St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you should contact a St. Louis car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident due to the fault of someone else, you should contact a car accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, as soon as possible.

What happens next can quickly become challenging. The at-fault party may try to deny liability, or the auto insurer may try to pressure you to accept a lowball offer.

Instead of facing these difficulties yourself, when you are hurt or grieving, have a lawyer by your side. In the aftermath of a head-on accident or other traumatic crash, you may be hesitant to hire a lawyer. You probably worry about the cost or whether they will make the process more contentious.

However, with a team of personal injury attorneys handling your case, you are more likely to obtain the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

At The Cagle Law Firm, we have decades of experience handling car accident claims.

Book a free consultation now by calling (314) 276-1681.

Why You Need a St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Insurance companies perpetuate the myth that after all types of crashes, all you need to do is send in a claim, and you will have a check for everything you need right away. Insurers make it seem like they are on your side and will take care of you after a car accident. Or, the adjuster may make you feel as if they are doing you a big favor. All drivers are required by law to have auto insurance coverage, yet the adjusters often make you feel as if you have done something wrong by filing a claim against coverage that has been purchased.

The truth is, insurers are worried about their bottom dollar far more than whether you receive a fair settlement. You need a car accident lawyer in St. Louis, MO, to ensure your rights are protected during the claim process and that someone advances your interests during negotiations.

Without an attorney, you may have a hard time effectively standing up against an insurer’s large and experienced legal team. At The Cagle Law Firm, we will be there for you, ensuring an insurance company does not take advantage of you in your time of need.

What to Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis, MO

It is essential to know what to do after a car accident. You may not have been prepared for someone’s inattentive driving to interrupt your life this way, but you can certainly respond to it to put yourself in a good position for recovery.

Knowing how to act and what common mistakes to avoid can set you up for a successful claim.

After a crash, you should:

• Call 911
• Seek medical treatment as soon as you can
• Report the accident to law enforcement
• Remain at the scene until the police are finished if you are physically able
• If you are able, collect the other driver’s contact and insurance information
• If you are able, collect witnesses’ names and phone numbers
• Keep conversation to a minimum and do not admit any responsibility or fault
• If you are able and have your mobile phone, take photos and videos of the scene
• Remove your valuables from your vehicle
• Ask the police officer for a case or incident number

Consider keeping The Cagle Law Firm’s Car Crash Information Sheet in your vehicle or download our free iPhone/Android application. If something goes wrong, it will be there to remind you of mistakes to avoid after a car crash.

Types of Car Accidents in St. Louis, MO

When you are injured in a collision, all that should matter is that you get better. You need to focus on obtaining medical care, and if you are out of work, paying your bills without your regular income.

The specific type of accident you were involved in may not be at the top of your mind. However, there are many variations of car accidents, and their differences result in unique cases. At The Cagle Law Firm, our car accident lawyers in St. Louis, MO, handle claims after all manner of car accidents, including:

• Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end collisions often occur due to tailgating, speeding, or distracted driving. Although the driver that rear-ends the other is frequently at fault, this is not always the case. These accidents can also be caused by manufacturing defects, like faulty brakes, or by a lack of maintenance or bad maintenance on brakes. Your car accident lawyer can thoroughly investigate the incident to determine who was at fault.
• Head-On Collisions: Head-on accidents, depending on the size and speed of the vehicles involved, can be catastrophic and fatal. These accidents may be caused by fatigued or distracted drivers drifting across lanes. They may also be caused by bad weather conditions and drivers who do not react with proper caution. The damages from these accidents can be very high, and it can be difficult to get the compensation you deserve.
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents: Pileup accidents result in very complicated legal claims. Multiple parties may be partially at fault for the damages of many injured parties. Determining the at-fault parties in these accidents requires an experienced attorney.
• T-Bone Accidents: These accidents often occur at intersections, but they are especially dangerous when they happen on the road at high speeds. Depending on the size and speed of the vehicles, these accidents can be minor, or they can cause fatalities. The side of the vehicle does not have as much protection for occupants as the front, so drivers or passengers who are hit in the side by a fast-moving vehicle may suffer severe or fatal injuries.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover accidents are more common with vehicles that have a high center of gravity. These accidents may be the fault of another driver, bad road conditions, or a defective car component.
• Intersection Accidents: Many types of accidents can occur at intersections, especially when there is insufficient street sign or light direction. There is a lot that a driver has to be aware of at intersections, including crossing pedestrians and cyclists, and this increases the likelihood of collisions.
• Speeding Accidents: When drivers speed, they are lowering the amount of time they have to react to road and traffic changes, thus increasing the damage in any resulting accident.
• Bicycle Accidents: When bicyclists are involved in accidents with motor vehicles, it often results in lifelong disabling injuries to the cyclist or death. Bicyclists have the same right to use the road as vehicle drivers, but many drivers fail to take appropriate care around cyclists.
• Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrian accidents with motor vehicles are often devastating accidents, and motor vehicle drivers can be the at-fault party. It can be very difficult to prove that the pedestrian has the right-of-way in vehicle-pedestrian accidents, so it is hard to prove that the vehicle driver is completely at fault. In most cases, a driver rarely suffers injuries in these accidents, while a pedestrian suffers catastrophic and debilitating injuries.
• Teen Driver Accidents: Teen drivers are less experienced than other drivers on the road, and this can result in bad decisions and reckless behavior. Teen drivers make up a high percentage of car accidents and fatality statistics. There are unique state and federal laws that apply to teen drivers.
• Uber and Rideshare Accidents: Rideshare accidents, like those involving Uber or Lyft vehicles, add additional complications to car accident claims. Depending on what stage of a rideshare the driver was at, you may be filing a claim with the driver or their rideshare company. Your attorney can help you determine who to file a claim with and whether you need to determine fault. If you were a passenger in a rideshare who was injured, an attorney can help you file a claim.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents: In these accidents, you may be able to file with your insurance policy or file a personal injury claim.
• Work Zone Accidents: Driving in a work zone can be dangerous, and your claim could fall under a car insurance claim or personal injury claim.
• Hit and Run Accidents: These accidents can be incredibly traumatic and frustrating. An attorney can help you determine how to handle them.
• Highway Accidents: Collisions on highways often occur at high speeds, making the resulting damages more serious.
• Failure to Yield Accidents: Although minor traffic violations, these mistakes can cause serious accidents. 26% of car accidents in St. Louis in 2021 were caused by the failure to yield.
• Driver Fatigue Accidents: Driving tired is incredibly dangerous, as it lowers a driver’s ability to think and react, much as if they were impaired by alcohol.
• Defective Road Accidents: When a private or governmental agency fails to properly care for a road, it can be held liable. Be aware that claims against a governmental agency have a very short time period in which they can be filed.
• DUI Victim Accidents: When someone drives under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, they are breaking the law. When a driver causes a DUI accident, they face criminal charges and civil claims.

Visit our blog to learn more about the most common types of car accidents.

Expierenced St. Louis Motor Vehicle Accident Attorney

If you were injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle other than a personal car or truck, The Cagle Law Firm, should be your next call.

If you were in an accident with another type of vehicle, such as a boat, airplane, bus, or motorcycle, then you face a different claim process and legal process. You need a lawyer experienced in handling a wide variety of motor vehicle accidents as they will be familiar with the federal and state regulations regarding these vehicles as well as the unique issues you may have to deal with. At The Cagle Law Firm, our St. Louis motor vehicle accident lawyers know what you’re facing and what it will take to secure compensation.

To discuss your right to recover financial compensation and your legal options with a highly-skilled St. Louis personal injury lawyer after being injured or losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, call us at (314) 276-1681 or contact us online. We offer free consultations, giving you a risk-free opportunity to discuss your case.

