Why St. Louis crash victims call The Bruning Law Firm
- 35+ years helping Missouri and Illinois injury victims.
- Millions recovered for injured clients and families.
- Local St. Louis crash experience involving city streets, highways, courts, insurers, and accident evidence.
- Direct attorney help from a family-owned personal injury firm.
- Free consultation and no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
What Case Results Does The Bruning Law Firm For Car Accident Cases?
Our St. Louis car accident attorneys get results for personal injury claims, including crash-related outcomes such as:- A $2.5 million judgment for a client who became injured when a faulty airbag failed to deploy during an accident.
- A $750,000 settlement for the family members of an individual who died because of a rear-end collision involving a semi-truck.
St. Louis Car Accident Guide
Local attorney involvement from the start
When you contact The Bruning Law Firm after a St. Louis car accident, you are not looking for a call center or a quick settlement mill. Our attorneys help evaluate liability, insurance coverage, medical evidence, lost income, and the long-term impact of the crash so you can make informed decisions before accepting an insurance offer.
Why Choose Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
Who We Help After a St. Louis Car Accident
The attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm represent injured victims in a wide array of car accident scenarios:- Drivers injured by other motorists
- Passengers in any vehicle
- Pedestrians struck by vehicles
- Bicyclists hit by cars
- Accident survivors or family members who lost a loved one
What Are Common Injuries from St. Louis Car Accidents?
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These types of soft tissue injuries are the most common, and for many car accident victims, lead to chronic pain that never goes away.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): From mild concussion to severe traumatic brain injury, injured victims may experience life-altering changes and complications, creating an urgent need for legal representation through our traumatic brain injury attorneys.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Herniated discs may require extensive surgery and physical therapy. In severe cases, victims suffer spinal cord injuries that lead to paralysis and require higher compensation for these back injury claims.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: The force of impact in a crash can cause broken arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones. Some of these fractures may heal in time while others may need multiple surgeries to correct the damage.
- Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding are some of the most concerning car accident injuries as they may not be immediately apparent and could quickly become life-threatening.
What Are Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis?
Negligent drivers are the reason that vehicle crashes happen, making the at-fault driver liable and responsible for your injuries. As noted by Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Information and Education Director, Cpt. John Hotz, “Nearly every crash that occurs is preventable…. Over 90 percent of these crashes were the result of someone simply making a poor decision, primarily: driving too fast, driving distracted or driving impaired.” Hotz added that many of the fatalities on the roadways throughout Missouri stem from vehicle occupants not wearing their seat belts. More than 3,600 vehicle occupants suffered injuries and 330 died in crashes on Missouri roadways who were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.Weather Conditions
St. Louis sees many serious weather events each year, including snow, ice, rain, fog, sleet, and wind. Each can create hazards for drivers that include difficulty controlling the vehicle, difficulty seeing other vehicles and objects due to visibility issues during a storm, and difficulty coming to a safe stop on wet or slippery road conditions. However, while it is easy to blame the weather for many of St. Louis’ car accidents, human error is as much of a cause of accidents here as it is in other parts of the country.Speeding
- Reducing the amount of time a driver has to perceive a danger on the roadway and respond to it by depressing the brakes.
- Increasing the amount of distance that the brakes need to pull the weight of the vehicle to a complete stop. Larger vehicles require more stopping distance, and all vehicles require more stopping distance on wet or slippery road surfaces.
- Reducing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s protective features, such as the steel frame, the seat belts, and the airbags.
- Increasing the severity of the crash, which translates to a higher likelihood of incapacitating injuries or death.
Distracted Driving
Distracted drivers caused 17,417 traffic accidents in a recent year throughout Missouri. Nearly 7,000 people suffered injuries in those crashes, and 89 people died. A driving distraction is anything that:- Causes the driver to take his or her hands from the wheel, which is known as a manual distraction.
- Causes the driver to stop watching the roadway, which is known as a visual distraction.
- Causes the driver to stop focusing on safe driving, which is known as a cognitive distraction.
