The road can be an unpredictable place, where even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to the negligence of others. In a split second, a careless driver can shatter lives, leaving behind a trail of devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, complex insurance claims, and lost income due to missed work.
If you or someone dear to you has suffered the devastating consequences of a car accident caused by another’s recklessness, you don’t have to face this challenging journey alone. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel & Kruse in St. Louis can help you seek justice.
Plaintiffs in Missouri can recover damages for both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover your tangible financial losses, such as:
Non-economic damages address the intangible, emotional impacts of the accident, including:
Missouri follows an “at-fault” system, meaning the person responsible for the accident is liable for the damages. However, the amount of compensation you receive depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of the other party’s negligence, and your insurance coverage.
Call our office at NGK Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident attorney today.
Car wrecks can happen seemingly anywhere, for any reason. Car accidents in St. Louis are similar to the rest of the country in that many involve:
It doesn’t matter what might have contributed to your car crash. If you were injured and another driver was at fault, you are entitled to financial compensation.
Proving negligence in a legal case, particularly in personal injury claims, requires establishing four key elements:
When determining fault in car accident claims, insurance companies first conduct an investigation. This process begins with the collection of evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any available surveillance footage. These pieces of evidence provide crucial insights into how and why the accident occurred.
Next, insurance adjusters assess the evidence in the context of Missouri’s traffic laws. They look for any violations or negligence, such as speeding, failure to yield, or distracted driving. The adjusters also consider the statements provided by the drivers involved in the accident. This assessment helps them understand each party’s actions leading up to the crash and their potential contribution to the accident.
Every case is different, but we put together some guides discussing who is typically found at fault in the following types of cases:
If you’ve been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver, you might be worried about your ability to receive compensation for your injuries and damages.
Even when the other driver is uninsured, you still have options for obtaining compensation, like:
Navigating an accident claim involving an uninsured driver can be complex and overwhelming. Our skilled car accident lawyers at NGK Law Firm have the experience and knowledge to advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
The answer is yes. Missouri is a comparative fault state, which means that when determining who was at fault in a claim, it can be assigned among multiple parties out of a scale of 100%. This percentage is then used to determine how compensation is allocated.
For example, let’s say Driver A and Driver B get into a wreck. Driver A requests $100,000 in damages. In the trial, the jury finds that Driver B was 75% at fault for the wreck, while Driver A was 25% responsible.
This means that Driver A’s request for damages will be reduced to 75% of their initial request to $75,000, while Driver B can now sue for damages as well. Driver B may be awarded up to 25% of their approved damages.
If you were injured on the road while working, you might be able to get workers’ compensation through your employer.
This is a different process than filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit, and it can sometimes be lengthy, so it’s best to get started sooner rather than later.
Employers must provide injured employees with medical care and monetary compensation for an injury they sustained while at work. However, we’ve found that this system sometimes doesn’t work as smoothly as it should.
If you have been injured in an automotive accident while at work and are thinking about filing a workers’ compensation claim, or if you have already filed your claim and are dealing with adjusters who are disputing or downplaying your claim, don’t hesitate to give the attorneys at NGK Law Firm a call.
We have extensive experience working within the Missouri workers’ compensation system and can help you obtain your compensation quickly.
At NGK Law Firm, we know that nothing can make up for the shock and grief of losing a loved one in an automotive accident.
Car crash fatalities are all too common, and unfortunately, they have become even more common in recent years. The NHTSA has tracked a spike in traffic fatalities since 2020, correlating with changing behaviors and commuting during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you lost a loved one to an automotive accident, you can recover damages against the negligent party by filing a wrongful death suit.
In Missouri, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed anytime within three years of the decedent’s death. There is no universal cap on the damages that a plaintiff can recover in a Missouri wrongful death claim. In practice, these amounts will vary based on the facts of the car accident case.
When determining damages, Missouri courts will consider evidence such as:
If you have lost a loved one to an auto accident, the experienced St. Louis auto accident attorneys at NGK Law Firm can advise you on the next steps you should take.
