If you suffered an injury in a St. Louis car accident, you might not know what to do or where to turn. Holland Injury Law, LLC, is here to assist you. For 30 years, we have boldly and aggressively represented injury survivors throughout St. Louis in all types of motor vehicle accident claims, helping clients navigate the insurance claims process, hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover the compensation they deserve.
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Everyone has been involved in a small fender-bender, but a major crash is something completely different. The moments immediately following an accident can feel overwhelming. If you can, you should complete the following steps:
A reputable attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a case. Here is what sets Holland Injury Law, LLC apart:
With our attorneys’ years of experience and commitment to their craft, we are the personal injury firm you can trust.
As motorists, we take the risk of becoming a statistic through an injury accident every time we get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you are harmed as the result of someone else’s negligence in a car accident, it is important to ask for the proper level of compensation to cover all of your most important needs. These needs may not be immediately obvious right after your accident. The insurance company may offer you a quick settlement, but it may not include everything essential to your recovery. If the insurance company wants you to sign a release early on, do not sign; call us right away.
Missouri gives plaintiffs five years to file claims for personal injuries and property damage suffered in a car accident. There is no cap on the amount of damages a plaintiff may recover. You may also file for damages that include both economic losses and noneconomic ones, including pain and suffering.
Some of the types of compensation you may pursue in your personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident include:
| Type of Damages | What It May Cover |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, and follow-up treatment |
| Lost wages | Income lost from being unable to work |
| Rehabilitative services | Rehabilitation and ongoing care for serious injuries |
| Pain and suffering | Compensation for physical pain and other harms and losses |
| Emotional distress | Psychological and emotional effects of the accident |
| Scarring and disfigurement | Permanent or visible physical injuries |
| Vehicle damage | Repair or replacement of your vehicle |
| Rental car charges | Transportation costs while your vehicle is being repaired or replaced |
When the other driver’s obvious wrongdoing, like drunk driving, leads to a motor vehicle accident, you may also need to cover hospitalization, surgery and therapy, rehabilitation in a facility and when you are able to return home, and disability accommodations for brain injuries or other injuries, whether short-term or long-term. You may require psychological help as well, to deal with your sudden losses and resulting feelings of helplessness and fears about the future. Such feelings are natural and deserve just as much care as your mobility challenges and other physical ailments.
Our law firm will investigate the true extent of your losses after your injury and assist you in building a strong claim that will generate a fair settlement or verdict in your favor at trial.
Proving negligence in a car accident is not easy, especially when the insurance company has its own powerful lawyers involved. With more than 30 years in practice, we have experience performing accident reconstructions, evaluating complex evidence, and using physics and mathematics to prove negligence. Fortunately, Holland Injury Law, LLC, has successfully demonstrated negligence in countless cases. We may use several tools, including:
| Type of Evidence | How It May Help |
|---|---|
| Accident reconstruction | Helps explain how the crash occurred and who may have been at fault |
| Police reports | Documents the accident scene, statements, citations, and initial findings |
| Expert witnesses | Provide technical or professional analysis of the evidence |
| Eyewitness testimony | May show whether the other driver was not paying attention or acted negligently |
| Cellphone records | May reveal texting, calls, or social media activity at the time of the crash |
| Intersection cameras and surveillance footage | May show how the accident occurred |
You may have noticed that the other driver was not looking at the road during the time of the accident, but a car accident happens so fast that you may not remember to gather evidence in the wake of a crash. While the tools above can often be the most helpful, it is still important to take photos and get the other driver’s information right after a crash. No matter the circumstances of your accident, we will use whatever tools are necessary to seek a favorable settlement or verdict.
The laws surrounding car accident claims exist for one reason: to ensure victims receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages. State and car accident law can be complicated, so if you have any questions, it is important to contact a St. Louis car accident lawyer. Understanding these laws is essential for protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means that if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are deemed to be 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages amount to $100,000, your compensation will be reduced by 20%, resulting in an $80,000 payout. Importantly, Missouri’s pure comparative fault rule allows you to recover compensation even if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, though your award will be reduced accordingly.
