Top-rated Car Accident Attorneys in St. Louis, MO

Expertise & Experience

With over four decades in business, our firm boasts a cumulative experience of 95 years among our three seasoned attorneys. Mullen & Mullen has successfully secured over $750 million in settlements for our valued clients. Our winning track record spans various accident claim types, and in 2021 alone, our attorneys achieved victory in 19 of the “Top 50” motor vehicle accident settlements. Our achievements have garnered recognition in esteemed publications such as Newsweek and Forbes. Rest assured, Mullen & Mullen possesses the expertise needed to craft a compelling case strategically tailored to safeguard your rights.

Diagnostic & Medical Treatment With Deferred Billing

At Mullen & Mullen, we are committed to facilitating your access to necessary medical care, even if you lack health insurance or struggle with deductibles. Over four decades, we have cultivated relationships with leading medical professionals and institutions across St. Louis and the entire state of Missouri, specializing in treating accident victims. Many medical practitioners hesitate to treat accident victims due to potential litigation entanglements.

However, our firm has established robust connections with a diverse array of medical providers, including pain management physicians, orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, neurologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, counselors, hospitals, surgical centers, diagnostic facilities, pharmacies, and more. Our unique advantage lies in the ability to secure the care you need, with providers patiently awaiting settlement for payment, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Avoid hasty settlements proposed by insurance companies immediately following an accident, as these settlements often overlook essential diagnostic testing and future medical expenses. Accepting such settlements prematurely may prove woefully inadequate to cover your potential long-term healthcare needs and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, and other legal entitlements.

Personalized Approach

The attorneys at Mullen & Mullen are dedicated to assisting you in managing any existing medical bills and alleviating the burden of billers and collectors. We adeptly handle negotiations with insurance companies to safeguard your financial interests, ensuring you aren’t cheated out of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our goal is to enable you to focus on recovering from the physical and emotional trauma of your accident without added stress.

Thorough Investigation

At Mullen & Mullen, we maintain an in-house team of accident investigators, led by our senior investigator, Michael Foster. Unlike many other firms that outsource these services, we take pride in employing our own investigators. This not only proves cost-effective but also ensures the highest quality of work, guaranteeing that we gather all necessary information to maximize your compensation. Our commitment to leaving no stone unturned includes comprehensive analysis of accident scenes, evidence collection, witness interviews, vehicle data retrieval, and collaboration with accident reconstruction experts. By establishing a robust foundation for your case, our legal team aims to secure the best possible outcome.

Skillful Negotiators

Insurance companies often seek to minimize payouts, leaving victims with inadequate compensation. Our skilled accident lawyers excel in negotiating with insurance companies, safeguarding your rights throughout the process. Insurers recognize us and are wary of our involvement, as we vigorously advocate for a fair settlement that encompasses medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and all other applicable damages.

Prepared For Litigation

While we always strive for favorable settlements through negotiations, we stand ready to recommend litigation when necessary to maximize your compensation. Our attorneys and associates boast a proven track record of success in the courtroom. When required, we won’t hesitate to litigate your accident case and vigorously defend your rights before a judge and jury.

Client Satisfaction

Your satisfaction is our foremost priority. We emphasize transparent and open communication, providing regular updates on the progress of your auto accident claim and promptly addressing your questions and concerns. During this challenging time, we are dedicated to offering you peace of mind and unwavering support.

Accident Investigation

Our investigators conduct a comprehensive analysis to determine fault when necessary, collecting evidence like witness statements and police reports.

Damage Evaluation

Your lawyer helps you understand the full extent of your injuries and their associated costs, working with medical experts to ensure you receive compensation for all losses.

Negotiation

Our lawyers are skilled negotiators, ensuring you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and losses.

Representation in Court

If needed, our attorneys can represent you in court to protect your legal rights.

Support and Guidance

We offer support, guidance, and legal advice throughout the process, handling your case with care and compassion.

Our attorneys are a valuable asset if you’ve been in an accident. We help you understand your legal rights, pursue deserved compensation, and provide the support you need during this challenging time.