Why You Need an Auto Accident Law Firm

When you are in an accident involving a motor vehicle other than a personal car, truck, van, or SUV, then you face a potentially difficult claim. Different types of vehicles like small aircraft, sea vessels and smaller boats, motorcycles, and all sorts of buses, must adhere to a variety of federal and state regulations. Operators typically need specialized training and a specific license. They may have hours of service limitations dictating how much they can drive in one period. Additionally, the cause of a crash involving one of these vehicles could be harder to detect than in a car crash. The party liable for what went wrong may not be as obvious as it may be in a car accident since a manufacturer or maintenance provider that you have never heard of could be liable.

Given the complexities of any motor vehicle accident, you will benefit from skilled legal counsel by your side. Issues could arise during an insurance claim or lawsuit, and while you are unsure of how to handle these issues, the insurer’s legal team will be well-aware of how to use their experience and knowledge to take advantage of you. Hiring a St. Louis motor vehicle accident lawyer from The Cagle Law Firm puts you on even ground with the insurer, ensuring you avoid an unfair outcome to your case.

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

At The Cagle Law Firm, our attorneys are experienced in handling all types of Missouri motor vehicle accidents, including:

• Airplane Accidents
• Boating Accidents
• Common Carrier Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• School Bus Accidents
• Charter Bus Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents

If you are injured in any motor vehicle accident, whether it seems like a straightforward car crash or a confusing commercial trucking accident, do not hesitate to seek out legal advice. The fees or the prospect of creating a contentious situation may make you reluctant to call a lawyer. However, you are already part of an adversarial process. A lawyer will protect you against an insurer and any other parties whose priorities are themselves, not you. Additionally, having an accident attorney by your side increases your likelihood of maximizing your settlement or court award, even when taking fees into account.

Common Causes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents occur due to a variety of issues, including but not limited to:

• Negligent operation of the vehicle
• Negligent hiring
• Improperly trained vehicle operators
• Negligent maintenance
• Operator fatigue
• Operator distraction
• Drunk or drugged operation of the vehicle
• Speeding
• Reckless or aggressive operation of the vehicle
• Failing to maintain a proper lookout
• Manufacturing, design, or warning defects

Determining the cause of the motor vehicle accident that hurt you or took your loved one from you may not be high on your list of priorities. However, it is an essential aspect of your case. At The Cagle Law Firm, we will conduct an independent investigation into the accident to determine what happened and who is responsible. Once we determine fault, we can analyze legal liability and make a demand for your compensation.

Auto Accident Compensation

Crashes can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to catastrophic injuries that leave you permanently disabled. No matter your specific injuries, a St. Louis motor vehicle accident attorney from The Cagle Law Firm will thoroughly scrutinize your case and establish its potential value. We understand that even moderate injuries result in thousands of dollars of medical bills, all of which are on top of you being out of work and losing a portion of your standard income. If your injuries are severe, you may not return to work for months, years, or ever. In any of these situations, it is essential that you be compensated for your expenses and non-economic losses.

Our legal team will fight for you to receive the maximum compensation possible for your:

• Medical costs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Physical limitations
• Disfigurement
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Punitive damages (when applicable)

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Many motor vehicle accidents other than car crashes, such as accidents involving personal airplanes, 18-wheelers, and boats are often fatal. Your loved one may have been killed instantly due to the trauma or suffered significant injuries that led to their death sometime later. In either situation, you should speak with The Cagle Law Firm’s St. Louis motor vehicle accident lawyers as soon as you are able. Filing a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind, yet it may be the best thing for you and your family. The accident may have left behind medical expenses and made you responsible for the cost of your loved one’s burial and funeral. Not to mention, if you lost your spouse or parent, you might now face a challenging financial situation without their income. To address these issues, we can guide you through a wrongful death claim and pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial contributions
• Loss of care and support
• Loss of love and companionship
• Loss of inheritance that you would have received

Pursuing Compensation through the Claim & Legal Process

Following a motor vehicle accident, you should speak with an attorney about the insurance claim and the court processes that may follow. Both the insurer and the entity liable for your injuries may have experienced and aggressive legal teams. Whether you focus on obtaining an insurance settlement or file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, you need legal counsel to put you on an even footing with the other side. Without your own St. Louis motor vehicle accident lawyer, you are at a distinct disadvantage during the injury claim and legal process.