Alcohol Impairment
Alcohol-impaired drivers caused 5,480 crashes in a recent year. These wrecks injured 2,914 and killed 176. Alcohol impairment diminishes the skills that a driver needs to operate a motor vehicle safely, such as the ability to track a moving target, maintain lane position, brake effectively, control speed, and respond appropriately in emergencies. Missouri, like most states, has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood. If a driver’s breath or blood reveals a BAC of 0.08 or higher, police can charge a driver with a DUI. However, many drivers do not realize that alcohol impairment does not start when a driver’s BAC reaches the 0.08 limit. It actually starts with the first drink. By the time the driver reaches the legal impairment limit, he or she has already lost short-term memory, the ability to concentrate on the task of driving safely, the ability to control speed, perception, and the ability to process information, such as a changing traffic light.Failure to Yield
All drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to other lanes of traffic or roadway users in certain circumstances such as:- At red lights or stop signs, or when traveling through a traffic circle.
- At marked crosswalks.
- When a school bus has stopped and extended its stop sign.
- When making a left turn at an intersection that does not have a green arrow for the turn lane.
- When making a U-turn or turning onto a roadway from a parking lot or private drive.
- When backing out of a parking space or a private drive.
Tailgating
Tailgating, or following too closely, is the most common cause of rear-end accidents, which occur when the front of one car collides with the rear of another. Rear-end accidents are among the most common types of accidents to occur in the U.S. involving more than one vehicle. While often regarded as “whiplash crashes” or minor accidents, rear-end accidents account for about 29 percent of accidents involving serious injury. In Missouri, tailgating was a contributing factor in 19,129 crashes that injured 6,265 and killed 25. Following another vehicle too closely creates yet another reduction in the time you have to perceive a hazard. If the driver in front of you slows down or stops, you may not have enough distance to pull the weight of your vehicle to a stop before it collides with the lead car. Tailgating is frequently considered a form of aggressive driving, which is a series of traffic offenses that a driver commits generally in an attempt to get through congested areas. Other types of aggressive driving include speeding, running red lights, and making improper lane changes.Fatigued Driving
Any driver can be responsible for driving while exhausted, and most drivers have done this. However, fatigue often creates deficits in the skills needed for safe driving that mimic the deficits created by alcohol impairment, such as the inability to stay in one travel lane and difficulty braking, controlling one’s speed, or responding to emergency driving situations. Driver fatigue is of particular concern for night shift or swing-shift workers, as well as long-haul truck drivers, who often drive during the late-night hours when the body instinctually wants sleep. Missouri reported 2,641 crashes resulting from fatigued driving, resulting in 1,155 injuries and 15 deaths.Auto Defects
Not all car accidents are the result of another driver. Defective auto parts can also cause an accident, particularly if the defects involve the vehicle’s tires, braking, or steering mechanisms—as these parts are responsible for how well you control the car and avoid striking other vehicles or objects. In a recent year, Missouri reported 3,469 total auto accidents resulting from vehicle defects. These crashes injured 1,206 and killed 20. The manufacturers and distributors of cars and car parts are responsible for ensuring that these parts do not pose an unreasonable danger when used as instructed. Failing to uphold this responsibility can result in a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.What Are The Types of Car Accidents We Handle?
- Rear-End Collisions: Drivers who fail to pay attention in traffic often cause rear-end collisions. Our rear-end collision attorneys fight for car accident victims who suffer whiplash and other injuries in these types of auto accidents.
- T-Bone Accidents: Known as intersection accidents, the at-fault driver crashes head-on into the side of another vehicle, which can result in severe injuries.
- Head-On Collisions: While rarer, head-on collisions leave car accident victims with life-threatening injuries and disfigurement, and many times, result in death.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents: Among the most frustrating types of crashes, the at-fault driver flees the scene, showing no regard for injuries, and resulting in uninsured motorist claims.
- Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents involve vehicles rolling onto their sides or roof, often resulting in fatalities that leave families stricken with grief.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accidents: Car accident victims are the ones who ultimately pay the price when negligent drivers fail to have valid insurance, resulting in another scenario for uninsured motorist claims.
- Multi-Vehicle Pileups: Vehicle crashes are common on I-64, I-70, I-270, and I-44, paving the way for other motorists to get caught up in the fray.
St. Louis Car Accident Statistics
Understanding St. Louis car accident statistics is crucial for recognizing trends and improving road safety in the area. In recent years, the city has seen fluctuations in total crashes, injury crashes, and fatal accidents, with factors such as distracted driving, speeding, and hazardous road conditions playing significant roles. By analyzing this data, drivers can make more informed decisions, and policymakers can implement better safety measures. Source: Trailnet 2024 St. Louis City & County Crash Report — latest annual Trailnet crash report currently listed on Trailnet.How To Compensation for Your St. Louis Car Accident Injuries
Car accidents can produce some of the most serious injuries a person can experience, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, which both frequently result in permanent disabilities that can diminish an individual’s ability to complete personal tasks independently or to earn an income. Other types of car accident injuries include broken bones, burns, abrasions, soft tissue injuries, damage to the spinal vertebrae and discs, and internal injuries. If you were injured in a car accident in St. Louis, you could seek compensation for the expenses and quality-of-life impacts of your injury through a lawsuit. In Missouri, you must file your car accident claim in court within five years after the date on which the accident occurred.What Are The Types of Compensation You Can Claim?
In Missouri, car accident claimants can use the civil court system to seek the recovery of both economic and non-economic damages. Damage refers to the compensation one receives for harm done. Economic damages refer to compensation for the expenses you incurred because of the accident. Non-economic damages refer to compensation for the psychological impacts of your injury. Some commonly claimed damages in St. Louis car accident cases include:- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage you incurred in the accident, such as damage to your car
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of the enjoyment of life
How To Prove Liability In a Car Accident
To prove liability, you must show:- The at-fault party owed you a duty of care. The duty of care is what a reasonable person would take in similar circumstances to protect the safety and property of others from the consequences of their actions. The duty of care that a driver in St. Louis owes to other drivers on the roadway is to operate his or her motor vehicle safely and legally.
- There was a breach in the duty of care. The breach refers to the actions that the at-fault party took that violated the duty of care. A breach in the driver’s duty of care involves any unsafe or illegal action, such as speeding, impaired driving, or failure to yield.
- The breach resulted in the accident, which caused your injury and led you to experience impacts on your quality of life and financial expenses.
Missouri Car Accident Laws
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations provides a maximum timeline of up to five years for most car accident injuries. While it may seem lengthy, investigations and evidence are best to handle immediately to have a stronger case. When accident survivors are injured in accidents caused by government entities, the deadline for making claims becomes much shorter. It is in your best interest to pursue your claim as soon as possible after the vehicle crash.Comparative Fault
State law also allows for shared fault among Missouri motorists with personal injury claims. The rule of pure comparative fault applies, which allows injured drivers to recover compensation even if they are partly at fault. This shared liability means that as long as you are less than 99% at-fault for your injuries, you can still make your claim. However, compensation for accident survivors is reduced by the assigned percentage. Insurance companies will often employ this tactic to minimize the settlement payout to give you less than you deserve, or worse, deny the claim entirely.Minimum State Insurance Requirements
Missouri law has low insurance minimum requirements, and for many motorists, choosing this minimal coverage is most affordable. After a major vehicle crash occurs, it leaves everyone more vulnerable as these drivers are typically underinsured.St. Louis Car Accident FAQs
There are so many questions after a car accident. You have likely suffered the loss or damage to your personal property and injuries and impacts on your health. You may not know exactly the best path to take after an accident and how to navigate the aftermath while still protecting your rights. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions by victims of car accidents; use this guide to help you take the next steps after a motor vehicle accident.What should you do if you are in a St. Louis car accident?