Areas Of Expertise

• Big truck and commercial vehicle accidents
• Rear-end collisions
• T-bone accidents
• Head-on collisions
• Hit and run accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Distracted driving accidents

Top Choice Awards Named Us “Top Choice Injury Law Firm” Six Consecutive Years.

Hundreds Of 5-Star Reviews

What I liked most about Mullen & Mullen is that my medical needs were taken care of asap, which is most important to me. I also liked that Joseph gave me his personal cell phone number and he was very accessible any time I needed him. It took a long time to get my final settlement after it was all said and done, but my settlement for pain and suffering was larger than what I had expected. Mullen and Mullen is a good firm to go with. -Elizabeth Hood

I’m so happy that Mullen & Mullen took my case. They really cared about me and my situation. Shane and Joe were always available to answer my questions in a friendly and understandable way. They even came to the hospital to discuss my case with me. Shane was very fair with me and achieved a result that was beyond my expectation. Thank you very much! -Judith Boldt

Find Our 350+ 5-Star Reviews Here

Is it Essential to Hire a Lawyer Following an Accident?

Experiencing an accident can have a profound impact on your life. It’s crucial not to underestimate the importance of retaining legal representation. Injured individuals often face substantial medical expenses and the potential loss of income as they recover from their injuries.

Even seemingly minor injuries like soft tissue damage or whiplash can lead to significant financial strain. You should not be pushed into debt or even the possibility of bankruptcy due to unaffordable medical bills.

It’s important to understand that insurance companies prioritize their own profits, and their adjusters aim to minimize payouts. Their ideal scenario is finding something you say that they can use to reject your claim entirely.

Having an attorney on your side levels the playing field and allows you to focus on your recovery. Our fees are contingent, meaning we only get paid if you receive compensation.

According to one major insurance company, claims represented by a lawyer settle for 2-3 times more than those without legal representation. Many of our clients see their claims yield 10-15 times more.

Our role as your attorneys is to advocate for your best interests. We assist motor vehicle accident injury victims in navigating the legal process and ensuring their rights are upheld.

As dedicated advocates, we commit to:

• Assisting you in securing financial relief loans if needed.
• Ensuring you receive necessary medical treatment without upfront costs.
• Offering a discounted contingent attorney fee of 29% of the gross recovery for claims not requiring litigation, compared to the industry standard fee of 33.3%-35%.
• Providing in-house accident investigators at no extra cost to you, maximizing your compensation further.

Attempting To Handle Your Accident Claim Independently Can Be A Costly Mistake.

While we do earn a portion of your compensation, we ultimately secure more money for you than you could negotiate on your own. At Mullen & Mullen, we take pride in achieving as many full policy limits settlements as possible.

COMPREHENSIVE OVERVIEW OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

Motor vehicle collisions, commonly known as accidents, transpire when one or more vehicles collide either with each other or with an immobile object, such as a tree or a building. These incidents often lead to severe injuries affecting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Various factors contribute to collisions, encompassing driver errors, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, and adverse weather conditions.

Most Prevalent Types Of Motor Vehicle Collisions

Rear-end Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when a driver crashes into the vehicle in front of them.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions happen when two vehicles collide headfirst, resulting in an impact equal to the combined speeds of both vehicles. Factors like drunk driving, distracted driving, drowsiness, and reckless passing frequently instigate these collisions, often leading to fatalities due to the limited time for drivers to react. These incidents may result in spinal cord injuries, permanent paralysis, fractures, soft tissue damage, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, and injuries to knees, hips, and legs.

Side-impact Collisions (T-bone Accidents)

Side-impact collisions, also referred to as T-bone accidents, transpire when one vehicle is struck on its side by another. These collisions typically occur due to lane merging errors, running red lights, or misjudgments at intersections, often causing severe injuries to the head, neck, chest, pelvis, abdomen, and limbs. Traumatic brain injuries and fatalities are not uncommon in these accidents.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents involve a vehicle flipping onto its side or roof. These incidents may result from various factors, including road imperfections or evasive maneuvers to avoid other vehicles. Injuries can range from none to severe, including spinal injuries or fatalities.