Missouri is an at-fault state for car accident claims, which means that in an accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for all damages and injuries. Missouri law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. The table below reflects the minimum coverage amounts under Missouri’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law (RSMo § 303.190 and § 303.020).
Note: Confirm current minimums with a licensed Missouri attorney before relying on these figures, as legislative changes may affect these amounts.
Coverage Type | Minimum Required |
Bodily injury liability (per person) | $25,000 |
Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
Property damage liability (per accident) | $10,000 |
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per person) | $25,000 |
Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
Additionally, Missouri drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Our St. Louis car accident attorneys will put the work in for you. You can recover while we work on your case.
When you are dealing with a car accident, there is likely a lot on your mind. However, in any car accident there is a Statute of Limitations, or timeline for filing a lawsuit. In Missouri, the Statute of Limitations for car accidents is five years from the date of the accident (RS Mo § 516.120). This is not a rule that is set in stone. There can be some exceptions in certain cases.
If the car accident involved a government vehicle or employee, there may be special notice requirements and shorter time limits for filing a claim. The claim may need to be filed within 90 days to one year, depending on the specific government entity involved. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with a personal injury attorney to ensure that you do not miss the deadline for filing your claim. Missing the statute of limitations can result in your case being dismissed and losing the right to seek compensation.
Let us say you get into a car accident and walk away fine, but later find out that there was a hidden injury as a direct result of the crash. Since the discovery was made later, the clock or time to bring a lawsuit will start when the injury is found. This is called the Discovery Rule.
If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended. Typically, the clock does not start until the disability is removed. Consult with a St. Louis car accident lawyer to understand exactly how these rules apply to your situation.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. You may have noticed that the other driver was not looking at the road during the time of the accident, but a car accident happens so fast that it can be difficult to gather evidence in the immediate aftermath. Fortunately, we can utilize information such as cellphone records, bystander testimony, and intersection camera or surveillance footage to prove distracted driving. While these examples can often be the most helpful, it is still important to take photos and get the other driver’s information right after a crash.
When the other driver’s obvious wrongdoing, like drunk driving, leads to a motor vehicle accident, it is natural for you and your family to seek justice. Holland Injury Law, LLC is a law firm with a heart full of devotion to justice. We are uncompromising in our determination to right wrongs. We know what types of accommodations and compensation you will need after a serious injury.
Past clients of this firm have deeply appreciated our attention to the aspect of justice in drunk driving-related cases. Likewise, they have depended on us to pursue and obtain the compensation they needed after suffering injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Sometimes, this means bringing a lawsuit against a bar or restaurant in a liquor liability case. It may mean tapping into your own uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if a drunk driver was not properly insured.
Missouri law requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. However, not every driver on the road complies. If you are struck by an uninsured driver, you may be able to tap into your own uninsured motorist coverage to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Our attorneys can help you understand all available sources of recovery after a crash involving an uninsured driver.
Accidents involving government vehicles or employees carry unique procedural requirements. Claims must typically be filed within a much shorter window than standard car accident claims, sometimes as little as 90 days. If you were involved in a crash with a government vehicle, contact our law office immediately to protect your right to file a claim.
Unfortunately, a car accident in St. Louis can be deadly. Due to the nature of motor vehicle accidents, the injuries sustained may be serious. While sometimes it may be a simple fender-bender with minor injuries, other times the results may be extremely serious. Understanding the common types of injuries sustained in a car accident can help victims recognize the importance of seeking medical attention and legal assistance. Here are some of the most frequently reported injuries in St. Louis car accidents:
The brain is an intricate organ with millions of neural pathways. While it is very well protected by the skull, injuries to the brain are among the most severe outcomes of car accidents. They can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional disturbances. More often than not, TBIs require extensive care, including initial hospital visits and possibly rehabilitation. In the end, TBIs will likely change the car accident victim’s quality of life for the worse.
Spinal cords are extremely delicate. Any change to the structure can result in paralysis, inability to walk, or other permanent disabilities and loss of bodily function. Victims of spinal cord injuries from car accidents may need ongoing medical care, assistive devices, and home modifications to accommodate their new circumstances. These injuries often lead to significant changes in lifestyle and necessitate long-term care.