Yes, passengers who are injured in a car accident absolutely have the right to file a claim for compensation. In fact, passengers often have a clearer path to recovery than drivers because they are generally not considered at fault for causing the accident. If you were riding in a vehicle and sustained injuries due to a crash, you may be able to pursue compensation through the insurance policy of the driver who caused the accident. This could be the driver of the car you were in, the driver of another vehicle, or, in some cases, both.
When a passenger files a claim, the process usually begins with determining which driver’s negligence caused the accident. If the driver of the other car was responsible, the passenger would typically pursue a claim against that driver’s liability insurance. If the driver of the car you were riding in was at fault, you may be able to seek compensation through their insurance policy. While this can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially if the driver is a friend or family member, it is important to remember that you are usually dealing with their insurance company—not them personally.
Passengers may be eligible to recover damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs, if the injuries are severe. In some cases, if both drivers share responsibility for the accident, you may even file claims against both insurance policies to ensure your damages are fully covered.
It’s important to act quickly because insurance companies may try to minimize payouts or dispute the extent of your injuries. Consulting with an experienced car accident attorney can help protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve as a passenger injured in a car accident.
Speak with an experienced St. Louis auto collision lawyer from NGK Law Firm. Contact us or call 314-241-1919 to get a free consultation.
Motor vehicle accidents are unexpected and disorienting, leaving you with physical and emotional pain. If you’ve recently been in a car accident and are experiencing seemingly minor injuries, you might be wondering whether it’s worth contacting an attorney.
It’s crucial not to delay seeking legal advice. Here’s why:
If you’ve been in a car accident and are unsure about your next steps, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your situation and guide you through the legal process with professionalism and compassion.
If you were involved in a serious accident and needed an emergency response to deal with your car accident injuries, you likely didn’t have an opportunity to swap insurance information with the other driver. That’s not a problem.
The law enforcement officers who responded to the scene will have created a report with all of the drivers’ details, evidence collected, and statements from witnesses. Here are a few steps to help you gather the evidence you need.
Your health and well-being should always be your top priority. If you were too injured to stay at the scene, get medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help you get the care you need but also create a medical record that documents your injuries and links them to the accident.
If the police were called to the scene, they likely filed a report detailing the accident, including the other driver’s information. Request a copy of this report as soon as you are able. It will provide valuable information about the accident, the other driver, and any witnesses present at the scene.
If you are aware of any witnesses who were present at the scene, reach out to them as soon as possible. Witnesses can provide valuable information about the accident, such as details about the other driver and their vehicle. Their statements can help support your accident claim and may be essential in cases where the other driver’s information was not collected at the scene.
Depending on the circumstances, there may be additional resources available to help you identify the other driver. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or residences, traffic cameras, or even witnesses’ social media posts may provide valuable information about the other driver and their vehicle.
Navigating a car accident claim without the other driver’s information can be challenging. An experienced personal injury attorney in St. Louis can help you investigate the accident, identify the other driver, and gather crucial evidence to support your claim. Additionally, they can guide you through the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights. Legal representation is particularly advantageous in these situations, ensuring that all possible evidence is tracked and submitted, and that communication is maintained with insurance and law enforcement. Such diligence significantly reduces the risk of unresolved issues or wrongful attribution of blame, leading to a smoother claim experience.
The timeline for settling a car accident claim depends on various factors, including the complexity of the injury claim, the extent of the injuries, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate. Simple claims may settle in a matter of weeks or months, while more serious or disputed claims can take longer, sometimes over a year. A St. Louis car accident attorney can help expedite the process by ensuring all documentation is in order and advocating for a timely resolution.
You shouldn’t accept the first offer from the insurance company after a car accident because these initial offers are often designed to minimize the payout to save the company money.
Here are key reasons why it’s best to avoid settling too early:
Instead of accepting the first offer, consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you evaluate the true value of your claim and negotiate a fair settlement.
