One moment, you are driving on I-64 or heading home through the Delmar Loop. The next, the crunch of metal and shattering glass changes everything. In the days that follow, the physical pain is matched only by the pressure from insurance adjusters and the confusion of a claims process that feels designed to work against you.
You need more than just answers; you need a clear path forward.
You require a Midwest car accident lawyer who provides decisive action and a solid strategy. This is about restoring stability for your family and holding the responsible party accountable for the harm they caused.
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Table of contents
Key takeaways
- The true value of a car accident claim is based on the full extent of your losses, including future medical needs and the crash's impact on your quality of life.
- Missouri and Illinois have critically different laws for car accidents, especially regarding deadlines and how fault is assigned. Your location determines the rules of your case.
- Insurance companies are businesses with a financial duty to their shareholders, not to you. An attorney's sole duty is to protect your interests.
- Your actions after the crash, particularly in documenting your injuries and expenses, provide the essential evidence needed to build a strong claim.
- A law firm with deep bi-state experience offers a distinct advantage for residents of the St. Louis metro area, who frequently cross state lines.
Why Choose The Bruning Law Firm?
After a car wreck, you need a legal team that combines regional strength with a deep-seated local presence. The Bruning Law Firm is rooted in the St. Louis community, representing clients from the western suburbs in Missouri to the Metro East in Illinois.
We offer the resources of a large firm with the direct, personal attention you deserve. Our history of obtaining substantial settlements and verdicts shows our commitment to our clients.
Our attorneys are licensed and actively practice in both Missouri and Illinois. This dual proficiency is vital in a region where an accident might involve drivers, insurance policies, and laws from both states.
We eliminate the need for multiple law firms, providing seamless representation that covers every angle of your case. This saves you time and stress, ensuring that a single, unified strategy guides your claim, regardless of jurisdictional complexities.
We begin with a free, confidential consultation to discuss your accident.
This is your opportunity to ask questions and learn about your options without any pressure or obligation. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney's fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Our goal is to remove financial barriers so you can access capable legal representation when you need it most.
How Much Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
This is the most practical question for anyone facing mounting medical bills and lost time from work. There is no simple calculator for a claim's value. Instead, an attorney meticulously builds the worth of your case by documenting every loss you have suffered due to the other driver's negligence. A comprehensive valuation is the only way to pursue the full compensation necessary for your recovery.
Evidence and your claim's value
The strength of your claim rests on the quality of the evidence. This includes the police report, photos from the scene, witness statements, and analysis from accident reconstructionists.
A thorough investigation uncovers the facts needed to establish fault and demonstrate the full scope of your damages. We collect and preserve this evidence to construct a compelling case on your behalf.
Calculating economic damages after a crash
Economic damages are the specific, calculable financial losses tied directly to the accident. These form the foundation of your claim. A precise accounting is essential to show the insurance company the immediate and long-term financial impact of your injuries.
We compile every document to present a clear picture of these costs. These often include current medical bills, future treatment costs, lost income, and diminished earning capacity.
Valuing non-economic harms
A car crash inflicts more than just financial harm. Non-economic damages address the profound, personal losses you endure. These harms are real, and they deserve to be recognized. This compensation covers physical pain, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and the loss of ability to enjoy life's activities.
We help tell your story, showing how the accident has truly affected your day to day life.
The possibility of punitive damages
In some cases involving extreme recklessness, such as a crash caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to pursue punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate for a loss.
Instead, a court awards them to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct. Both Missouri and Illinois laws place high standards for awarding these damages, and we can assess if your case meets the criteria.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
The force of a vehicle collision can cause a wide range of injuries, from seemingly minor issues to catastrophic, life-altering conditions. Recognizing the potential severity of any injury is the first step toward getting the right medical and legal support.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Even a minor impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to a TBI. Symptoms can range from headaches and confusion to severe cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
We work with medical professionals to document the full extent of a TBI's impact on your life and future needs.
Spinal cord injuries
Damage to the spinal cord is one of the most devastating outcomes of a car accident. These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, chronic pain, and a lifetime of medical expenses.
We build cases designed to provide for lifelong care, medical equipment, and home modifications.