By hiring The Cagle Law Firm, an experienced auto accident law firm, you gain an advocate who will:

• Determine why the accident occurred
• Establish liability for the accident
• Prove negligence
• Demand compensation from an insurance company
• Negotiate a fair settlement for you
• Meet deadlines and comply with any relevant statute of limitations
• File a complaint in state or federal court
• Participate in the discovery process
• Conduct an independent investigation into the accident
• Obtain expert witnesses to support you case
• Review all potentially relevant company records and documents to gather evidence
• Aggressively protect and fight for your rights in court

The legal process you face may differ depending on whether you bring a claim in Missouri or Illinois. The Cagle Law Firm is well versed in both state’s laws and courts.

Fighting Allegations of Comparative Fault

A motor vehicle accident may not be entirely another person’s fault. There may be evidence that you contributed to the crash. In this case, you must have a lawyer by your side. How much you are responsible is a critical question in your claim. If you are more than half responsible, you could be barred from receiving any compensation. If a court determines you are less than 50 percent responsible, then you will recover compensation. However, it will be reduced based on your portion of fault. A lawyer will fight for a judge to find you as minimally responsible as possible.

A St. Louis Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Is Here for You

Motor vehicle accidents can cause catastrophic and fatal injuries. If you are dealing with the devastating ramifications of an auto accident, whether they are your injuries or the loss of a loved one, contact us at The Cagle Law Firm right away. We know the challenges of these situations, and you may be in for a challenging claim or legal process. We want to protect you and your family during this time and fight for your rights. We will not let a major company or insurer deny responsibility and leave you to deal with this mess alone. We will gather as much evidence as we can of fault and liability and push for you to receive a fair settlement.

Call our St. Louis motor vehicle accident attorneys at (314) 276-1681 or schedule a free consultation today through our online form.

Book a Consultation with Our Car Accident Lawyers in St. Louis

When you’re involved in a car accident, the aftermath is sure to be a tumultuous time in your life. Whatever you already had going on, you now have to add in recovering from your injuries, paying for your care, calling off work, and completing paperwork with insurance companies, and hoping to receive the compensation you’re owed.

The Cagle Law Firm can help with this. We’ll handle your compensation so you can focus on your health and your family.

Book a consultation now by calling toll-free at (800) 685-3302 or locally at (314) 276-1681.

Common Causes of St. Louis, MO Car Accidents

After being severely injured or losing a loved one in a car accident in Missouri or Illinois, it is essential to speak with a St. Louis auto accident attorney lawyer. An experienced attorney will investigate the crash to uncover what happened. Knowing the cause or causes of the accident enables your lawyer to pinpoint who was at fault and who may be liable for compensating you for your injuries.

Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:

• Speeding
• Failure to Yield
• Tailgating/Following Too Closely
• Distracted Driving
• Texting While Driving
• Reckless Driving
• Aggressive Driving
• Drunk Driving
• Auto Defects

Common Car Accident Injuries in St. Louis, MO

A car crash can cause a wide variety of harm, from minor-to-moderate injuries to catastrophic and fatal injuries. Even if the effects are not deadly, it still could take months or years of painful medical treatments and physical rehabilitation to recuperate as much as possible. In some cases, you may still be left with permanent disabilities or disfigurements. Some of the most typical injuries suffered in car crashes include:

• Broken Bones
• Dislocations
• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Whiplash
• Chest Injuries
• Abdominal Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Back Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injury

Children also sustain many of the same injuries as adults in car accidents. If your child was injured in an auto accident, call a car accident lawyer in St. Louis immediately. We understand how traumatic a car wreck can be for a child and how it may have a lasting physical and psychological impact. We will ensure your case considers the unique effects that a crash on a child may have and will pursue appropriate compensation.

