40 Years
Of Experience Fighting for
The People in the Midwest.
A+ Rating
with the Better
Business Bureau
Over 1,000
5-Star Reviews
$250 m+
Won For Our
Clients
PROFESSIONALISM IS IMPORTANT TO US
Membership & Recognitions
Practice Areas
Our Midwest Practice Areas
Car Accident
Whether you are driving down Page Avenue or traveling the four-mile stretch of I-70...
Back Injury
The Bruning Law Firm has earned a reputation for helping car accident victims recover full...
Truck Accident
Over the years, our skilled St. Louis truck accident lawyers have recovered...
Bicycle Accident
Our legal team at The Bruning Law Firm wants to help accident victims such as...
Brain Injury
The brain is responsible for all of the human body’s conscious and subconscious functions.
Burn Injury
Burn injuries are classified and treated by the degree of damage caused to the skin.
Class Action Lawsuits
What if you used a popular pesticide on your garden and later learned it was a health risk?
Construction Accident
St. Louis construction workers understand the dangers they may face on the job.
Dog Bite Injury
Dog bites are not only immediately painful, but they create a high risk of infection...
Motorcycle Accident
After a serious motorcycle accident, all your efforts should be focused on healing.
Nursing Home Abuse
As St. Louis’s population ages, an increasing number of residents must move...
Did you know?
St. Louis Accident Statistics
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reports that 713 people have died so far in 2023 in traffic accidents across 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 also see a high number of traffic accidents each year. The truth is, a crash can happen virtually anywhere in the city. If a negligent driver has caused injuries to you or someone you love in St. Louis, contact The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible for a free consultation to learn your rights and explore your options for pursuing compensation.
Common Injuries People Suffer in the Midwest
Accidents in the Midwest can lead to a wide range of injuries, depending on the type and severity of the incident. As experienced Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers, we often see clients suffering from:
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.
Next steps
What Should I Do After an Accident in the Midwest?
If you are involved in an accident in the Midwest, it’s essential to take specific 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 the Midwest or similar situations:
Consult an Attorney
One of the most important steps you can take after suffering injuries in a Midwest accident caused by someone else is to consult experienced Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers. The right attorney can protect your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and guide you through the legal process to pursue the compensation you deserve.
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.
How Much Is My Midwest Personal Injury Claim Worth?
The value of a personal injury claim in the Midwest can vary significantly depending on numerous factors. It’s important 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 seriousness of your injuries are among the most significant factors. Severe injuries requiring extensive medical care, surgeries, or resulting in long-term disabilities typically lead to higher compensation.
-
Medical Expenses: This includes all past, current, and anticipated future medical costs related to your injuries.
-
Lost Income and Earning Capacity: If your injuries caused you to miss work, lose wages, or impacted your ability to earn 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 substantially affect the value of your claim.
-
Property Damage: If the accident damaged your vehicle or other personal property, the cost to repair or replace these items is typically included in your claim.
-
Insurance Policy Limits: The at-fault party’s available insurance coverage can significantly affect the potential value of your claim. In some cases, the responsible party’s policy may not fully cover your damages, requiring you to explore other avenues for compensation. Our Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers can help identify and pursue all possible sources of recovery.
-
Comparative Negligence: Missouri follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning if you are found partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced proportionately. Your degree of fault directly impacts your final settlement or award, and skilled legal representation can help minimize that percentage.
-
Liability Issues: Establishing the other party’s liability is critical. Strong evidence proving their negligence can substantially increase your claim’s value.
-
Legal Representation: Having experienced Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers on your side can make a significant difference in your case outcome. We handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather crucial evidence, and fight to maximize your compensation.
-
Precedent and Case Law: Prior settlements and court decisions in Missouri and throughout the Midwest can help estimate your claim’s potential value—but no two cases are identical. Our legal team assesses your claim based on both precedent and the unique facts of your situation.
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 determine a settlement amount or present evidence in court. Consulting with a personal injury attorney in the Midwest 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 unique details of your situation.
How Long Do I Have to File
a Personal Injury Claim in the Midwest?
In Missouri and throughout the Midwest, there is a legal deadline—known as the statute of limitations—that sets a strict time limit for filing a personal injury claim. For most personal injury cases in Missouri, the statute of limitations is typically five years from the date of the injury or accident. However, this deadline can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the type of claim you are pursuing.
Our experienced Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand exactly how these rules apply to your situation and ensure you don’t miss critical filing deadlines.
Here are some key points to keep in mind regarding the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in the Midwest:
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 qualified personal injury attorney in the Midwest as soon as possible after an accident or injury. Missing the filing deadline can permanently bar you from pursuing compensation for your losses.
By contacting experienced Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers promptly, you can ensure that all legal deadlines are met and that your claim is built on a strong foundation. An attorney from The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers can provide tailored guidance based on your unique circumstances, protect your rights, and pursue the full compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Recovering damages
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault for a Midwest Accident?
Yes, you can still recover damages in the Midwest if you were partially at fault for an accident. Missouri follows a legal principle known as comparative negligence or comparative fault. Under this rule, your ability to recover damages is not automatically 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 an experienced personal injury attorney in the Midwest if you believe you were partially at fault for an accident. Skilled Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers can protect your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and work to ensure you receive fair compensation under Missouri’s comparative negligence rules.