Single-vehicle Accidents

Single-vehicle accidents transpire when a vehicle collides with a stationary object or departs from the roadway.

Multi-vehicle Accidents

Multi-vehicle accidents, while relatively rare, garner significant attention in the news due to their complexity and severity. Such accidents result from speeding, tailgating, distracted driving, drunk driving, failure to yield, road rage, negligent entrustment, and reckless driving. They pose a high risk of fatalities and severe injuries, as numerous vehicles become entangled, making escape difficult. In some cases, victims escaping from one collision may face additional danger from other vehicles entering the pileup, compounding the severity of injuries.

Hit and Runs

Law mandates drivers involved in accidents to stop and provide assistance. However, some individuals, driven by fear of consequences, may flee the scene. Hit-and-run accidents can vary in severity, from minor damage to injuries requiring weeks or months to heal, and, in some cases, may result in fatalities. The reasons for fleeing may include fear of arrest, concerns about increased insurance premiums, or sheer panic.

COMMON INJURIES RESULTING FROM VEHICLE ACCIDENTS

Based on our attorneys’ extensive experience, motor vehicle accidents frequently lead to various types of injuries. Among the most common are spinal injuries, which can range from soft tissue damage to more severe conditions like herniated or extruded discs. Symptoms like numbness, tingling, shooting pains, or muscle weakness may signal the presence of herniated or extruded discs.

Additionally, vehicle accidents can directly cause injuries such as broken bones, fractures, and muscle tears. Below is a list of common injuries often sustained in motor vehicle collisions:

• Herniated Disc (lumbar or cervical spine);
• Extruded Disc;
• Soft tissue injuries;
• Whiplash;
• Facet Syndrome (lumbar or cervical);
• Torn meniscus;
• Torn rotator cuff;
• Broken ribs;
• Occipital neuralgia;
• Concussions & other head injuries;
• Broken & fractured bones;
• Other Muscle Tears;
• Scarring or disfigurement;
• Increased anxiety or depression;
• PTSD;
• Joint injuries;
• Shoulder derangement;
• Knee damage;
• Wrongful death.

THEORIES OF LIABILITY IN MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CASES

Our legal team conducts a thorough examination of your case to identify and establish the most appropriate theories of liability in support of your injury claims. The predominant theories of liability typically encountered include:

Negligence

The majority of accidents stem from the negligence of one of the involved drivers. We contend that the at-fault driver failed to adhere to the standard of reasonable care expected of all motorists in similar circumstances. This means that drivers are expected to exercise the same level of caution and prudence as a reasonable driver would. For instance, a driver who is texting, distracted, or fails to yield the right-of-way is not meeting the duty of reasonable care.

It’s worth noting that insurance adjusters may attempt to argue that you were comparatively negligent, suggesting you shared some responsibility for the accident, even if the police report favors you entirely. In such cases, your entitlement to damages remains valid as long as you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident. However, any damages awarded would be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault.

Manufacturer Liability

This theory can be invoked when a defect in one of the vehicles involved in the accident directly caused the collision. Such cases often require the involvement of experts and are usually pursued when the injured party has suffered severe injuries or loss of life. Common components subject to defects include seatbelts, airbags, accelerators, brakes, and engines.

Road Design

Road design theory applies in instances where the accident results from issues such as malfunctioning traffic signals, missing signage, unsafe guardrails, or specific road defects. Many of these cases involve government entities, necessitating prompt notice of claims to be filed with the relevant city, county, or government agency. In some instances, the notice of claim must be submitted within 30 days of the motor vehicle accident.

Wrongful Death

In cases where a loved one loses their life in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence or recklessness, you have the option to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. It is crucial to identify eligible family members with claims and collaborate with an attorney who can accurately assess whether wrongful death or survivorship claims should take precedence.

Respondeat Superior

The law recognizes the doctrine of Respondeat Superior, holding employers responsible for the negligent acts of their employees while they are performing job-related duties. For example, if you are involved in an accident with a vehicle operated by an XYZ Construction employee, both the employee and XYZ Construction may be held liable for your damages.