Get safe. Call 911. Get medical care today. Take photos. Don't talk to the other driver's insurance company. Those five steps protect both your health and your claim. (See our full guide on what to do after a car accident.) Here is the full list, in the order you should do them:- Stop and check for injuries. Leaving the scene of an injury crash is a crime in Missouri.
- Move to a safe spot if your car is drivable and blocking traffic. Otherwise stay put and turn on your hazards.
- Call 911. Ask for police and an ambulance, even if the injuries seem minor. The police report is the most important piece of evidence in your case. (More on when to contact authorities.)
- Trade information with the other driver: name, phone, address, driver's license number, license plate, insurance company, and policy number.
- Take photos and video of everything before the cars are moved — damage, the whole scene from a few angles, skid marks, debris, signs, road conditions, weather, and any visible injuries.
- Get names and phone numbers from witnesses. They leave within minutes. Get the info before they do.
- Do not say it was your fault. Do not guess what happened. Even saying "I'm sorry" can hurt your case under Missouri's comparative fault rule.
- See a doctor the same day, even if you feel okay. Concussions and soft-tissue injuries can take 1-3 days to show up — see our guide on why you should go to the doctor after a car accident.
- Call your own insurance company within 24 hours. Your policy requires it — more on when and why to call your insurance.
- Save everything — police report, ER paperwork, follow-up medical records, repair estimates, lost-pay records, prescription receipts, every letter or email from any insurance company.
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company. They will call within a day or two. You do not have to talk to them. Don't.
- Do not post about the crash on social media. Insurance investigators screenshot public posts and use them against you.
- Call a St. Louis car accident lawyer before signing anything, accepting any check, or giving any recorded statement — especially if you were hurt, the other side blames you, the other driver has no insurance, or a truck or commercial vehicle was involved.
No, you should avoid speaking directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company without legal representation. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize the payout on your claim, and they may try to get you to say something that could be used against you later. Even seemingly innocent statements can be twisted to reduce your compensation or deny your claim entirely. Let your St. Louis car accident attorney handle all communications with the insurance company to protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
How much does a St. Louis car accident lawyer cost?
Nothing upfront. You pay no fee unless we win. That's called a contingency fee, and it's how almost every car accident lawyer in Missouri gets paid. Here is how it works at The Bruning Law Firm:- The first consultation is free.
- If we take your case, our fee is a percentage of the money we recover.
- If we don't win, you owe us no attorney fees.
- We put the exact percentage in writing before you hire us, so there are no surprises.
Not always. Many car accident claims are resolved through negotiations with the insurance company without ever going to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, filing a lawsuit may be necessary. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial if needed to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Missouri?
Five years from the date of the crash for most car accident injury cases. Three years if someone died. Miss the deadline and your case is gone forever, no matter how strong it was. The legal deadline — called the statute of limitations — comes from Missouri's five-year personal injury statute and the three-year wrongful death statute. Some situations cut that window short:- If a city, county, or state vehicle was involved, you usually have to give written notice of your claim within 90 days — not five years. For example, Missouri's charter-city notice statute requires written notice within 90 days. The exact rule depends on which government entity. Miss the notice deadline and the case is over.
- If a child was hurt, Missouri law pauses the deadline until the child turns 21. The parents' claim for the child's medical bills runs on the regular five-year clock. See our guide on whether the statute of limitations applies to minors in Missouri.
- If you're using your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, the insurance policy sets the deadline — often as short as 30 days to give notice.
You should contact a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you suffered injuries requiring medical treatment, there is significant property damage, fault is disputed by the other driver or insurance company, the insurance company is delaying or denying your claim, or you are unsure of your legal rights. The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. Evidence can disappear quickly, and witnesses’ memories fade, so early involvement of an attorney helps preserve crucial information for your case.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You can still recover money in Missouri, even if you were 99% at fault. Your settlement just gets reduced by your share of the blame. This is called pure comparative fault, and Missouri is one of about 13 states that follow it. The Missouri Supreme Court adopted the rule in Gustafson v. Benda, 661 S.W.2d 11 (Mo. banc 1983). How the math works: A jury decides your case is worth $100,000. They decide you were 30% at fault. You take home $70,000. Most states cut you off at 50% or 51% fault. Missouri does not. That's a big deal — it's one of the most plaintiff-friendly fault rules in the country. The insurance company knows this. So they will fight hard to push your fault percentage up. The number is not fixed. It's negotiated, and in a trial, the jury decides it. A St. Louis car accident lawyer's job is to push your percentage down using the police report, witness statements, scene reconstruction, and medical records.
