousands of incidents involving car accident injuries are reported in the city of St. Louis. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis City consistently ranks among the highest in the state for traffic accidents.
The ambitious Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has prioritized reducing traffic-related fatalities through its Show-Me Zero initiative. They are aiming for no more than ZERO deaths by 2030.
In the first quarter of 2024, Missouri saw 196 fatalities, a 15% increase from the same period in 2023. While there was a decrease in the second quarter, with 216 fatalities reported, this is no doubt a very troubling statistic and far from goal of reaching zero.
If you look at the data, you can see that a ridiculously high number of fatalities are due to the simple failure to wear seatbelts. It is hard to imagine that in 2025 there are people not putting on their seatbelts when it is clearly a smart thing to do.
So, these statistics quickly paint a sobering picture of the risks drivers face everyday on the roads of St. Louis.
For example, imagine you are on I-64, coming home from an event at the Fabulous Fox, and suddenly you are sideswiped by a drunk driver merging on to the freeway.
Or possibly you are going downtown to meet some friends at Ballpark Village and you are t-boned on S. Broadway by a distracted driver who ran a red light.
It is in your best interest to consult with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer from Beck & Beck’s injury and accident law firm. By contacting us today you will find we are available 24/7 to assist.
The Main Reasons Car Accidents Happen
St. Louis, Missouri, has a higher-than-average rate of car accidents compared to other regions in the state. There are a a number of reasons this.
Driving With Excessive Speed – Speeding is Missouri’s leading cause of car accidents, and the St. Louis region is particularly affected. St. Louis ranks 4th highest among peer regions for fatal crashes involving speeding drivers.
To address this issue, the St. Louis Regional Safety Action Plan is being developed to implement measures to improve road safety and reduce speeding-related fatalities.
Distracted Driving – Driving while not paying full attention contributes to many of the crashes in the area.
In an effort to reduce the number of distracted driving incidents, Missouri has implemented the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law, which prohibits using handheld devices while driving.
Impaired and Drunk Driving – In Missouri, alcohol-related crashes are a serious concern, with hundreds of fatalities occurring annually as a result of impaired driving. The state’s efforts to curb this issue include stricter enforcement of DUI laws and public awareness campaigns are a start, but more work needs to be done.
Aggressive Driving – This includes behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and speeding, is a significant contributor to fatal car crashes in St. Louis. These obnoxious driving behaviors reduce the time available for all drivers to react to unexpected situations on the road.
Accidents Involving Young Drivers – Drivers aged 16-24, are disproportionately involved in vehicular crashes in Missouri. The inexperience and propensity for risk-taking among young drivers are two big reasons teens crash so much.
Road and Weather Conditions – Adverse and bad weather conditions like rain, snow, and ice naturally factor in to numerous accidents across the state.
If you are interested in finding out more about the leading causes of car accidents in Missouri, reach out to a skilled and experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at our law firm today.
Determining Fault in St. Louis Auto Accident Claims
Proving liability after a car crash is a critical aspect of any personal injury claim.
At its most basic, to establish liability in a car accident, you must show that the other party was negligent. But what is negligence? Negligence is when a driver fails to exercise reasonable care and injures someone as a result.
This could include speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield the right of way. Then there is what is called “the burden of proof”. Which means that the person who was injured must then provide evidence that the other driver was at fault.
Some of the ways Beck & Beck’s car accident law firm does that is by presenting evidence such as:
Police Reports: The reports from the St. Louis Police Department provide an official account of the accident and often include the officer’s opinion on fault. A police report can provide an objective account of the accident, often including details about who was cited for traffic violations.
Eyewitness Testimony: Witnesses who saw the accident can offer an unbiased account of the events leading up to the crash. The testimonies of these individuals can provide extremely helpful support for your claim.
Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence from the scene, including photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries, can be instrumental in bolstering your claim.
Traffic Camera Footage: If the accident occurred in an area with traffic cameras, this footage can provide clear evidence of how the accident happened and who was at fault.
Expert Analysis and Accident Reconstruction: In some cases, experts may be called upon to analyze the scene and provide an opinion on how the accident occurred and who was likely at fault.
Traffic Laws and Violations: Violations of traffic laws, such as driving the wrong way, or drag racing in a neighborhood while your friends video it, can indicate fault.
Driver Statements: And then of course, statements made by folks involved in the accident can provide valuable insights into how the crash occurred.