To provide a rough idea, here are some theoretical examples of car accident compensation based on different scenarios. Note that these are hypothetical and may not represent the exact settlement you might receive in similar situations.
Scenario: A driver is involved in a low-speed collision, resulting in minor whiplash and $1,000 worth of damage to their vehicle. They missed one week of work.
Potential Settlement: Medical costs could be around $2,500 (initial treatment plus physical therapy), plus $1,000 for the car repair, and $1,000 for lost wages. This totals $4,500 in economic damages.
Scenario: A driver is hit by a speeding driver, resulting in a broken leg, several weeks off work, and their car was totaled (value $15,000).
Potential Settlement: Medical costs could be around $20,000 (emergency care, surgery, physical therapy), $15,000 for the car, and $10,000 in lost wages. This totals $45,000 in economic damages. Non-economic damages might be double that due to the severity of the injury, resulting in a potential settlement of around $135,000.
Scenario: A driver suffered a severe spinal injury in a car accident, causing permanent disability. They can no longer work in their previous occupation, and their car was totaled.
Potential Settlement: Medical expenses could easily exceed $100,000, plus $20,000 for their car and $1,000,000 for lost future earnings (assuming a relatively high-paying job and many remaining work years). This totals $1,120,000 in economic damages. Non-economic damages could be at least as much due to the life-altering nature of the injury, resulting in a potential settlement exceeding $2.2 million.
Calculating economic damages tends to be straightforward as they are based on actual financial losses. You add up medical bills, property damage receipts, proof of lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can vary greatly. These are often calculated using a “multiplier” method, which involves multiplying the economic damages by a number (the multiplier) that represents the severity of the injuries. The multiplier can range typically from 1.5 to 5, or even higher for extremely severe or life-altering injuries.
Factors that can influence compensation include:
Missouri does not cap the amount of economic damages or non-economic damages that a car accident victim can recover. However, punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or five times the net amount of the judgment, whichever is greater.
As we mentioned above, every case is different, and as a result, car accident settlements can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the accident.
Before we get into the subject of compensation amounts, it’s first important to understand how Missouri law handles motor vehicle accidents.
Missouri uses an “at-fault” system to handle car accident claims. This means that the driver whose actions were responsible for causing the accident will be responsible for compensating any other parties involved for their damages. These damages could include medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering (we’ll explain more below). The at-fault driver’s insurance company typically covers these expenses up to the policy’s limit.
Determining fault in a car accident involves investigating the accident circumstances, examining evidence, and applying traffic laws to understand who caused the accident. Police reports, witness statements, photos from the scene, and professional reconstructions can all play a part in determining fault.
Missouri uses a “pure comparative negligence” rule in car accident cases. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% at fault for the accident and suffered $10,000 in damages, you would only be eligible to recover 80% of that amount, or $8,000.
In Missouri, a car accident victim has five years to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for a car accident injury. In the event of a lethal crash, surviving family members have three years to file a wrongful death suit.
It’s important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit is different from filing a car insurance claim. While the statute of limitations on a lawsuit stemming from a car accident is years, any insurance company will require you to make an insurance claim or give notice that a claim will soon be filed “within a reasonable amount of time,” which typically means a few days to a few weeks.
Avoid admitting fault, providing speculative statements, or signing any documents from insurance companies without consulting your attorney. Additionally, refrain from discussing your case on social media or with anyone other than your St. Louis car accident lawyers.
The duration of a car accident claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the extent of your injuries, and whether a settlement is reached or the case goes to trial. Your attorney can provide an estimated timeline based on their experience with similar cases.
While it’s not legally required, hiring a car accident lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages. An experienced St. Louis car accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities of the claims process, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights.
Initially, you may have to cover your medical bills through your health insurance or out-of-pocket. However, if the other driver is at fault, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses through their insurance or by working with St. Louis car accident lawyers to file a personal injury claim.
Yes, your claim may be eligible. It’s never a good idea to shrug off an auto accident. Even if there is not much superficial damage, the crash might have damaged internal components on your car, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair.
