PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS WHEN YOU OR A LOVED ONE ARE INJURED
Auto Accident Lawyer in Missouri
Auto Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri. When you or a loved one are seriously injured in an auto accident, Burger Law is the law firm to turn to in St. Louis. Speak to an experienced auto accident lawyer right now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.
If you were seriously injured in an auto accident, see how much your claim may be worth with our free personal injury calculator.
The Burger Law legal team fights for your rights and demands a full recovery in your St. Louis auto accident claim. Our attorneys have successfully recovered $200 million in settlement and trial results for our clients, including a multi-year legal battle resulting in a trial verdict of $113 million. We will stop nothing short of a complete recovery for you.
Burger Law’s Successful Missouri Auto Accident Claims
At Burger Law, we believe that results matter. Our clients want to know that we are giving 100 percent to a case and win the best possible settlement on their behalf. Below are a few recent examples of auto accident settlements we have won for clients.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Contact a Missouri Auto Accident Lawyer
Following a car crash, you should be focused on getting treatment for your injuries. You should not have to be concerned with fighting your insurance company for the care you need, or worrying about whether you are going to get the financial recovery you deserve for the car accident or even deciphering court dates and legal jargon. The Burger Law auto accident attorneys in St. Louis make all of these things nonissues by handling the work of your car accident claim for you.
Our lawyers fight for your rights without compromise and ensure that you get complete compensation you need to recover and get back to a normal life. Call one of our auto accident lawyers now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form. Get a free, confidential, no-obligation case review from one of our qualified Missouri car accident lawyers today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Missouri?
Auto accidents happen in what often feels like a blink of an eye. Though there are some potentially dangerous conditions and events outside of our control that can contribute to crashes, the majority of auto accidents are caused by driver error. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that human operators are responsible for 94 percent of accidents that take place.
Some of the most common causes of St. Louis and Missouri auto accidents include:
Blocking a car or changing speed to prevent another car from changing lanes, passing, etc.
Refusing to use turn signals
Forcing a car off the road
Using high beams to interfere with another driver’s ability to see
What Is the Average Auto Accident Settlement Amount in St. Louis?
Auto accidents are expensive. According to the Insurance Information Institute, deaths, injuries and property damage in motor vehicle accidents cost $474 billion in 2020. The NHTSA estimates that auto accidents cost society $7,300 per second in loss of productivity.
In terms of the cost of paying out the average car accident settlement, it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact figure as many settlement amounts are confidential. But, generally speaking, the majority of car accident settlements come in between $15,000 and $20,000. Injuries requiring more extensive medical care often reach $50,000 to $100,000, while injuries resulting in permanent disability or, in the worst cases, wrongful death, can result in damages of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions.
How Long Do I Have to File an Auto Accident Claim in Missouri?
In general, pursuant to Missouri Revised Statute §516.120, you have five years from the date of your injury to file your personal injury claim in St. Louis or elsewhere in Missouri.
If you were under the age of 21 at the time of the injury, or were mentally incapacitated at the time, Missouri Revised Statute §516.170 states that you have 5 years after the date you turn 21 or that your “legal disability” ends.
If you are injured by someone who was a resident of the state when the injury occurred, but later left the state before you filed a lawsuit, Missouri Revised Statute §516.200 stipulates that the time the defendant is out of the state does not apply toward the five years.
If you have been injured in a car accident in St. Louis, the clock is already ticking for when you can make your claim. Do not wait, call the auto accident law firm of Burger Law now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online to get justice and maximum compensation for your injuries. We start working on your case right away and do not rest until we win your case.
What Are the Factors That Determine an Auto Accident Settlement in St. Louis?
As the purpose of a car accident settlement is to fairly compensate you for your injuries, the severity of those injuries is the driving factor in how much your settlement might be. Other factors include how your injuries have impacted your life, the insurance policy in question, if you bear any responsibility for your accident and the abilities of your St. Louis auto accident lawyer:
The severity of your injuries — As more severe injuries lead to higher medical expenses and more time lost from work and generally have a more pervasive impact on your life after the accident, they lead to higher settlements, especially when factoring in the pain and suffering multiplier.
How your injuries have impacted your life — The greater the effect on your mental, emotional and physical well-being, the higher the noneconomic damages will be.
The insurance policy — Missouri has a minimum insurance requirement of $25,000 for bodily injury, and while a skilled car accident lawyer may be able to get you more, there are times where you will be limited by the negligent driver’s and/or your insurance policy limits.
If you are partially to blame — With comparative negligence policies like Missouri law observes, you can still receive a financial recovery if you were partially to blame; however, the amount will be less. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but it is found that you are 30 percent to blame for your accident, you would receive $70,000. In Missouri, you can still receive compensation if you were 99 percent at fault.
Your car accident lawyer — You need a skilled and aggressive attorney to combat the insurance company’s tricks. Your Missouri auto accident lawyer will also need to investigate your accident, prove liability on the part of the other driver and have a network of St. Louis medical and economic experts to precisely value your claim. It is important that, in case the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement in negotiation, you have an experienced trial lawyer that will stand by your side and expertly argue your case in front of a jury.
Auto accidents are never a pleasant experience, and they are often startling and frightening. However, it is important to keep a level head in the aftermath of a crash. You should follow these steps to ensure everyone’s safety and to get the best results from your claim:
Check to see whether you or anyone else is injured. The most important thing in a car accident is everybody’s well-being and safety. Check to see if anyone is injured and how significant their injuries are. If you or anyone is severely injured, call 911 immediately. If you can and it is safe to do so, render aid to anyone who needs it.