Concussions are a common injury, often causing cognitive impairments, headaches, and memory problems. While some concussions may resolve with time and proper medical monitoring, others may require therapy and ongoing medical attention.
Whiplash is a frequent injury resulting from car accidents, characterized by neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. It often necessitates physical therapy and pain management to alleviate symptoms and restore mobility. This is often a minor injury, and it is common that victims will fully recover.
Car accidents can cause open head or facial wounds, leading to permanent scarring or disfigurement. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, including potential surgery, and can have lasting emotional and physical impacts. In cases where plastic surgery is required, that may cause a lasting difference in the victim’s life.
Internal organ damage or bleeding is life-threatening and often requires emergency intervention, intensive medical care, and potential surgery. These injuries necessitate immediate and thorough medical attention to prevent fatal outcomes.
Recognizing the common injuries associated with car accidents in St. Louis highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical care and legal assistance. Understanding these injuries can also help victims in pursuing compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers have the experience you need to get compensation.
Understanding the statistics surrounding car accidents in St. Louis can help shed light on their frequency, causes, and impact. Here are some key points regarding car accident statistics in St. Louis from recent reports:
| Statistic | Recent Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Local Traffic Fatalities | 149 people were killed in traffic crashes in St. Louis City and County in 2023. | Trailnet’s 2023 Crash Report |
| Missouri Fatalities (Ages 15–35) | 351 people (35.4% of all Missouri traffic fatalities in 2023) were between the ages of 15 and 35. | Missouri State Highway Patrol, Department of Public Safety |
| Most Overrepresented Age Group | Drivers ages 25–34 accounted for 186 fatalities (18.8% of all Missouri traffic deaths in 2023). | Missouri State Highway Patrol, Department of Public Safety |
| Traffic Volume | Missouri drivers traveled more than 80 million miles on the road in 2023. | Insurance Institute for Highway Safety |
By examining St. Louis car accident statistics, individuals can gain valuable insights into the risks and consequences associated with traffic collisions. This knowledge is essential for promoting road safety, understanding the importance of legal representation, and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they deserve.
If you can, seek medical attention, call the police, collect the other driver’s information and insurance details, get witness contact information, and avoid speaking to any insurance representative without a lawyer present. Then contact an injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
In Missouri, the Statute of Limitations for car accidents is generally five years from the date of the accident under RS Mo § 516.120. However, there are important exceptions. Claims involving government vehicles may require notice within as little as 90 days. If the victim is a minor, the deadline may be extended. Do not wait; contact an attorney promptly to confirm the deadline that applies to your specific case.
You may have strong grounds to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and, in some cases, from a bar or restaurant that overserved them through a liquor liability claim. If the drunk driver was uninsured or underinsured, your own uninsured motorist coverage may also be available. Our attorneys have handled many drunk driving cases and are ready to pursue every avenue of recovery for you.
You may be eligible to recover medical bills, lost wages, cost of rehabilitative services and ongoing care, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, vehicle repair or replacement, and rental car charges, among other damages. Missouri places no cap on the amount of damages a plaintiff may recover in a car accident case.
Missouri follows a pure comparative negligence system. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you may still recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the crash. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you could still recover $80,000.
We may use cellphone records (including text message and social media time stamps), bystander or passenger testimony, and intersection camera or surveillance footage to establish that the other driver was not paying attention at the time of the crash.
Common car accident injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, concussions, whiplash, open head or facial wounds, and internal organ damage. Not all injuries appear immediately after a crash, which is why seeking prompt medical attention is critical even if you feel fine at the scene.
We are here to shoulder the legal details of your case so you can focus on recovery. You deserve to reclaim your life after a car crash, and our attorneys are ready to fight for you. We offer free consultations, and you will not pay any fees unless we win.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 314-947-4243 or send us a message online. Our lawyers have recovered more than $300 Million for injured clients and are available to serve as your powerful advocates.
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