Negligent Entrustment

This theory comes into play when the owner of a motor vehicle entrusts it to an unlicensed or incompetent driver, potentially making the owner liable for your injuries under the theory of negligent entrustment.

COMPENSATION YOU COULD RECEIVE FOLLOWING A CAR ACCIDENT

You may be entitled to receive compensation for both “economic” and “non-economic” damages in the aftermath of a car accident. To begin, let’s explore the economic damages that you can seek when someone else is responsible for the injuries sustained in the accident:

Medical Expenses

When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries, they are liable for your reasonable and necessary medical costs. This includes expenses such as therapy, adjustments, massages, medical devices, consultations with healthcare professionals, diagnostic imaging (such as CT scans and MRIs), pain management, surgeries, and any other medically essential services. It’s important to note that insurance companies often attempt to argue that some of your medical expenses were “unreasonable” or “unnecessary.” They might enlist doctors to provide complex explanations for such claims, or they may allege a “pre-existing” condition.

Future Medical Expenses

You have the right to seek compensation for anticipated future medical care that will be required over the course of your lifetime.

Lost Wages

Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may lose a certain amount of time at work. You can seek compensation for all the income you have lost due to this time away from your job.

Loss Of Earning Capacity

In some cases, the accident may leave you unable to perform your job to the same extent as before the collision. For instance, if you previously worked as a warehouse laborer earning a substantial income but can no longer lift heavy objects due to your injuries, you may need to transition to a less physically demanding desk job which often results in a reduced salary. You are entitled to seek damages for the difference in earnings over the course of your lifetime.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and are intended to compensate you for the overall impact the car accident has had on your life. These damages encompass:

Pain And Suffering

You can seek compensation for the physical pain and suffering you have endured because of your injuries from the accident. This includes past pain and suffering, as well as what you may continue to experience in the future, with the severity of your injuries being a key factor.

Mental Anguish

This category covers emotional distress, including feelings of fear, worry, grief, self-pity, and other mental suffering arising from the accident. Victims often experience emotional trauma following a serious accident, and you can seek damages for past and future mental anguish.

Physical Impairment

Compensation is available for physical limitations resulting from the accident, such as an inability to bend or stoop as you could before or walking with a limp. You have the right to recover for both past and future physical impairment, and it is advisable to obtain an Impairment Rating from a medical professional upon concluding your treatment.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party or parties for their malicious and egregious behavior. These damages are challenging to obtain but may be recoverable in cases involving drunk or drugged driving, where the at-fault driver’s actions are considered reckless rather than merely negligent, such as in DWI/DUI cases.

VARIOUS TYPES OF ACCIDENT CLAIMS

Following an auto accident injury, you may have several potential claims to pursue, some of which you might not be aware of. Here is a list of potential sources of recovery after your loss:

• Liability Claim against the At-Fault Driver: This claim targets the driver responsible for the accident due to their negligence or recklessness while operating a motor vehicle.
• Liability Claim against the At-Fault Driver’s Employer: If the at-fault driver was working within the scope of their employment during the accident, you may have a liability claim against their employer.
• Liability Claim against the Owner of the At-Fault Vehicle: If the owner of the at-fault vehicle negligently entrusted it to an incompetent driver, you may have a claim against them. The entrustee can be incompetent due to age, inexperience, or habitual recklessness.
• Property Damage Claim: This claim seeks compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle.
• Diminished Value Claim: You can file this claim to recover the reduced value of your vehicle following a motor vehicle accident.
• Uninsured Motorist Claim: If the at-fault driver lacks the required liability insurance coverage, you can make a claim through your own car insurance carrier.
• Underinsured Motorist Claim: When your injury or property damage exceeds the at-fault driver’s insurance limits, you can file a claim with your own car insurance carrier. In this scenario the at-fault driver(s) lack sufficient liability coverage to compensate the victim.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) / No Fault Benefits: Your own car insurance carrier can provide reimbursement for medical expenses and lost wages related to the accident.
• MedPay / No Fault Benefits: Your car insurance carrier may cover medical expenses incurred (with the potential for repayment if you receive third-party funds).

