St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers

We’re Here to Help You After You’ve Been in An Auto Accident in St. Louis

No one wants to be in a car accident. Car crashes can cause serious injuries and property damage that can create hardships throughout your life. If someone’s negligence caused you to suffer injury, reach out to our St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois, car accident lawyers at DM Injury Law.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or sustained significant damage to your car, contact our auto accident lawyers in St. Louis. We offer free consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys can represent you in any car accident claim, including:

• Distracted driving accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Fatal car accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Rear-end accidents
• Uber/Lyft accidents
• Uninsured motorist accidents

St. Louis Car Accident Table of Contents:

• Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your St. Louis Car Accident Claim
• DM Injury Law’s Car Accident Case Results
• St. Louis, MO, Car Accident Statistics
• Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
• Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis 
• Laws that Impact Car Accidents in Missouri
• Compensation Available in a St. Louis, Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit
• Schedule Your Free Consultation

Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Why Choose DM Injury Law for Your St. Louis Car Accident Claim

When you’re choosing an attorney, you’re choosing a partner to guide you through one of the most challenging times of your life. You need a firm with the experience to handle complex negotiations and the resources to stand up to massive insurance companies. At DM Injury Law, we combine the firepower of a nationally recognized trial practice with the personal, dedicated service you deserve. We’re not just your lawyers; we’re your advocates.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• A Proven Track Record of Results: We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims across Missouri and the Midwest. Our results speak for themselves and demonstrate our commitment to securing the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
• Personalized Attention for Your Unique Case: You are not just a case number to us. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your specific needs, and develop a legal strategy custom-tailored to your situation. Your goals are our goals.
• A Team of Experts: When you work with DM Injury Law, you don’t only get a skilled attorney fighting for your rights, you also get the support of our vast legal team, comprised of investigators, case managers, and medical records specialists to help you throughout your claim.
• The Resources to Take on Tough Fights: Insurance companies have vast legal teams and seemingly endless resources. So do we. We level the playing field, using our own investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and trial-tested attorneys to build a case designed to win.
• No Fee Unless We Win: We operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We cover all the costs of building and litigating your case. You only pay us a fee if and when we successfully recover compensation for you. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

Choosing DM Injury Law means putting a big-time law firm on your side without sacrificing the one-on-one attention you and your family deserve. We’re here to answer your questions, ease your worries, and fight for the justice you are owed.

DM Injury Law’s Car Accident Case Results

Our reputation as a leading law firm is built on a track record of success and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. Take a look at our successful car accident case results:

• $11,000,000: Our client’s son was killed when the driver of a company truck fell asleep at the wheel and hit him. 
• $8,800,000: Our client suffered a traumatic brain injury after being involved in a car wreck with a defective vehicle. 
• $4,600,000: Our client suffered a serious brain injury and broke multiple bones after being ejected from the passenger seat during an auto accident. 

Ready to seek the compensation you’re owed? Tell your story to some of the best car accident lawyers in St. Louis over a free consultation.

St. Louis, MO, Car Accident Statistics

Driving in and around a major metropolitan area like St. Louis comes with inherent risks, and the statistics from across our state paint a sobering picture. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is actively working to reduce traffic fatalities through its “Show-Me Zero” strategic highway safety plan, which aims for zero fatalities by 2030. This comprehensive plan focuses on engineering, education, enforcement, and emergency response to make our roads safer for everyone.

Despite these efforts, accidents remain a tragic reality. According to the latest preliminary MoDOT data:

• The preliminary total for traffic fatalities in Missouri last year was 955. While this represents a 3.63% decrease from last year, it is still a heartbreaking number of lives lost.
• The first quarter of this year saw 201 fatalities, an increase of nine from the same period in 2024.
• The second quarter saw 216 fatalities, a decrease of 14 from the same time the previous year.

Additionally, according to Trailnet, an organization dedicated to making St. Louis’s streets safer through policy and education, 5,338 people were injured, and 46 people were killed in car accidents in St. Louis City.

There were 8,948 people injured and 66 people killed in car accidents in St. Louis County. Take a look at Trailnet’s 2023 car crash report.

Should I Accept the First Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?

