ST LOUIS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS

St. Louis Accident Statistics

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reports that 713 people have died so far in 2023 in traffic accidents throughout the state. In a recent year, more than 14,000 people were injured and 178 were killed in traffic accidents throughout St. Louis County and the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in St. Louis for traffic accident injuries and fatalities include:

• Jefferson Avenue and Interstate 44
• Grand Avenue and Interstate 70
• Interstate 70 and Salisbury Street
• Union Boulevard and Bircher Boulevard
• Interstate 64 and Kingshighway Boulevard

Several other roads and intersections were also cited as reporting a considerable number of traffic accidents, and in truth, you can get into a traffic accident virtually anywhere in the city. If a negligent driver caused a crash that injured you or someone you love in St. Louis, contact the Bruning Law Firm as soon as possible for a free consultation regarding your rights and options for pursuing compensation.

Common Injuries People Suffer in St. Louis

Accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the type and severity of the accident. Common injuries people may suffer in St. Louis accidents include:

• Cuts and Abrasions: Accidents can cause deep cuts or puncture wounds that require immediate medical attention.
• Sprains and Strains: These injuries involve the stretching or tearing of ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) and are frequently seen in accidents that involve sudden movements or overexertion.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Accidents such as falls, car accidents, or sports-related incidents can cause bones to fracture or break. The severity can vary from hairline fractures to compound fractures that break the skin.
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries, particularly in car accidents or falls, can result in concussions or more severe TBIs, affecting cognitive function and causing symptoms like memory loss, dizziness, and headaches.
• Whiplash: Common in car accidents, whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden back-and-forth movements of the head and neck.
• Burns: Burns can result from various accidents, including fires, chemical exposure, or hot surfaces. They are classified into degrees based on severity.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Severe accidents, such as falls or car crashes, can damage the spinal cord, potentially causing paralysis or other neurological issues.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma or accidents involving significant impact can lead to internal injuries, including damage to organs, internal bleeding, or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, often resulting from sudden twists, strains, or overuse.
• Amputations: In severe accidents, body parts may be severed or partially amputated.
• Crush Injuries: These occur when a part of the body is compressed between two objects and can result in significant tissue damage.
• Eye Injuries: Accidents involving flying debris, chemicals, or trauma can cause eye injuries, ranging from minor scratches to severe damage.
• Dental Injuries: Accidents may cause damage to teeth or dental structures, requiring dental treatment or surgery.
• Psychological Trauma: Accidents can also lead to psychological injuries, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.

It’s important to note that the severity of injuries can vary widely, and prompt medical attention is crucial to assess and treat them properly. Additionally, preventive measures and safety precautions can help reduce the risk of accidents and associated injuries.

What Should I Do After an Accident in St. Louis?

If you are involved in an accident in St. Louis, it’s essential to take certain steps to ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and facilitate any necessary insurance claims. Here’s what you should do after an accident in St. Louis or similar situations:

• Ensure Safety: Check for injuries: First, assess your own injuries and the injuries of others involved. Call 911 immediately if there are severe injuries. Move to a safe location: If possible and safe to do so, move yourself and your vehicle to the side of the road or a safe area to prevent further accidents.
• Call the Police: In most cases, you should report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. This helps create an official record of the incident.
• Report the Accident to the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR): If there were injuries, fatalities, or significant property damage, you may need to report the accident to the Missouri DOR within 30 days. Check the specific reporting requirements for your situation.
• Exchange Information: Exchange information with other parties involved in the accident, including names, phone numbers, addresses, and insurance information. Get contact information from witnesses as well.
• Document the Scene and Take Photos: Use your smartphone or a camera to document the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or signals. Write down details and make notes about what happened leading up to the accident, road conditions, weather, and any other pertinent details.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t think you’re seriously injured, it’s a good idea to seek medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but could become more serious over time.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Follow their instructions on how to file a claim.
• Be Cautious with Statements: Avoid making statements about fault or liability to anyone, including other drivers, witnesses, or insurance adjusters, without first consulting an attorney.
• Keep records: Keep copies of all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, repair estimates, and communication with insurance companies. Also, adhere to medical advice and follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for treatment and rehabilitation.

Consult an Attorney

One of the most important steps you can take after suffering injuries in a St. Louis accident someone else caused is to consult a personal injury attorney. They can help protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.

How Do I Know If I Have a Personal Injury Case in St. Louis?