It is crucial to obtain consent from your insurance carrier before accepting any offer from the liability carrier of the at-fault driver. Failing to do so could jeopardize your eligibility for underinsured motorist benefits.

Your car insurance company is obligated to act in good faith and deal fairly with you. If your insurance carrier denies your underinsured motorist coverage claim, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for bad faith insurance practices.

Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) becomes essential if the person who collided with your vehicle lacked insurance or if it was a “hit-and-run” situation. It is critical to notify law enforcement within 24 hours and provide notice to your insurance company as soon as possible – certainly within 30 days – if you were the victim of a “hit-and-run”.

HOW DOES MONEY AND COMPENSATION FUNCTION?

The necessity of a certain financial threshold to sustain your quality of life is undeniable. Consequently, the responsible party in this situation should be obligated to reimburse you for this need. This obligation arises from the fact that if they had exercised due diligence while driving, you would not be experiencing the injuries, pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life that you currently endure.

What To Anticipate in Terms of Recovery?

It is essential to acknowledge that the potential for recovery hinges significantly on the competence and personal dedication of your legal representative. While you may encounter numerous car accident attorneys in the St. Louis region, they sometimes fall into one of three categories:

Settlement Mills

These law firms are prolific on television and advertise extensively, with billboards seemingly everywhere. They employ snappy, attention-grabbing commercials and share stories of clients who have secured substantial compensation. Their pitch is convincing, but there is a drawback. These firms are often incentivized to expedite cases through the settlement and legal process as swiftly as possible to cover their substantial monthly marketing expenses and overhead. Consequently, your case might not receive the individualized attention it requires to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. While some accident victims may indeed secure significant settlements through these firms, the average person may very well receive less than they deserve, and many of these firms employ high-pressure tactics to prompt immediate action.

Large, Impersonal Firms

These firms may not be as focused on rapidly processing your claim, but their approach still carries risks. They typically arrange a meeting with an experienced senior attorney before delegating most of the actual work to a less-experienced junior attorney and/or paralegals. In some instances, the junior attorney may even handle courtroom arguments if it becomes necessary. It is advisable to inquire about the specific attorney responsible for managing your claim to assess their level of involvement.

Small Firms Prioritizing Personal Relationships

Smaller law firms consist of just a few attorneys and compact support teams. Rather than emphasizing quantity, these firms limit the number of cases they undertake to maximize the results for each client. This approach ensures that your case receives the personalized attention and time it warrants, ultimately increasing your prospects of securing maximum compensation for your injuries.

Recovering Compensation

You are eligible to seek compensation for all financial losses stemming from your accident, encompassing:

Lost wages (past) and loss of earning capacity in the future.

Medical expenses incurred in the past as well as medical expenses you will incur in the future.

• Costs associated with in-home care.
• Repairs or replacement expenses for your vehicle.
• The diminished value of your vehicle following repair.

Additionally, you have the right to claim compensation for non-economic damages, which may encompass:

• Emotional distress, both past and future.
• Physical impairment, both past and future.
• Pain and suffering, both past and future.
• Disfigurement.
• Punitive damages, where applicable.
• Loss of household services provided by the injured party.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and your attorney should meticulously review your case to ascertain all available damages, considering the unique facts and circumstances surrounding your situation.

HOW DO INSURERS DETERMINE THEIR PAYOUTS?

The process of determining insurance payouts is often characterized by bias. Insurers heavily invest in lobbying efforts to shape legislation in their favor, providing them with a foundation to minimize their payout obligations. Their primary goal is to reduce the amount they owe you, and in some cases, they will aim to avoid paying you anything whatsoever.

Insurance companies frequently hire third-party firms to audit medical bills or conduct these audits in-house. Regardless of your medical expenses, these carriers or their affiliated third-party companies tend to claim that the charges are excessive. They are also likely to argue that some or all of your medical treatment was neither reasonable nor necessary.