Shortly after your accident, you will likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster representing the at-fault driver. They may sound friendly, sympathetic, and eager to help. They might even offer you a settlement check right away to cover your immediate expenses. While it can be tempting to accept this money, especially when medical bills are piling up, it is almost always a mistake.

You must remember one crucial fact: the insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their primary job is to protect their company’s bottom line by minimizing the amount of money they pay out on claims.

The first settlement offer is a common tactic used to achieve this goal. It is typically a lowball offer that is calculated to be just enough to make you go away. It rarely, if ever, accounts for the full, long-term costs of your accident, which may include:

• Future medical treatments, surgeries, or physical therapy.
• Lost wages if you are unable to work for an extended period.
• Diminished future earning capacity if your injuries are permanent.
• The immense physical pain and emotional suffering you have endured.

Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you forfeit your right to seek any further compensation for your injuries, even if they turn out to be far more severe than you initially realized. The insurance company knows this. They are counting on you to be in a vulnerable position and to take the quick money without understanding the true value of your claim.

Before you speak to an adjuster, sign any documents, or accept any offer, it is vital that you first consult with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney. We can protect you from these tactics and accurately calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you don’t leave money on the table.

Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis

People are getting too relaxed behind the wheel. Between texting and driving and disregarding speed limits, there are countless ways car crashes can occur, including: 

• Distracted driving – texting, taking pictures or videos, eating, using GPS, watching videos, and using social media 
• Speeding 
• Disregarding red lights, stop/road signs, and traffic laws 
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs 
• Driver fatigue 
• Making unsafe lane changes 
• Tailgating 
• And more 

Whether you were involved in a motorcycle, car, or truck accident, our attorneys want to fight for your rights. 

Common Injuries You Can Get from Car Accidents 

Even if you’re involved in a minor car wreck, you can still suffer catastrophic injuries after an accident. If you’ve been in an accident, seek medical attention immediately. This will create a record of your injuries and the accident, improving the chances of a successful car accident claim. 

Common injuries from car accidents include: 

• Amputations 
• Back and neck injuries 
• Brain injury 
• Broken/fractured bones 
• Burn injury 
• Disfigurement 
• Scarring 
• Spinal cord injury 
• Whiplash

Laws that Impact Car Accidents in Missouri

Missouri has several specific laws that will directly influence your ability to recover compensation. Understanding these rules is the first step toward building a successful claim. Our attorneys at DM Injury Law are highly knowledgeable about Missouri traffic and liability law and can guide you through every step.

Missouri’s At-Fault Insurance System

Missouri operates under a traditional “at-fault” or “tort” system for car accidents. This means that the person who is legally found to be responsible for causing the crash is also responsible for paying for the damages that result. To recover compensation, you (the injured party) must be able to prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence directly caused your injuries and losses.

This is very different from “no-fault” states, where your own insurance company pays for your initial medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. In Missouri, you must pursue a claim against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance policy. This is why proving fault is the most critical element of any St. Louis car accident case.

Missouri’s Comparative Negligence Rule

In some accidents, an insurance company or a jury may determine that more than one party shares blame for the crash. Missouri follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule to handle these situations.

This rule states that you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, your total compensation award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, let’s say you were making a left turn when you were struck by a speeding driver. A jury determines that the other driver was 90% at fault for speeding, but that you were 10% at fault for misjudging the distance. Your final award would be reduced by your 10% of fault.

Because of this rule, insurance companies will often try to shift as much blame as possible onto you to reduce their payout. Our job is to gather evidence—like police reports, witness testimony, and traffic camera footage—to build the strongest possible case and minimize any allocation of fault against you.

Take a look at the comparative fault laws. 

Missouri & Illinois’s Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Lawsuits

The statute of limitations is a critical legal deadline. It is a state law that sets a strict time limit on your right to file a lawsuit after suffering an injury. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this timeframe, you will be permanently barred from ever seeking compensation in court, no matter how strong your case is.

Missouri

• Car Accident Claim: According to RSMo § 516.120, you have 5 years to file a car accident claim in Missouri. 
• Wrongful Death Claim: According to RSMo § 537.080, a family member has 3 years to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri.