Yes, Missouri has a statute of limitations that limits the time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. For most car accident cases, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, if your accident involved a government entity, the deadline is much shorter. Additionally, waiting too long can harm your case as evidence may be lost and witnesses may become harder to locate. It is in your best interest to consult with a car accident attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
How much is my car accident case worth?
It depends on your injuries, your medical bills, your lost income, and how much insurance is available. Cases range from a few thousand dollars for minor sprains to multi-million-dollar verdicts for catastrophic injuries. For ranges by injury severity, see our guide to the average car accident settlement in Missouri and how much your car accident claim is worth. The biggest things that drive case value:- How badly you were hurt and whether you fully recover. Broken bones, surgery, brain injury, spinal cord injury, and permanent scarring make cases worth more.
- Your total medical bills — past and future.
- Lost income and lost future earning ability.
- Pain, suffering, and loss of the ability to enjoy your normal life. Read more about non-economic damages in auto accident cases.
- How much insurance the at-fault driver has. Missouri's minimum auto liability limits are $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. If the other driver only carries the minimum, that's often the ceiling — unless there's an umbrella policy or a commercial defendant like a trucking company.
- What share of the fault is assigned to you.
- Whether the case can include punitive damages (extra damages meant to punish the at-fault driver — usually only available in cases like drunk driving or hit-and-run).
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if the at-fault driver fled the scene. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, you can file a claim with your own insurance company for your injuries and damages. Missouri law requires insurance companies to offer UM coverage, and our attorneys strongly recommend carrying this protection. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers can help you navigate the uninsured motorist claims process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Should I talk to the insurance company after a car accident?
Talk to your own insurance company. Do not talk to the other driver's insurance company without a lawyer. That's the short version. For more on when and how to notify your insurer, see our guide: do I call my insurance if it's not my fault? Your own insurance company: Yes — call them within 24 hours. Your policy requires you to cooperate. If you don't, they can cancel your coverage, including the underinsured motorist coverage you might need later. The other driver's insurance company: No. Their adjuster will call within a day or two. They will be friendly. Their job is to:- Lock you into a recorded statement before you know how badly you're hurt.
- Get you on tape saying you "feel okay" so they can argue your injuries aren't real.
- Offer you a quick, low settlement in exchange for signing a release.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?
File a claim against your own insurance using your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Every Missouri auto policy is required to include UM coverage, so you almost certainly have it. For the full walk-through, see our guide: what happens if the other driver has no insurance in Missouri. Missouri has one of the highest uninsured-driver rates in the country: 20.7% in 2023, the 6th-highest in the U.S. according to the Insurance Research Council. That's why Missouri law requires every auto policy to include uninsured motorist coverage at minimum bodily-injury limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Read our complete uninsured motorist claims guide for details on stacking, hit-and-run claims, and rate-increase protections. Your options if you're hit by an uninsured driver:- File a UM claim against your own policy. You basically step into the shoes of the uninsured driver and make a claim against your own insurance company.
- File a UIM (underinsured motorist) claim if the other driver has insurance but not enough to cover your bills. UIM stacks on top of the other driver's limits, up to your own UIM limit. (Most attorneys recommend carrying higher limits than the state minimum — see how much uninsured motorist coverage you need.)
- Sue the uninsured driver personally for their assets. Usually a dead end — drivers without insurance usually don't have money — but worth checking.