Determining whether you have a personal injury case in St. Louis involves evaluating certain key factors. Here are some steps to help you assess whether you may have a valid personal injury claim:

• Injury: You must have suffered an actual injury. This can be physical, such as bodily harm or medical conditions resulting from the accident, or it can be psychological, such as emotional distress caused by the accident. In personal injury cases, the injury typically must be significant enough to warrant medical attention or treatment.
• Negligence: To have a personal injury case, your attorney needs to establish that someone else was negligent or at fault for the accident that caused your injuries. Negligence involves showing that the responsible party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and that breach directly caused your injuries. For example, in a car accident case, your lawyer might need to demonstrate that the other driver was negligent by running a red light and causing the collision.
• Causation: It’s crucial to establish a clear causal link between the negligent actions of the other party and your injuries. In other words, your attorney must show that your injuries resulted directly from the accident and not from some other unrelated cause.
• Damages: To pursue a personal injury claim, you should have suffered measurable damages. Damages can include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. It’s important to document these damages with evidence like medical records, bills, pay stubs, and receipts, and your attorney can help with the process.

The best way to determine whether you have a valid personal injury case is to consult with a personal injury attorney in St. Louis. An experienced attorney from the Bruning Law Firm can assess the details of your situation, evaluate the strength of your case, and provide guidance on how to proceed.

How Much Is My St. Louis Personal Injury Claim Worth?

The value of a personal injury claim in St. Louis can vary significantly depending on various factors. It’s essential to understand that determining the exact value of your claim is complex and often requires a careful evaluation of the specific circumstances surrounding your case. Here are some key factors that can influence the value of your personal injury claim:

• Nature and Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries are a significant factor in determining the value of your claim. More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, surgeries, and result in long-term or permanent disabilities typically lead to higher compensation.
• Medical Expenses: The total cost of your medical bills, including past, current, and future expenses related to your injuries, plays a crucial role in calculating the value of your claim.
• Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your injuries have caused you to miss work, lose income, or affect your ability to earn a living in the future, these economic losses are factored into your claim.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, can significantly contribute to the value of your claim. Calculating pain and suffering is subjective and varies from case to case.
• Property Damage: If the accident caused damage to your vehicle or personal property, the cost of repairing or replacing these items is typically included in your claim.
• Insurance Policy Limits: The available insurance coverage of the at-fault party or parties can also affect the potential value of your claim. In some cases, the responsible party’s insurance policy may not fully cover your damages, and you may need to explore other avenues for compensation.
• Comparative Negligence: Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced proportionately. Your degree of fault can impact the final settlement or award amount.
• Liability Issues: Establishing the liability of the at-fault party is critical. If there are strong arguments supporting their negligence, it can strengthen your claim’s value.
• Legal Representation: Having an experienced personal injury attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. They can help you negotiate with insurance companies, gather evidence, and maximize the value of your claim.
• Precedent and Case Law: Previous settlements and court decisions in St. Louis and Missouri can provide guidance on the potential value of your case, but each case is unique.

No two personal injury cases are the same, and the value of your claim will depend on your specific circumstances. Insurance adjusters and attorneys often use a combination of these factors to arrive at a settlement amount or to present evidence in court. Consulting with a personal injury attorney in St. Louis is highly recommended to assess your case accurately and pursue the compensation you deserve. They can provide a more precise estimate of your claim’s potential value based on the specific details of your situation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in St. Louis?

In St. Louis, and throughout the state of Missouri, there is a legal deadline, known as the statute of limitations, that sets a time limit for filing a personal injury claim. The specific statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Missouri is typically five years from the date of the injury or accident. However, it’s essential to understand that this deadline can vary depending on the circumstances of your case and the type of claim you are pursuing.

Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in St. Louis:

• Five-Year Limitation: In most personal injury cases, you have five years from the date of the accident or injury to file a lawsuit in Missouri. This includes cases related to car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and many other types of personal injury claims.
• Discovery Rule: In some cases, the date of discovery of the injury may be used as the starting point for the statute of limitations. This rule is often applied in cases where the injury is not immediately apparent, such as in medical malpractice cases where a surgical error is not discovered until later. In such instances, the statute of limitations may start when the injury is reasonably discovered.
• Minors and Legal Disabilities: If the injured party is a minor or has a legal disability at the time of the injury, the statute of limitations may be extended. In the case of minors, the clock typically starts running when they reach the age of 21.
• Government Claims: If you intend to file a personal injury claim against a government entity or employee in Missouri, there are specific notice requirements and shorter timeframes for filing a claim. It’s important to consult an attorney promptly if you believe a government entity may be involved.

Given the complexities and variations in the statute of limitations, it’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney in St. Louis as soon as possible after an accident or injury. Failing to file your claim within the applicable time frame can result in the loss of your legal right to seek compensation.

It’s strongly recommended that you contact an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Louis as soon as possible after an accident to discuss your case and ensure that you meet all the legal deadlines and requirements for filing a claim. A St. Louis personal injury attorney from the Bruning Law Firm can provide you with specific guidance based on the unique circumstances of your situation and help protect your rights to seek compensation for your injuries and losses.

Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault for the St. Louis Accident?

Yes, you can still recover damages in St. Louis if you were partially at fault for an accident. Missouri follows a legal principle known as “comparative negligence” or “comparative fault.” Under comparative negligence, your ability to recover damages is not necessarily barred just because you were partially responsible for the accident. Instead, your recovery is adjusted based on the degree of fault attributed to each party involved.