Get to safety. If anyone is severely injured, do not move them until emergency medical personnel arrive, and warn other vehicles of the accident. If you cannot move your vehicle, turn on the emergency lights and exit to go to the side of the road when it is safe. Otherwise, move your vehicle to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic so no one ends up in a multi-car accident.
Call the police. If you have not already called 911, call St. Louis city or county police. Missouri Revised Statute §303.040 requires Missouri drivers to report any motor vehicle accident that results in personal injury, death, or over $500 in property damage. If you are unsure as to the extent of the damage or how bad your injuries are, err on the side of caution and call the police. Not only is it the law, but police in St. Louis are trained to provide an official account of what happened in accidents, and their report will go a long way in proving your claim and holding the other party accountable.
Document the accident scene and collect evidence. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, any injuries you sustained and other parts of the scene, such as the road surrounding the crash. Lack of tire marks may help prove that the other driver was distracted and is responsible for the car accident. If the other driver was drunk, take pictures of the police arresting them.You should also exchange insurance information with the other driver. If there were eyewitnesses, get their contact information so your car accident lawyer will be able to take official depositions from them. It is also a good idea to write down everything you remember about the crash, as your memory will be freshest in the immediate aftermath, and you may forget seemingly insignificant details that later turn out to be important.
Get medical treatment. Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe, it is a good idea to go to a St. Louis urgent care facility after a car accident. With some injuries, you may not experience symptoms right away, and adrenaline can often mask pain after an accident.
Contact Burger Law. When you are seriously injured in an auto accident, it is essential to find a knowledgeable attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your case. An experienced attorney who fights back against bullies like resistant insurance companies is often the only way you can truly receive maximum compensation for your injuries. We have over 70 years of combined experience standing up for the injured in St. Louis. We know car accident claims and will be able to calculate exactly how much you are owed. Talking to us about your claim is free, so do not accept a settlement offer before asking an auto accident lawyer if it is really fair. We are also experienced trial lawyers, so if we cannot secure a fair financial recovery in negotiations, we will take the fight to a judge and jury.Call us now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online.
What Should I Look For When Choosing an Auto Accident Lawyer in Missouri?
When it comes to picking an auto accident lawyer in St. Louis, it is important to do your research and find the right lawyer for the specifics of your case. Here are some key factors to consider:
Experience: An experienced auto accident attorney will know the ins and outs of the legal system and be able to help you fight against bullying insurance companies. Burger Law has nearly 30 years of experience in St. Louis and throughout Missouri, standing up to insurance companies and prosecutors on behalf of our clients.
Specialization: Different lawyers specialize in different areas of the law, and it is important to find one who specializes in auto accident cases. The Burger Law auto accident attorneys not only specialize in car crash cases, we dedicate our careers to handling cases like yours and doing whatever it takes to get you full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses and the pain and suffering you have incurred because of your injuries.
Reputation: It is also important to look for a lawyer who members of the community know and trust and who has a good reputation. Ask around for recommendations and check online reviews, and you will see Burger Law’s stellar track record.
Communication: It is important to find a lawyer who is easy to talk to and is willing to answer your questions. Gary Burger has literally written the book on absolutely essential questions to ask before you pick a lawyer. We always make sure you know what is going on with your case. We also handle all documentation, negotiation and litigation. Call us today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online to discuss your case and ask our Missouri auto accident lawyers legal questions for free.
Contact a Burger Law Auto Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri
Get a Free, Confidential Consultation Today
Contact a Burger Law Auto Accident Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri
Whether it is some other auto accident lawyer or an offer from an insurance company, do not settle for less than you deserve. Burger Law has knowledgeable, aggressive and unwavering auto accident lawyers ready to stand in your corner and fight for your rights throughout your claim.
Call our auto accident lawyer team today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online. We do not collect any fees until we win your case. Get legal representation when you need it, and pay when you get paid.
This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!
Genevieve and Laura have assisted me in my personal injury claim and have made the process so much less stressful. They are extremely knowledgeable, professional, and attentive. Laura is always on top of everything and very sweet. I had no idea how to navigate this process and they have made me feel at ease and like they truly cared about the outcome.
Cara Barton
It has been a long 4 years, but it is finally over! Burger law did a great job handling my case. Grant Doty answered all my questions, promptly returned my phone calls, frequently kept me updated and insured me that he was fighting for me. Jennifer Zini also did a wonderful job, great customer service. It was pleasure getting to know the Burger Law team!
S. Alred
After a driver unexpectedly pulled out right in front of my motorcycle & I suffered injuries, the at-fault driver’s insurance company offered me a $10,000 settlement. I hired Burger Law & they won a $109,000 settlement. I was very happy with the outcome. They were easy to work with & fully explained each step of the process & kept me informed along the way.
At Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer, we are a team of personal injury attorneys who have earned many distinctions and peer-reviewed awards for our civil litigation and trial work in Missouri and Illinois. A few of the honors we have earned include the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Top 100 Trial Lawyer Award, a Martindale-Hubbell AV rating, Super Lawyers selection as one of the top attorneys in the field of personal injury and board certifications in Civil Litigation.
Personal injury lawyers who demand justice in Southern Illinois. The role of a personal injury lawyer in Southern Illinois should be more than just getting you a great settlement…