- Find other people who can be held responsible. A lawyer will look for: the owner of the car (if different from the driver), the driver's employer (if they were working), a bar or restaurant that overserved a drunk driver, or a vehicle manufacturer if something on the car failed.
Is Missouri a no-fault or at-fault state for car accidents?
Missouri is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash — and their insurance company — pays for the damage. Twelve states in the U.S. follow a "no-fault" system, where every driver turns to their own insurance after a crash regardless of who caused it. Missouri is not one of them. In Missouri, after a crash you can:- File a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company.
- Sue the at-fault driver personally if their insurance limits aren't enough to cover your losses.
- File a claim against your own insurance (under uninsured motorist or med-pay coverage) when the other driver has no insurance or can't be found.
For most cases, you have 5 years to file your case, though if a government entity is involved, the timeline is shorter. Either way, it is best to take action as soon as possible.
What if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash?
You can usually sue both the driver and their employer. Employer insurance policies are much bigger than personal auto policies, which often makes a huge difference in what you can recover. The legal rule is called respondeat superior (Latin for "the employer answers for it"). If the driver was on the clock or doing something for their job at the time of the crash, the employer is on the hook for the damages. This comes up in cases involving:- Delivery drivers (USPS, FedEx, UPS, Amazon, food-delivery apps).
- Rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) while logged into the app.
- Commercial truck drivers — see our St. Louis truck accident lawyer page for how commercial cases differ.
- Sales reps, contractors, and tradespeople in a company vehicle.
- Government employees in city, county, or state vehicles.
What if I was hit by a drunk driver?
You may be able to recover regular damages plus extra "punitive" damages — money meant to punish the drunk driver. In some cases, the bar or restaurant that served the drunk driver can also be sued. Drunk driving is one of the few situations in Missouri where punitive damages are available in a car accident case. They're awarded on top of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A claim against the bar or restaurant is called a dram shop claim. Missouri's dram shop law is strict. A bar can only be sued for serving alcohol when:- They served someone who was clearly already drunk (showing obvious physical impairment), or
- They served someone under 21.
Car accident cases vary widely in compensation awards due to the severity of injuries, insurance coverage, and potential shared liability. For this reason, we recommend you schedule a free consultation to have us evaluate your case.
What if my injuries didn't appear until days after the crash?
That's normal. Get medical care now — and make sure the doctor connects the injury to the crash. For why timing matters so much, read our guide on going to the doctor after a car accident. Adrenaline masks pain right after a crash. Soft-tissue injuries, whiplash, concussions, herniated discs, and internal injuries often take 24-72 hours to show up. Some — like a torn rotator cuff or a slow-bleeding internal injury — can take a week or longer. What to do:-
- See a doctor as soon as symptoms appear. Same day if possible.
- Tell the doctor about the car accident. Make sure the medical records clearly say something like "patient was in a motor vehicle collision on [date]."
- Keep going to your follow-ups. Skipped appointments are the #1 thing insurance companies use to argue your injuries weren't real.
- Save every bill and discharge paper.
How long settlements take depends on the complexity of your case. If it goes to trial, it will potentially take a year or longer.
How do I pay medical bills while my case is pending?
You have three main options: your health insurance, your auto policy's med-pay coverage, or a "letter of protection" through your lawyer.- Health insurance. Your health insurance pays bills now and gets reimbursed out of your settlement later (called subrogation). This is usually the fastest option if you have coverage.
- Med-pay. This is an optional add-on to your auto policy, usually $1,000 to $10,000. It pays your medical bills no matter who caused the crash, with no deductible. In most Missouri policies, the insurer cannot take it back out of your settlement, so it doesn't reduce your final recovery. If you have med-pay, use it.
No, insurers try to trick accident survivors and twist their words to justify offering a lower settlement. Let your attorney handle all communications.
What if the police report says I was at fault?
A police report is not the final word. You can still win your case. Police reports are useful starting points but they are not gospel. The officer wasn't there when the crash happened, talks to drivers who are usually in shock, and writes down a quick guess about what happened. Reports often have errors in:- Who hit whom.
