St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing to do is to protect your health and safety by seeking prompt medical treatment for your car accident injuries. After ensuring you are not suffering from severe or progressive injuries, it is essential to:

• Make sure the scene is adequately documented: First responders, like police officers, rarely photograph the accident scene and may only do so in the event of a catastrophic injury or death. If you can, it is essential to take plenty of clear photographs of the vehicles involved, the surroundings, the prevailing weather conditions, and anything else that could prove crucial.
• Preserve witness statements: Many times, your collision will have been witnessed by independent witnesses who can attest to what caused the collision, what was said and by whom, and who was ultimately at fault. Independent witnesses are vital to ensure your case doesn’t turn out to be a “he said, she said” situation. Witnesses may or may not be interviewed by police. If you can talk to witnesses about what happened, obtain their contact information so our attorneys may contact and preserve their testimony for future litigation.
• Preserve physical evidence: In some cases, preserving the physical evidence at the scene and on the vehicles involved is vital. Most vehicles on the road today are equipped with onboard computers that can provide invaluable information about the minutes and seconds before the accident, including the speed of vehicles. Our car accident lawyers have the resources and ability to preserve this evidence, including purchasing the entire vehicle, if necessary, and having a qualified expert inspect and download the vehicle data.
• Don’t sign anything or talk to the other side’s insurance company: After an accident – before the dust has settled and you’ve had an opportunity to consult an attorney – the insurance company may want to interview you, or they may ask you to sign documents that eliminate your ability to pursue a case. Do not give a statement or sign anything until you’ve had an opportunity to consult a qualified attorney. You should reject nominal settlements offered by insurance companies after an auto collision until you’ve had an opportunity to consult (for free) with our attorneys at Simon Law.
• Try to stay calm and consult our attorneys: Families’ lives are often in disarray following a serious car accident due to the sudden loss of life or a catastrophic injury. It is difficult, if not impossible, to navigate a stressful new reality. Let us help you preserve important evidence and deal with the insurance companies so that you can focus on what matters most.

Due to the forceful dynamics of the car accident, how the body was jolted in the impact, or the underlying makeup of a person’s body, car accident victims can suffer severe or even permanent injuries.

The lawyer handling your case must understand the following:

1. The nature and cause of the injury you’ve suffered
2. How that injury may affect your health or well-being in the future
3. The substantial modifications you’ll have to make to go on living the future

Attorneys at Simon Law are experienced in handling any injury or wrongful death claim. The injuries we’ve handled before include:

• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Broken bones

Whether car crashes are caused by driving under the influence (DUI) or simple inattention, they can take a serious toll on drivers. If you have been injured through no fault of your own, you have the right to seek just compensation for your injuries.

Having auto accident attorneys, like those at Simon Law, by your side in court is your best chance of success.

The car accident attorneys with Simon Law are experts in analyzing what caused an accident, how to bring these claims, and proving fault in court. In all of the cases we handle, we see many common personal injury causes, including:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Following vehicles too closely or tailgating
• Failing to yield the right of way
• Failing to check the blind spot
• Texting while driving
• Drunk driving or driving while under the influence of drugs
• Driving while drowsy, tired, or fatigued
• Aggressive or reckless driving
• Mechanical defect or failure to maintain car
• Negligently entrusting a vehicle to someone else

Car accidents are a harsh reality of life in St. Louis. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there has been an average of 15,000 car accidents per year for the past several years. A little less than half of which involve more than one vehicle. In 2020, these car accidents resulted in 7,000 injuries and 175 fatalities.

Per a 2023 Consumer Affair study, St. Louis car accidents are also closely linked with dangerous driving behavior. Fatal accidents in St. Louis are much more likely to be related to alcohol consumption or speeding than accidents in other US cities.

These statistics are a sobering reminder of the importance of seeking experienced legal representation if you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident. The high number of accidents highlights the need for vigilance on the roads and the critical role that skilled car accident attorneys play in helping victims recover from their injuries and losses.

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in St. Louis

Some roads and intersections in St. Louis are more hazardous than others due to a combination of factors such as poor road design, heavy traffic, and high speeds. Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in St. Louis include:

• Kingshighway Boulevard and Natural Bridge Avenue
• Gravois Avenue and Chippewa Street
• Hampton Avenue and Chippewa Street
• Interestates 270, 170 and 44

These locations are known for their high accident rates, making it crucial for drivers to exercise extra caution when navigating these areas.

Missouri has specific laws and regulations governing car accidents, including:

• Missouri is an at-fault state, meaning that the driver who causes the accident is responsible for damages.
• Missouri requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, including $25,000 bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 property damage liability.
• Missouri has a comparative negligence system, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your damages may be reduced accordingly.
• Missouri has a 5-year statute of limitations for car accident claims; this is longer than the national average. This means that, if you discover your injury years after your accident, you may still be eligible for compensation.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in St. Louis or surrounding Missouri and Illinois counties, it is essential to seek experienced legal representation to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact Simon Law today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers.

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