Neck and back injuries (Whiplash)
The rapid back and forth motion in a rear end collision commonly causes whiplash. This soft tissue injury can lead to chronic neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Other back injuries, like herniated discs, can require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
Broken bones and fractures
The immense force in a crash can easily break bones. Fractures to legs, arms, ribs, and hips are common. These injuries often require surgery, casting, and a long rehabilitation period, leading to significant time away from work.
A Local Lawyer for Midwest Roads
From the Gateway Arch to the furthest suburbs, our region is connected by a network of busy highways and local roads. As a Midwest car accident lawyer team based in St. Louis, we possess firsthand knowledge of the streets you travel every day. This local insight is a powerful asset when building your case.
St. Louis and Metro East Traffic Dangers
Highways like I-270, I-70, I-55, and I-44 are essential for commuters but are also hotspots for serious collisions. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, thousands of injury crashes occur each year in the Metro East counties alone.
We see the devastating effects of crashes on these roads and at dangerous local intersections from Soulard to the Central West End.
Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Car accidents happen in countless ways, but a driver's preventable error almost always causes them. Our firm represents people harmed in various crashes, holding negligent drivers accountable for their choices.
Rear-end and chain-reaction collisions
These common accidents often occur in heavy traffic on major roads or at intersections like those along Grand Avenue. They frequently result in whiplash, back, and neck injuries. We investigate to prove the rear driver's negligence.
Drunk and drugged driving accidents
A driver's choice to get behind the wheel while impaired is a reckless act that devastates lives. We aggressively pursue claims against drunk and drugged drivers to secure justice for the victims and their families, often seeking punitive damages for this gross negligence.
Distracted driving incidents
Using a phone is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirms that distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes nationwide.
Distractions pull a driver's attention away from the critical task of driving safely. T-Bone and intersection accidents
Accidents at intersections, including those in busy areas like The Grove or near Forest Park, often result in severe T-bone collisions. These cases frequently hinge on determining which driver had the right of way, requiring a careful review of traffic signals, witness accounts, and vehicle damage.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims
What happens when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your losses? In these situations, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company through your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We review your policy and handle the claim with your own insurer.
What to Do After a Car Accident in the Midwest
Your first priority after any accident is your health. Once you have received medical attention and are safely at home, the steps you take can help protect your legal rights. Organized documentation is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Consistent medical care
Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctors. Attend all follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and specialist consultations. This not only aids your recovery but also creates a clear medical record that connects your injuries to the crash.
Keeping a recovery journal
A simple notebook can become a powerful piece of evidence. Use it to write down daily notes about your physical pain, limitations on your activities, and the emotional challenges you face.
This journal helps illustrate the real-world impact the accident has had on your life.
FAQ for Midwest Car Accident Lawyer
How long will my car accident case take to resolve?
The timeline varies greatly. A straightforward case with clear liability might settle in a few months. A complex case involving severe injuries or a disputed claim could take much longer, especially if a lawsuit becomes necessary. An attorney can provide a more specific outlook after reviewing your case details.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You might still be able to recover compensation. As discussed, both Missouri and Illinois use a comparative fault system. An attorney can evaluate how your share of fault might impact the value of your claim under the applicable state law.
The other driver's insurance company wants me to sign medical release forms. Should I?
You should not sign any documents from an insurance company without having them reviewed by a lawyer first. A broad medical authorization may give the insurer access to your entire medical history, which they can use to search for pre-existing conditions to deny your claim.
Do I need a lawyer if the accident was minor?
Even seemingly minor accidents can result in injuries that appear days or weeks later. Speaking with an attorney for a free consultation can help you protect your rights. You may have a more valuable claim than you realize, and an early consultation costs you nothing.
Can I still file a claim if I did not feel hurt at the scene of the crash?
Yes. The adrenaline from a car accident can mask pain. It is very common for injuries, especially soft tissue injuries like whiplash, to become apparent hours or even days later. Seek medical attention as soon as you feel any symptoms and contact an attorney.
Your Next Step Toward Recovery
A car accident can leave you feeling powerless and uncertain about the future. Taking action to protect your rights is the first step toward regaining control. You need a legal team that is not only skilled in the law but also deeply committed to the people and communities of the Midwest.
The Bruning Law Firm knows the roads from Forest Park to the Metro East, and we know the laws in both Missouri and Illinois. We provide the strong, capable assistance you need to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Call us at (314) 735-8100 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
The Bruning Law Firm - Headquarter
Address: 555 Washington Ave Ste 600A,
St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 916-1632