- Direction of travel.
- Time and location.
- Witness statements.
- Vehicle damage descriptions.
- Witness statements.
- Photos of the scene, the cars, and the road.
- Dash-cam and traffic-camera footage.
- Cell phone records (if texting or distraction is in play).
- Accident reconstruction by a qualified expert.
In those cases, you will need to make an uninsured motorist claim using UM/UIM coverage. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers can help you determine the next steps.
Can I still sue if I already accepted a settlement check from the insurance company?
Usually no. Once you cash a settlement check and sign a release, the case is over — even if your injuries turn out to be much worse than you thought. A release is a legal document that gives up your right to sue. Insurance companies want them signed fast, before you know how badly you're hurt. There are a few limited exceptions where a release can be undone:- Fraud — the insurance company lied about important facts.
- Duress — you were pressured or coerced into signing.
- Mutual mistake — both sides assumed something that turned out to be completely wrong.
- The release didn't cover the specific injury that later showed up.
What if I was a passenger, not a driver?
You almost always have a claim — and you can usually sue both drivers, even the one you were riding with. Passengers are rarely at fault in a crash, which makes passenger cases some of the strongest injury claims to bring. As a passenger, you can file claims against:- The other driver's insurance, if they caused the crash.
- The driver of the car you were in, if they caused it. Yes, even if it's a friend, family member, or coworker — you're really claiming against their insurance company, not them personally.
- Both drivers, if fault is shared. You don't have to pick.
- Your own UM/UIM coverage, or coverage from a household member's policy, if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance.
What if my child was injured in the car accident?
Your child has until they turn 21 to file their own injury claim. Any settlement for the child has to be approved by a Missouri court. See our detailed guide: does the statute of limitations apply to minors in Missouri? Missouri's minor-tolling rule pauses the statute of limitations until a child turns 21. Once they turn 21, the normal clock starts running. A few important points:- The parents' claim for the child's medical bills runs on the regular five-year clock. So even though the child has until age 21, you as the parent should not wait.
- Settlements for minors require court approval. A Missouri court reviews the proposed settlement to make sure the amount is fair and that the money will be protected for the child. Usually the funds go into a conservatorship or structured annuity until the child reaches adulthood.
The Bruning Law Firm provides a free initial consultation, meaning there is absolutely no cost to discuss your case. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, only getting paid if we recover compensation on your behalf.
There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no retainers. Don’t add more stress to your life as you try to move forward from this traumatic event. Schedule a free consultation with our car accident attorneys today!
The Bruning Law Firm Can Help
Let a St. Louis personal injury attorney from The Bruning Law Firm help you understand your options for obtaining compensation for the injuries you received because of someone else’s careless or reckless actions. We are here to help, whether you live in the city, the Metro East, or the western suburbs. To reach The Bruning Law Firm, schedule a free consultation online or call (314) 735-8100 to speak with one of our experienced St. Louis auto accident attorneys.We Can Visit You In A STL Hospital To Discuss Your Auto Claim
St. Louis Legal Information
- 22nd Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri St. Louis City Circuit Court Carnahan Courthouse 10 N. Tucker Blvd. St. Louis MO 63101
- 21st Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri St. Louis County Circuit Court 105 S. Central Ave. Clayton MO 63105
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Missouri Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse 111 S. 10th St. St. Louis MO 63102
Car Accident Resources
For a cleaner user experience, this draft keeps the resources section focused on the most decision-helpful car accident topics instead of listing every related blog post. The broader article library can still be linked from hub/category pages.After-crash steps
What to Do After a Car Accident Injury
When to call a lawyer
When to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer
Case value
What Is My Car Accident Case Worth?
Medical bills
Who Pays Medical Bills in a Car Accident?
Fault and liability
How to Tell Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident
Insurance settlement decisions
Should You Accept a Settlement Offer?
Deadline to file
Missouri Car Accident Statute of Limitations
Related accident page
St. Louis Rear-End Accident Lawyers