Insurance Investigations: Insurance companies in Missouri conduct their own investigations as part of the claims process. But make no mistake, their goal is often to minimize payouts, so having an experienced attorney to advocate for you should be a priority.
When You Are Being Accused of Causing the Car Crash
If you’re being accused by the other driver of contributing to the crash, gathering evidence demonstrating your lack of fault is in your best interest. the legal team at Beck & Beck’s accident and injury law firm will help with this. You will want to:
- Showing Compliance with Traffic Laws: Demonstrating that you were not breaking any laws when the auto accident injury occurred can help refute negligence claims.
- Presenting Contradictory Evidence: Providing evidence that nullifies the other party’s claims, such as witness statements or video footage, is extremely effective.
- Proving Shared Fault: Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, so even if you are partially at fault, you may still seek financial compensation. However, the amount you contributed to the crash will be reflected proportionally in your settlement.
If you have been involved in a collision, it is wise to seek legal representation from a skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyer. At Beck & Beck, for many reasons, we don’t advise you try to represent yourself. Consult with an attorney from our law firm, we can make a major difference in the outcome of your case.
How Will Missouri’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affect My St. Louis Car Accident Claim?
Missouri operates as an “at-fault” state regarding car accidents, meaning that the party responsible for causing the accident is also liable for the resulting damages. However, determining fault isn’t always straightforward, especially when multiple parties may share some responsibility for the collision. This is where Missouri’s comparative negligence rule comes into play.
A Deeper Look into Comparative Negligence in Missouri
Missouri follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule, allowing accident victims to recover damages even if they are partially at fault. Under this rule, the compensation you can receive is reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you. For instance, if you are found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by 30%.
This means that even if you played a role in causing the accident, you can still recover a portion of your damages, but your share of the fault will limit your recovery. This principle is detailed in Missouri Revised Statutes Section 537.765, which governs how comparative negligence is applied in civil cases.
Missouri’s Comparative Negligence Rule in Practice
Missouri’s comparative negligence rule is particularly important when multiple parties are involved in a car accident. Insurance companies and courts will evaluate the evidence to determine each party’s degree of fault. This assessment directly impacts the amount of compensation each party is entitled to receive.
For example, if you’re involved in a car accident in St. Louis and the investigation reveals you were speeding. At the same time, the other driver ran a red light, and both parties might share responsibility for the crash. If the court determines that you were 20% at fault and the other driver was 80% at fault, you would still be eligible to recover 80% of your total damages.
Missouri Section 537.067 governs the application of comparative negligence. This section outlines how fault is apportioned among the parties involved in a lawsuit.
The Impact on Your Accident Claim
Understanding how Missouri’s comparative negligence rule works is crucial when pursuing a car accident claim. It can affect your strategy when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court. If you’re partially at fault, it’s essential to have strong evidence limiting your blame percentage to maximize your potential compensation.
Ultimately, Missouri’s comparative negligence rule ensures that fault is fairly distributed, allowing you to recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the accident. However, the amount you can recover will be directly influenced by the degree of fault assigned to you. Therefore, working with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate this complex area of law and advocate for the best possible outcome in your case is crucial.
To learn more about Missouri’s comparative negligence rule, schedule a consultation with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer from our firm today.
What Types of Car Accidents Does Your Law Firm Handle?
At Beck & Beck’s car accident law firm we handle all types of Missouri car accidents, we specialize in:
- Head-On Collisions
- Rear-End Collisions:
- Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Drunk Driver Accidents
- Uninsured Driver Accidents
- Lyft Accidents and Uber Accidents
- Out-of-State Car Accidents
- Rental Car Accidents
- Wrong-Way Accidents
- Rollover Accidents
- Stolen Car Accidents
Damages You Can Recover
In a St. Louis auto accident lawsuit, you can seek compensation for various damages associated with the accident. These are generally categorized into two main groups: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages are quantifiable losses with clear financial records to support the claim. They include:
- Medical Expenses: Covers past, present, and future medical costs related to your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Compensates for income lost due to your inability to work while recovering from your injuries. This may include lost wages, bonuses, and commissions.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries permanently impact your ability to work and earn a living, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost wages.
- Property Damage: It covers repairing or replacing your vehicle or other damaged personal belongings.
Non-economic damages are subjective losses that can be more challenging to quantify. They include:
- Pain and Suffering: This encompasses the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured as a result of the accident.
- Mental Anguish: Covers emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and other psychological effects of the accident.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to the loss of companionship, love, and intimacy due to your injuries.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for emotional and psychological distress caused by visible scars or permanent physical deformities.