Visit our blog today to learn more about the most common car accident injuries.

St. Louis Car Accident Compensation

Pursuing compensation after a wreck can be difficult. Most likely, you will be dealing with an auto insurer who has vastly different priorities than you. The insurer will be interested in protecting its bottom line and paying you as little as possible. However, they are not dealing with the physical and emotional pain of an accident or seeing medical bills piling up without income coming in. That makes it essential to look out for your interests with help from a knowledgeable lawyer.

To obtain a fair recovery, you need someone who knows your rights and is willing to fight hard to protect them. By having a lawyer from The Cagle Law Firm by your side, you have someone who will be tenacious in seeking compensation, including:

• Medical Costs
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress
• Physical Limitations
• Disfigurement
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity
• Loss of Consortium and Companionship
• Property Damage
• Punitive Damages (when applicable)

Fatal Car Accidents

Tragically, many St Louis car accidents are fatal. The human body is just not made to sustain such trauma, and the compounding injuries or one catastrophic injury could cost you a loved one. If someone you love was fatally injured in a car accident, you might not be sure of what to do next. You may not know whether you have a legal right to compensation, and even if you do, you may not be ready to take legal action. All your doubts and concerns may cause you to put off calling a lawyer. However, you should seek legal advice as soon as you are able. After a loved one’s death, you and your family may be facing extensive medical bills and funeral expenses, in addition to long-term financial worry. An attorney from The Cagle Law Firm will get to work immediately on pursuing the compensation you are entitled to under the law.

In a car accident wrongful death claim, you may be able to recover:

• Funeral and Burial Expenses
• Loss of Financial Contributions
• Loss of Care and Support
• Loss of Love and Companionship
• Loss of Inheritance

Car Accident Claims and & Legal Process in St. Louis, MO

The insurance claim process is known for its red tape, and the legal process after a car accident may not be any more straightforward. Depending on the facts of your case, you may face a complex and contentious car accident claim. You should have the right team of attorneys fighting for you. At The Cagle Law Firm, we will guide you through the insurance and legal processes after a Missouri or Illinois car crash, ensuring all of your questions are answered and your concerns thoroughly addressed.

We will help you by:

• Determine who is at fault for the car accident
• Establishing liability
• Gathering evidence to prove negligence on the part of the at-fault driver
• Demanding compensation from the auto insurer
• Negotiating an appropriate settlement on your behalf
• Filing a lawsuit in state or federal court
• Meeting all court deadlines and statutes of limitations
• Pursuing evidence through the discovery process
• Conducting an independent investigation
• Acquiring expert witnesses
• Fighting for your rights and financial recovery in court

At The Cagle Law Firm, our lawyers can provide you with more information regarding:

• Missouri Car Accident Laws
• Illinois Car Accident Laws
• Chicago Car Accident Laws
• State Farm Auto Insurance Claims
• American Family Auto Insurance Claims
• Bad Faith Insurance Claims

Comparative Fault and Liability

If the at-fault driver claims you are partially at-fault for the car accident, you need to speak with an attorney about Illinois and Missouri’s comparative fault and liability rules. In both states, if a court determines that you are more than 50 percent at fault for the crash, then you may be prohibited from recovering any compensation. If you are less than 50 percent at fault, then your financial recovery will be reduced based on the proportion of your responsibility.

If you are dealing with a comparative fault issue after a car accident, you need a St. Louis auto accident attorney to help. A lawyer can fight to prove that you were not responsible for the crash. If you were partially at fault, your lawyer can fight to minimize the percentage the court assigns you.

A St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

You do not need to fight for compensation alone after being injured or losing a loved one in a car accident. The Cagle Law Firm is here to help. We understand how stressful and emotional this situation is, and you deserve to have someone fight for you and your family. We will use our extensive knowledge and experience with car accident claims to pursue the maximum compensation possible for your case.

To learn more about how we can help, use our online form or call (314) 276-1681 to request a free consultation.