Keep in mind that insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim by assigning you a higher percentage of fault than is accurate. Having strong legal representation helps ensure your level of fault is assessed fairly and that you recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.
The process
What’s the Process of Obtaining Compensation for My Personal Injuries in the Midwest?
Obtaining compensation for your personal injuries in the Midwest is a multi-step process that can vary depending on the unique details of your case. Our experienced Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers guide clients through each stage, ensuring their rights are protected and their claims are positioned for maximum recovery.
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 skilled Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers who can protect your rights, negotiate on your behalf, and work tirelessly to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Every case is unique, and your attorney will tailor their approach to your specific circumstances to achieve the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim in the Midwest.
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
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
Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries you sustain in the Midwest due to someone else’s negligence, and contact The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers right away to discuss your options for pursuing full and fair compensation.
Disclaimer – The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers does not endorse these medical providers, nor do we profit from having them listed on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Still Need to See a Doctor If My Injuries Appear to Be Minor Following a Personal Injury Accident in the Midwest?
Even if you believe your injuries are minor following a personal injury accident, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Often, serious injuries such as severe head and brain trauma can take days to even weeks to manifest. Yet, the longer you wait to get treatment, the more fatal the injuries can become. That is why it is important to get checked out quickly following your accident by a medical professional so that they can verify that you do not have any of these hidden injuries.
In addition, getting treatment may be beneficial to your claim. The insurance company may be looking for any reason to deny your case. By not getting evaluated by a doctor after your accident, the insurer can argue that your injuries are not that serious or were from a subsequent event. Fortunately, when a doctor examines you, they can write down all about your personal injury incident in their medical report, providing you with a direct link between your injuries and the accident.
If the Insurance Company Offers Me a Settlement Amount Following My Midwest Personal Injury Accident, Should I Accept It?
If the insurance company offers you money following your accident, it may seem like a no-brainer to accept the settlement. However, this may not always be in your best interest. Following a personal injury accident, the consequences can be horrifying, leaving you with skyrocketing medical bills, a need for ongoing care, and the inability to work for an extended time.
That is why before you agree to any settlement offer, you need to verify what this amount covers. This is because insurance companies hardly ever take your current expenses, future care, and medical bills into account. Instead, they may try to offer you a settlement check shortly after your accident to try to pay you the least amount of money they can and have this situation go away as quickly as possible. Worse yet, if you accept this money, you can’t go back for more later on, even if expenses arise resulting from the original injury.
For these reasons, before you accept any offer, you should speak to a Midwest personal injury attorney, such as those at The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers. These attorneys can help you determine whether the settlement offer fully covers your current and future expenses, as well as any potential ongoing care. If it does not, your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and pursue a settlement that is truly fair to you.
How Much Does a Midwest Personal Injury Attorney Cost?
The Midwest personal injury attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means we won’t charge you anything upfront to represent you, and we only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you through an insurance settlement or court award. If we don’t obtain compensation on your behalf, you owe us nothing.
How Long Will My Midwest Personal Injury Lawsuit Take to Resolve?
Unfortunately, no set period dictates how long a case will take to resolve when it comes to personal injury lawsuits.
In truth, too many factors can influence a personal injury lawsuit timeline, including:
- The type of injuries you suffered and the severity of these injuries.
- Your present and future medical treatments.
- Whether the insurance company is willing to participate in negotiations.
- Whether there are problematic legal issues with your case.
- Whether the case involves a substantial amount of money.
- Whether you have reached a point of maximum medical improvement.
Because of these factors, a personal injury case can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve, especially if the case ends up heading to trial. However, when you work with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer, they can provide you the legal help you require through this whole legal process, ensuring they fight for the compensation that is fair to you. Plus, if the case needs to head to trial, they can also prepare you for every step of the way.
If the Insurance Company Is Trying to Contact Me Following My Midwest Personal Injury Accident, Should I Talk to Them?
It is important to understand that the insurance company is not your friend. They may not want to help you get the money you need following an accident. Instead, they are a business, and like other businesses, they want to make a profit. How can they do this? By paying you less. That is why insurance adjusters may try any tactic they can to get you to admit fault for your personal injury accident so that they can justify reducing the amount of your claim or denying it altogether.
For these reasons, if the insurance company adjuster is calling, you should be careful when discussing your case with them. In truth, it would be best if you only provide them with basic details about the incident and indicate that all future communications will be through your lawyer. Once you retain a knowledgeable personal injury accident lawyer, like those at Bruning Law Firm, these attorneys can handle all these discussions and negotiations with the insurance company for you and help ensure you do not say anything that can affect your claim.
Our Offices Locations and Headquarters
The Bruning Law Firm has our firm's headquarters in St. Louis located at the following address:
The Bruning Law Firm
Address: 555 Washington Ave Ste 600A,St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 916-1632
Drop by our office to speak with an attorney from The Bruning Law Firm – Midwest Personal Injury Lawyers at no cost about your Midwest personal injury claim. You can also contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get answers about your rights and options.