When considering compensation for lost wages, insurers typically require a letter from your treating healthcare provider explicitly stating your inability to work and the reasons behind it. After reducing your economic damages to the minimum possible, insurers often offer a sum for “general damages,” determined by proprietary computer software heavily influenced by billing and diagnostic codes.

To insulate adjusters from emotional attachment and arrive at damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, impairment, and more, insurers often employ algorithms, effectively dehumanizing your case into mere statistics and words on paper.

DEFENSES INSURERS USE TO DIMINISH YOUR CLAIM’S VALUE

Large insurance companies – valued in the billions – obviously prioritize profit over fairly compensating accident victims. They actively shape the rules of the game through intense lobbying efforts at the state and national levels. Additionally, they may employ various tactics to minimize their payout, including the following common defenses:

Your contribution to the injuries:

Missouri is a pure comparative negligence state which means a Plaintiff who is partially responsible for their own injuries may only collect damages in proportion to the Defendant’s degree of fault. For example, if a jury determined a Plaintiff’s damages were $100,000.00 but the Plaintiff was 60% at fault for their own injuries, the actual jury award would be reduced to $40,000.00 – the percentage of the damages the Defendant was responsible for. It goes without saying, therefore, that insurance carriers will fight like heck to assign as much fault to you as possible.

Third-party responsibility:

Insurers might shift blame to someone other than their driver, such as another motorist, a supposedly defective auto part manufacturer, or a government entity responsible for road maintenance.

Pre-existing conditions:

They may argue that the accident didn’t cause your injuries but only exacerbated pre-existing conditions. Please note, however, that you would still be entitled to damages for an aggravation of a pre-existing condition.

Failure to minimize damages:

Insurers may contend that you failed to take actions that could have minimized your losses, such as not seeking medical attention promptly.

Statute of limitations:

In Missouri, you have five years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. Failing to do so can provide the insurer with a valid defense.
Assumption of risk: The insurer may claim you knowingly entered a dangerous situation, making you responsible for your injuries.

Minimal property damage:

Insurers may argue that the extent of vehicle damage doesn’t align with the injuries sustained.

Gaps in medical treatment:

Insurance carriers routinely suggest that gaps in medical treatment indicate you weren’t really hurt that bad. Believe it or not, they will argue this even if you were waiting to see if you improved before seeking medical attention or if you had a family emergency that prevented you from receiving the treatment you needed.

Intentionally misleading questions:

Claims adjusters may ask questions designed to extract information against your interests, sometimes using confusing or misleading wording.

If you find yourself facing an unfair offer from your insurer, consider seeking legal counsel by calling (314) INJURED for a free, no-obligation consultation today!

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WITH AN UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED MOTORIST?

If you find yourself involved in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, there’s no need to panic. Chances are, you have insurance coverage to handle such situations. While the law does allow individuals to waive this coverage, very few choose to do so, given the evident risks.

In some instances, the uninsured driver may possess sufficient personal assets to cover the damages they’ve caused, or they might have simply forgotten to renew their auto insurance. However, in most cases, persons who lack the financial means to even afford car insurance are essentially “judgment proof”. They generally do not have assets to attach to. Therefore, the most practical course of action is to file a claim with your own insurance company, as they typically provide uninsured motorist coverage.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be aware that your insurance company may not be enthusiastic about paying more than necessary. Consequently, they may subject you to the same challenges you would face when dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurer.

This is where the expertise of an experienced car accident attorney becomes invaluable. Such professionals can assist you in investigating the financial situation of the other driver and guide you through the process if they lack the funds to compensate you for your injuries.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE A SETTLEMENT OFFER?

Many accident claims can be resolved within a few months, but the timeline can vary depending on the specifics of your situation. Several factors come into play, including:

Your Injuries:

It is advisable to wait until you have reached a point of “maximum medical improvement” before considering a settlement. This is when your doctor determines that your injuries will not improve further. Waiting is essential to accurately assess the full value of your current and potential future medical expenses, preventing you from being burdened with unmanageable medical bills. The ultimate recovery you make from your injuries significantly impacts future damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and impairment.

