St. Louis Fatal Car Accident Attorneys

Seek Justice for Your Loved One

The aftermath of a fatal car accident in St. Louis is unimaginable and filled with grief, shock, and uncertainty. Having to navigate the complex legal process makes this time even more difficult and stressful.

Trailnet reports that 173 people were killed in car crashes across St. Louis City and County in 2022. If you’ve experienced the untimely passing of a loved one because of a fatal car accident, our team is here to stand by your side and offer compassionate support while we work to seek accountability and compensation on your behalf.

Our car accident wrongful death attorneys at DM Injury Law are here to take this burden off of your shoulders. Tell us your story over a free consultation, and we’ll fight for the justice your family deserves.

We are a contingency-fee-based law firm, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Take a look at some of our successful case results involving wrongful death accidents:

• $11,000,000: Our client’s son was in a work zone in a company truck when the other driver fell asleep at the wheel, swerved into the work zone, and struck the vehicle, causing the death of our client’s son.
• $4,000,000: Our client’s truck broke down on 18th St. Expressway as he was pulling off to the side of the road. The client was killed when he was pinned between two vehicles.
• $3,500,000: Our client’s son was in a carload of kids traveling to football practice when the other driver crossed the center lane and caused his death.

Understanding Fatal Car Accident Claims in Missouri and Illinois

Fatal car accidents are devastating events that can leave families shattered both emotionally and financially. These accidents can be a result of a variety of factors, including negligence, drunk driving, distracted driving, and more.

When it comes to understanding fatal car accident claims, there are a couple of key points to keep in mind:

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Death Claim?

• You have 3 years to file a wrongful death claim in Missouri.
• You have 2 years to file a wrongful death claim in Illinois.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Missouri

Here are the following parties who can file a wrongful death claim in Missouri:

• First to File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
  • The deceased person’s surviving spouse
  • The deceased person’s parents
  • The deceased person’s children
  • If the children are deceased, then the children’s descendants (grandchildren)
• Second to File (If the First Category Is Not Applicable):
  • A surviving sibling of the deceased
  • The sibling’s descendants (nieces and nephews)
• If Neither Category is Applicable:
  • The court will appoint a “plaintiff ad litem” to handle the claim.
  • A plaintiff ad litem must be requested by a person “entitled to share in the proceeds” of a successful wrongful death claim.

Illinois

While some states allow for family members of the deceased person to file a wrongful death claim, Illinois has a different approach. A wrongful death claim must be filed by a personal representative, also called an executor, appointed by the deceased person.

If your loved one died without appointing a representative, the court may appoint one. It’s important to speak to a fatal accident lawyer in East St. Louis and St. Louis City and County when navigating this complicated process. They can help you by appointing an executor and handling the claim on your behalf.

What Damages Can I Seek After a Loved One Died in a Car Crash?

A St. Louis fatal car accident can lead to a lot of hardships, from grief to financial struggles. You are able to seek 2 types of damages after an incident like this: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover measurable losses, like: 

• Medical bills
• Rehab and therapy
• Long-term care
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Funeral and burial costs

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are harder to define. These are subjective losses often related to mental health and suffering. In Missouri, non-economic damages are capped between $450,098 and $787,671. There is no cap in Illinois.

Non-economic damages can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship
• PTSD
• Loss of independence
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Hiring an experienced car accident death lawyer can help you seek the maximum compensation possible. Tell us your story today.

Common Types of Fatal Car Accidents

A fatal car accident can happen in many different ways. Here are some of the most common types of fatal car accidents in St. Louis:

• Head-On Collisions: Head-on collisions involve two vehicles crashing front-to-front, often causing severe injuries or fatalities due to the intense impact. These are common on narrow, undivided roads.
• T-Bone Collisions: T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle hits the side of another, usually at intersections. The side impact can cause serious injuries, especially to occupants on the struck side.
• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions happen when one car hits the back of another, often due to following too closely or distracted driving. High-speed impacts can lead to serious or fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollovers, where a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, are especially dangerous and often occur with larger vehicles during sharp turns or high-speed maneuvers.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents involve vehicles striking people on or near roadways, often causing severe injuries or death due to pedestrians’ lack of protection.

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Whether your loved one passed away from a fatal motorcycle accident or a fatal truck accident, we at DM Injury Law are on your side.

Tell your story to one of our St. Louis fatal car accident attorneys over a free consultation. Remember, you don’t pay us unless we win.

Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results, and every case is different and must be judged based on its own merits.