Should I Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney or Can I Handle The Claim On My Own?
Insurance companies are profit-driven businesses whose primary goal is to minimize payouts. Handling a car accident claim alone can be overwhelming, and you may not know all the compensation you deserve.
An experienced legal representative can negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring you receive a fair settlement covering your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Hiring an attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here’s why:
Local Expertise:
Unlike some firms that market their services in St. Louis from other parts of Missouri, our law firm is physically located in St. Louis. Our intimate knowledge of the local legal landscape gives us an edge in handling your case effectively.
Direct Communication:
At our firm, you will communicate directly with attorneys John and Paul Beck, not a junior legal assistant. This ensures you receive personalized attention and expert legal advice throughout your case.
Protection of Rights:
An attorney will protect your rights and interests, preventing insurance companies from taking advantage of you.
Specialization in Motor Vehicle Accidents:
Our firm specializes in motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, truck accidents, and motorcycle accidents. We have the expertise to handle even the most complex cases.
In St. Louis, car accidents can impact your life in various ways. You might suffer from physical injuries, emotional trauma, loss of income, and more. Our knowledgeable legal team understands these challenges and are committed to helping you through this difficult time.
What Type of Settlement Can I Expect For My St. Louis Auto Accident Claim?
Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Every car accident case is unique, with various factors influencing its potential value. Here are some key considerations:
Severity of Injuries: The extent and seriousness of your injuries significantly impact the value of your claim. More severe and long-lasting injuries typically result in higher compensation.
Current and Future Medical Costs: Current and anticipated future medical costs associated with your injuries play a significant role.
Income Lost Because You Were Unable to Work: The amount of income lost due to your inability to work is a factor in determining the value of your claim.
The Impact The Injuries Have on Your Daily Life: If your injuries limit your daily activities, ability to work, or overall quality of life, it strengthens your case.
The At-Fault Party’s Insurance Coverage: The at-fault party’s insurance policy limits can influence the final settlement amount.
Important Evidence and Proving Liability: Establishing a clear case for the other driver’s negligence strengthens your claim.
Whether Or Not You Share Fault For the Accident: Missouri’s comparative negligence law can affect the value of your case if you share some fault for the accident.
To learn more about the value of your car crash claim, reach out to our knowledgeable legal team. We can assess the specifics of your case and provide a more personalized estimate of your potential compensation.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri, is undergoing several significant road projects to improve infrastructure and enhance transportation throughout the city. These projects include extensive roadwork in various areas essential for the city’s growth and development. The Missouri Department of Transportation also provided a comprehensive overview of these North St. Louis County projects.
While these projects are undoubtedly beneficial for St. Louis, they also increase traffic and congestion on the roadways. With more vehicles on the road and frequent changes in traffic patterns due to construction, the likelihood of car accidents rises significantly, that’s why drivers must remain vigilant and cautious to navigate the potential hazards effectively.
If you have been in a car wreck in St. Louis, Missouri, there are a number of helpful resources available in the community.
- Wicke Auto – Offering a wide range of auto repair services Wicke can help out if you need to get your car fixed.
- STL Auto Care – The technicians here can take care of any repair services you need. They are located at 8500 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO, 63123.
- Benchmark Auto Repair – The team here has experienced mechanics, competitive pricing and offers complete repair services. They are located at 2233 Mccausland Avenue.
- Master Auto Repair of Webster – This shop offers services such as brake repair, tire repair, oil changes, wheel alignments, and more. You can find them at 8216 Watson Road, St Louis, MO, 63119.
Contact Our Top-Rated St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers Today
When you’ve been hurt in an auto accident in St. Louis, Missouri, the last thing you should have to worry about is haggling with the insurance company. Let our accomplished legal team handle your financial recovery efforts, so you can focus on recovering physically. We’ll do everything from A to Z.
Don’t have health insurance and weren’t able to get the medical care you need for your car accident injuries? We can connect you with a doctor who can help. Not sure your case has the evidence it needs? We’ll gather supporting documentation to prove your injuries.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial hardships car accidents can cause. We are committed to providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
We believe in holding negligent parties accountable and getting clients the necessary resources to move forward. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, review your case, and guide you through the legal process.
Locations in and around St. Louis which our skilled legal team serves includes Florissant, Pine Lawn, Brentwood, Clifton Heights, Cheltenham, Carr Square, Columbus Square, Fountain Park, Kansas City, Missouri, Doniphan, Cape Girardeau, Independence, and more.