The Insurer:

Different insurance companies have varying negotiation processes, which can result in shorter or longer timelines.

Legal Representation:

Carriers may quickly make a “policy limits” offer if you are represented by good legal counsel.

Seeking Fair Compensation? Call (314) INJURED today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CITY OR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

When you find yourself in an accident with a city, county, school, or government vehicle, you should be aware that legal processes and rules can become more complex. It is crucial to follow the specific procedures outlined by the state, county, or city within the designated timeframe, which is typically around six months, but some municipalities allow as little as 90 days. Failing to adhere to these requirements could result in the forfeiture of your claim. Additionally, claims against government entities often involve limitations on the amount of damages you can seek.

This situation may seem unfair, but it stems from the concept of “sovereign immunity,” which our nation inherited from England, implying that rulers cannot be sued. In 1969, the Texas Tort Claims Act was enacted to permit lawsuits for accidents involving government vehicles or incidents on government property.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT ACCIDENT CLAIMS

You might have preconceived notions about how the legal system operates, and it’s crucial to address some common misunderstandings:

Full Medical Coverage: The at-fault party isn’t necessarily responsible for all your medical expenses. Texas law stipulates compensation for “reasonable” medical bills, and insurance companies often aim to minimize these payments.

Lengthy Court Proceedings: In most cases, you won’t have to spend extensive time in court. Many claims are resolved without filing a lawsuit, and experienced attorneys handle court appearances, ensuring you’re well-prepared if needed.

Waiting for Injuries to Heal: Delaying filing a claim can lead to evidence loss or disputes about the extent of your injuries. It’s advisable to consult with an accident lawyer promptly.

Greed or Frivolous Lawsuits: Most claims seek fair compensation for injuries and damages caused by someone else’s negligence, not out of greed or frivolity.

Protracted Claims: While some cases can be lengthy, many are resolved within a few months, depending on the circumstances and evidence.

Insurer Refusal to Pay: Insurance companies are obligated to pay, and your lawyer’s skills and experience can significantly impact the outcome.

Inadequate At-Fault Party: If the responsible party lacks sufficient funds, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can step in.

Claim Against Family or Friends: While it may strain relationships, you should still pursue claims to cover your expenses. Lawyers can help manage communication to reduce stress.

Settling After Recovery: Waiting until you recover fully can jeopardize your claim due to evidence loss. Consult an attorney early.

Accepting Initial Offers: Insurers often offer low amounts initially. Consulting a lawyer can help you determine if the offer is fair.

No Need for a Lawyer with Insurance: Your insurer may not fully cover your expenses, making legal representation beneficial.

Holding Out for a Larger Settlement: While waiting may work in some cases, it can also backfire. Insurance companies may pressure you to accept low offers.

Overwhelmed Courts: Courts exist to provide justice and resolve disputes, and not all cases end up in court.

Lawyer’s Fees: Quality legal representation can increase your overall compensation even after attorney fees are considered.

Financial Ruin of At-Fault Party: Your claim won’t financially ruin the responsible party; their insurance will cover the damages.

Most attorneys offer free consultations to assess your case and discuss your legal options, including the potential impact of attorney fees on your recovery.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call (314) 465-8733 to talk to a St. Louis accident attorney right now. We won’t put any pressure on you to hire us on the spot. Simply learn how we’ll approach your case and get some excellent free advice. Make your decision only when you feel 100% ready. Do remember though, that the Missouri statute of limitations gives you just 5 years from the date of your accident to file a claim. BUT if you wait to contact a lawyer it may be too late to gather evidence. It’s critical to your potential claim to ACT FAST.

We’ll come to your home or hospital room if it makes it easier on you! Phone and Zoom consultations are also available. You can call us, or use the form or chat feature on this page to request a free consultation now.

Seriously Hurt? We’ll Come to You!

ST. LOUIS OFFICE

Mullen & Mullen Law Firm in St. Louis
100 S 4th St #550
St. Louis, MO 63102
Phone: (314) 465-8733
By Appointment Only