Here’s how comparative negligence works in Missouri:

• Pure Comparative Negligence: Missouri follows the principle of pure comparative negligence, which means that even if you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, you can still pursue a personal injury claim. Your recovery is reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.
• Percentage of Fault: During the legal process, the parties involved, including insurance adjusters or a court, will assess and assign a percentage of fault to each party. This includes both you and the other party or parties responsible for the accident.
• Calculating Damages: Once fault percentages are determined, the amount of damages you can recover will be adjusted accordingly. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for an accident and your damages are assessed at $100,000, you would typically be entitled to recover $80,000 (i.e., $100,000 minus 20%).
• Exceptions: It’s important to note that there is no threshold percentage beyond which you cannot recover damages in Missouri. Even if you were 99% at fault for an accident, you could potentially recover 1% of your damages from the other party, although it may not be practical to pursue such a small amount.

It’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney in St. Louis if you believe you were partially at fault for an accident. An attorney can help protect your rights and interests, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and ensure that you receive fair compensation considering the comparative negligence rules.

Additionally, keep in mind that insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim by assigning a higher percentage of fault to you than is fair. Having legal representation can help ensure that your level of fault is accurately assessed and that you receive the appropriate compensation for your injuries and losses.

What’s the Process of Obtaining Compensation for My Personal Injuries in St. Louis?

Obtaining compensation for your personal injuries in St. Louis typically involves a multi-step process that may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. Here’s a general overview of the process:

• Seek Medical Attention: Your first priority after an accident should be your health. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries. Document all medical treatment, including hospital visits, doctor’s appointments, and prescriptions.
• Gather Evidence: Collect and preserve evidence related to your accident and injuries. This can include photographs of the accident scene, property damage, injuries, and any relevant documents (e.g., accident reports, medical records, bills).
• Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney: Contact a reputable personal injury attorney in St. Louis as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can provide you with legal guidance, assess the strength of your case, and help you navigate the process.
• Notify Insurance Companies: Report the accident to your own insurance company promptly. Be cautious when providing statements to the insurance adjuster and avoid admitting fault. Consult your attorney before giving recorded statements or accepting settlements.
• Investigation: Your attorney will investigate the accident, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts if necessary to establish liability and the full extent of your damages.
• Filing an Injury Claim with the Insurance Company: Your attorney will prepare your injury claim and submit it to the at-fault party’s insurance company. In the claim, your lawyer will outline your case, the injuries and damages you’ve suffered, and the types and amounts of compensation you seek. The insurance company will review your claim and respond with an offer or denial.
• Negotiations: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. This can involve back-and-forth negotiations to arrive at an acceptable compensation amount.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations do not result in a fair settlement, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf. The lawsuit initiates the formal legal process, and both parties will go through discovery, depositions, and pre-trial motions.
• Trial: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement through negotiations or mediation, your case may go to trial. A judge and/or jury will hear the evidence, and a verdict will be issued.
• Verdict or Settlement: If the case goes to trial, a verdict will determine the compensation you receive. If a settlement is reached before or during the trial, you will receive compensation based on the agreed-upon terms.
• Collecting Compensation: If your attorney wins your case or reaches a settlement, they will work to collect the compensation on your behalf, ensuring that all outstanding medical bills, legal fees, and other expenses are addressed.
• Post-Settlement: After obtaining compensation, you may need to address any outstanding medical bills and make arrangements for long-term care if necessary.

Throughout this process, it’s essential to have a skilled personal injury attorney who can protect your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and help you secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Each case is unique, and your attorney will tailor their approach to your specific circumstances to ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim in St. Louis.

Additional Resources

St. Louis Emergency Rooms

Several emergency rooms and urgent care centers service the St. Louis area. A few include:

• Emergency Room at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis: 6420 Clayton Rd, St. Louis, MO 63117
• Emergency Room at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital: 1201 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
• Barnes Jewish Hospital Emergency Room: 400 S Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital Emergency Room: 1 Children’s Pl, St. Louis, MO 63110
• Total Access Urgent Care: 6900 Chippewa St, St. Louis, MO 63109

Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you suffer in St. Louis because of someone else’s negligence and contact the Bruning Law Firm as soon as you can to discuss your options for obtaining compensation.

*Disclaimer – The Bruning Law Firm does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.

St. Louis Courthouses

• Carnahan Courthouse St. Louis City Circuit Court: 1114 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101
• St. Louis City Municipal Court: 1520 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
• Thomas F. Eagleton United States Courthouse: 111 S 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
• 22nd Judicial Circuit Of Missouri: 1114 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63101
• US Appeals Court: 111 S 10th St # 22.300, St. Louis, MO 63102
• Missouri Court of Appeals: One Post Office Square, 815 Olive St #304, St. Louis, MO 63101