Missouri law requires that any car accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 be reported to the local police department or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. If you are involved in such an accident, it’s essential to report it as soon as possible. This documentation will serve as a critical piece of evidence when filing your claim.
Collecting evidence at the scene of the accident is vital for building a strong case. This may include taking photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Additionally, contact information from witnesses should be gathered, and insurance information should be exchanged with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
Even if your injuries appear to be minor, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A medical professional can evaluate and document your injuries, providing essential evidence for your car accident injury claim. Furthermore, some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying medical care can exacerbate these conditions.
Always notify your insurance company about car accidents as soon as possible. Most insurance policies require prompt reporting, and failure to do so can jeopardize your claim. When providing information to your insurer, stick to the facts and avoid making speculative statements or admitting fault.
In Missouri, you can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy, or you can file a claim with your insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver is uninsured. Once your claim is filed, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. They will investigate the accident, assess the damages, and determine the settlement amount.
It is essential to remember that insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and may try to minimize the value of your claim. Having a personal injury attorney by your side can protect you from these kinds of industry tricks and wiles.
Most car accident claims in Missouri are resolved through settlement negotiations. Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if negotiations fail to yield a satisfactory outcome, your attorney may recommend taking your car accident case to court.
Facing a rejection or underpayment from an insurance company after a car accident can be frustrating and daunting. However, there are a few steps you can take to protect yourself.
When an insurance company denies a claim or offers less than you believe you deserve, they are obligated to provide an explanation. This information will guide your next steps. Reasons for denial might include late filing, lack of coverage, or disputing liability.
Carefully review your insurance policy. Be sure that you fully understand its terms and conditions, particularly any exclusions or clauses that the insurer might use to justify their decision. If the language is complex or hard to understand, consider seeking professional advice.
If you believe the denial or underpayment is unjustified, you can write a letter of appeal to your insurance provider. Include any additional evidence you’ve gathered and explain why you believe their decision is incorrect. Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter.
At any point during this process, especially if the dispute continues, it may be wise to seek legal advice. A lawyer experienced in car accident claims can help navigate these negotiations, protect your rights, and guide you toward the best possible outcome.
If all else fails, taking the matter to court might be an option. A car accident lawsuit should generally be seen as a last resort due to the time and costs involved, but in some cases, it may be necessary to achieve a fair resolution.
If something doesn’t seem quite right with your insurance claim or if you need help recovering the car accident damages that you are owed, contact the skilled Missouri car accident lawyers at NGK Law Firm.
NGK Law Firm is an award-winning personal injury law firm that represents Missouri car accident claims. Our firm is known for its dedication to securing fair compensation for its clients, combining thorough legal knowledge with a commitment to personalized client service.
When you work with NGK Law Firm, you get a team with two of the 2023 list of Best Lawyers as well as a Top 50 and Top 100 lawyer in the area of plaintiff’s personal injury by Super Lawyers Magazine.
With a 98% client success rate and more than $1 billion recovered for our clients, our team wins.
We handle all kinds of St. Louis car crash claims, including:
When we begin working with you, we’ll do all of the heavy lifting for you on your claim so you can focus on recovery and getting your life back on track.
Our team can:
Call 314-241-1919 or contact us online for your free claim evaluation with our St. Louis car accident lawyers.
Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases and can bring that experience to bear throughout your case.
We have successfully recovered over $700 million for our clients.
Sodales imperdiet ut porttitor conubia tristique ac mus suscipit vel, rutrum blandit quam proin erat platea per arcu magna, massa bibendum tincidunt nam tellus vestibulum justo class.
Our team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and provide support.
Trust us to get you through the frustrating process of seeking compensation with empathy, respect, and dedication.
We and selected third parties use cookies or similar technologies for technical purposes and, with your consent, for other purposes. You can consent to the use of such technologies by using the “Accept” button, by closing this notice, by scrolling this page, by interacting with any link or button outside of this notice or by continuing to browse otherwise.