Illinois

• Car Accident Claim: According to 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you have 2 years to file a car accident claim in Illinois.
• Wrongful Death Claim: According to 740 ILCS 180, you have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois.

While these timeframes may sound like a long time, it is crucial to act much sooner. Building a strong case takes time. Evidence can disappear, witnesses’ memories can fade, and crucial documents can be lost. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building your claim for success, ensuring all legal deadlines are met with time to spare.

Learn More: 

• Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Missouri 
• Understanding Statute of Limitations for Car Accident Claims in Illinois
• Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit? 

Compensation Available in a St. Louis, Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit

When we talk about fighting for compensation, what does that actually include? The goal of a personal injury lawsuit is to secure a financial recovery that makes you “whole” again, or as close as possible to the position you were in before the accident. 

The types of compensation we fight for in a car accident lawsuit are the same damages we pursue for our clients right here in St. Louis. These damages are typically broken down into two main categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages are the tangible, verifiable financial losses you have incurred due to the accident. We prove these with bills, receipts, and expert financial analysis. They include:

• Medical Expenses: This covers everything from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to hospital stays, surgeries, prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and any future medical care you will need.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you are entitled to compensation for the income you have lost during your recovery.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries are permanent and prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at the same capacity, we can seek compensation for this loss of future income.
• Property Damage: This includes the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the crash.

Non-Economic Damages are the intangible, personal losses that don’t have a specific price tag but are just as real and devastating. They compensate you for the human cost of the accident:

• Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and general suffering your injuries have caused.
• Emotional Distress: This includes compensation for the psychological impact of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, fear, insomnia, or PTSD.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from participating in hobbies, activities, or life experiences that you once enjoyed, you can be compensated for this loss.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: This provides compensation for permanent scarring or physical disfigurement that can impact your self-esteem and quality of life.

Our team works tirelessly to document every single loss, ensuring we demand a settlement or verdict that truly reflects the total impact the accident has had on your life.

Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation

St. Louis, MO Car Accident FAQs

Here are answers to some of the common questions we hear from clients in your situation.

What if The Driver Who Hit Me Was Uninsured or Fled the Scene?

This is a frightening and frustrating situation, but you may still have options. Your own auto insurance policy likely includes Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This is a type of coverage that steps in to act as the at-fault driver’s insurance when they either have none, not enough to cover your damages, or cannot be found (in a hit-and-run). 

How Is Fault Determined in A Missouri Car Accident?

Fault is determined by examining evidence to see who acted negligently. This involves a thorough investigation that looks at a variety of sources, including the official police report, statements from you and the other driver, eyewitness testimony, photos and videos of the scene, and traffic laws.

In more complex cases, we may hire accident reconstruction experts who can use physics and engineering principles to scientifically determine how the crash occurred and who was responsible.

How Long Will It Take to Resolve My Car Accident Case?

There is no single answer to this question, as every case is unique. The timeline depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the accident, and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate fairly. A straightforward case might settle in a few months.

A more complex case that involves severe injuries or a dispute over fault may take a year or longer, especially if it becomes necessary to file a lawsuit and go to trial. 

Contact the Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers at DM Injury Law Today

You have been through enough. The physical pain, the emotional trauma, and the financial stress of a car accident can be overwhelming. You do not have to carry this weight on your own. Now is the time to put a powerful, proven, and compassionate legal team in your corner. Let the attorneys at DM Injury Law take over the fight so you can dedicate your energy to healing.

When you partner with our team, we will immediately get to work on your behalf. We will handle every aspect of your claim from start to finish.

Our team will:

• Conduct a thorough and independent investigation into your accident.
• Handle all communications with the insurance companies so you don’t have to.
• Work with medical and financial experts to calculate the full, long-term value of your claim.
• Aggressively negotiate for a top-dollar settlement.
• Prepare your case for trial and fight for you in court if a fair offer is not made.

Your road to recovery starts with a single phone call. Contact our St. Louis office for a FREE, confidential, and no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights and options. Call us today at (314) 888-4444 or fill out our simple online form to get started. We are ready to help.

Call (314) 888-4444 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts.