ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS
Our legal team has been helping injured St. Louis residents since 1973, and it’s the job of our St. Louis car accident lawyers to get them the help and compensation they deserve.
At Cofman Townsley, we understand what car accident victims are going through. When you choose us to handle your car accident case, we work to get you maximum compensation. We handle the paperwork, the insurance company negotiations, and the stress of filing a claim so you can focus on your recovery.
Whether you need a car accident attorney immediately or you’re simply considering your options, don’t hesitate to contact Cofman Townsley to schedule a free, no-obligation case review. If you need a car accident lawyer in St. Louis, make us your first call.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Here at Cofman Townsley, we see how devastating car accidents can be every day. That’s why we feel compelled to share the common causes— hoping that raised awareness of these causes may prevent more people from suffering.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, often involving texting, talking on the phone, or other distractions that take a driver’s attention away from the road.
- Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, leading to serious and often fatal accidents. It’s a criminal offense and punishable by law.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions reduces a driver’s ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of accidents.
- Reckless Driving: Actions such as aggressive maneuvers, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals contribute to reckless driving accidents that endanger other road users.
- Weather Conditions: Adverse weather like rain, snow, or fog reduces visibility and traction, making it harder to control vehicles and increasing the risk of collisions.
- Vehicle Defects: Malfunctions in brakes, tires, or other components can lead to sudden failures or loss of control, causing accidents that may involve product liability claims.
- Road Hazards: Poor road conditions, construction zones, or debris on the road can cause accidents if drivers fail to navigate hazards safely.
Types of Compensation Available
After a car accident, it’s difficult to fathom just how much a victim will need to recover and sustain themselves financially. Fortunately, with the help of an experienced car accident attorney, injury victims may receive numerous types of compensation to help cover the cost of care and recover any losses. Here are a few examples:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for medical bills related to injuries sustained in the accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to inability to work during recovery, including future earning capacity if injuries result in long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by the accident and resulting injuries.
- Property Damage: Coverage for repair or replacement of vehicles and personal property damaged in the accident, including compensation for diminished value.
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional misconduct to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Comparative Negligence and Its Impact on Compensation
In Missouri, comparative negligence laws determine compensation based on each party’s degree of fault in causing the accident. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of your responsibility.
For example, if you are 20% at fault and awarded $100,000, your compensation would be reduced to $80,000. Understanding comparative negligence is crucial in evaluating potential compensation and preparing a strong legal strategy to protect your rights and maximize recovery after a car accident.
HOW OUR LAWYERS CAN HELP
After an accident, we know you’re wondering how long your claim will take and how much your settlement is worth. The sooner you contact us after a car accident in Missouri or Southern Illinois, the better. That gives our St. Louis car accident lawyers more time to begin preparing your case by:
- Collecting Evidence: We’ll collect evidence from the crash scene, as well as police reports and witness statements, to paint an accurate picture of what caused your crash.
- Completing Paperwork: Filing a car accident claim requires completing large amounts of paperwork concerning your injuries, the condition of your vehicle, accident circumstances, and more. Our legal team will ensure all paperwork is accurate, complete, and submitted on time, so you have one less thing to worry about.
- Dealing With the Insurance Company: The insurance company may be reluctant to pay you the damages you’re owed for your car accident. Our legal team will deal with the insurance company and make them pay for your injuries and damages.
We’ll also be there to answer your questions along the way and represent you in court if your case goes to trial. When you get Cofman Townsley, you get a law firm that honors its commitment to you.
TYPES OF AUTO ACCIDENT INJURIES
Car accidents often involve high speeds and high levels of force. This combination can lead to drivers and passengers suffering serious injuries—even in cars with advanced airbags and seatbelts. Car accident injuries can range from cuts and bruises to more severe injuries that cause disability and even paralysis.
Common Injuries
Some of the most common injuries in car accidents are:
- Cuts and Lacerations: Car accidents often result in shattered windshields and windows. Broken glass may strike the occupants of vehicles, leading to deep cuts and severe bleeding.
- Broken Bones: Occupants’ legs, arms, hands, and feet can contact the insides of vehicles during car accidents. This force can fracture or break bones throughout the body.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Even when secured by seatbelts, car accident victims can experience rapid movement of the torso or neck during collisions. This movement can damage the neck and spine, leading to paralysis.
These injuries can lead to expensive medical bills and loss of independence—as well as lost wages and permanent disability.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN ST. LOUIS
The days after your car accident can be a whirlwind. Between doctor visits, calls from the insurance adjuster, and missed time from work, you have little time to do much else—including filing a compensation claim. But there are a few steps you can take during this time to maximize your chances of getting the money you’re owed.
Your Next Steps After the Accident
After your car accident, you should:
- See a doctor. Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident. You could have internal injuries that take time to show up, and your medical report can serve as valuable evidence for your case.
- Record the details of the accident. Write down as much as you can remember about the accident, including how fast you were going, which lane you were in, and the weather conditions that day. The more your car accident attorney knows about the accident, the more accurate your claim will be.
- Don’t talk about the accident. Don’t discuss the details of the accident with your friends, coworkers, or on social media. The insurance company can use your statements against you.
- Call a lawyer. The insurance company may try to take advantage of you after the accident by offering you a lowball settlement. Getting a St. Louis, Missouri car accident lawyer from Cofman Townsley can help you get maximum compensation.
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we won’t hesitate to take them to court. We will work harder than the other side before and after the trial.
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
An insurance adjuster may contact you soon after your accident. Don’t speak to them any more than necessary and don’t sign any documents.
If you do, you could:
- Decrease Your Settlement Amount: Signing a settlement offer means you’re not eligible for further compensation for the accident. Many settlement offers from insurance companies aren’t enough to cover the full cost of the accident, including medical bills and lost wages.
- Forfeit Your Right to Compensation: If you speak with an insurance adjuster, they may twist your words to make it seem like you’re at fault for causing the accident. Don’t forfeit your rights to get the money you’re owed.
- Pay More Money Than the Other Driver: In some cases, the other driver’s insurance company may pursue damages from your insurance. Even if the other driver caused the accident, your statements could sound like an admission of guilt and may be used against you.
Our St. Louis auto accident attorneys can speak with the insurance company on your behalf and make sure the record of the accident and your injuries is accurate and fair. To get started, contact our legal team today!
WHEN TO FILE A CLAIM
After a car accident, seeing your doctor and fixing your car can disrupt your normal routine, and speaking with an attorney about your claim may seem like a low priority. However, the evidence needed to prove your case can disappear quickly, and legal deadlines limit the time you have to file a claim. You need legal help now.
At Cofman Townsley, we understand what you’re going through after your accident. When you contact our St. Louis car accident lawyers, we’ll work hard to build a strong claim on your behalf. Begin your claim today—dial (314) 499-1190 or complete a free online form to contact our 24/7 legal staff.
Statute of Limitations in Missouri and Illinois
The statute of limitations—or legal deadline—for filing an auto accident lawsuit in Missouri is generally five years for injury claims and three years for wrongful death claims. In Illinois, the deadline is two years for injury claims and one year for wrongful death claims. After this deadline, the court will refuse to hear your case, and you will be barred from seeking compensation for damages caused by your accident.
Exceptions to the statute of limitations apply to some cases, and an experienced Missouri and Illinois car accident lawyer at Cofman Townsley can provide you with the information you need to pursue the full value of your claim.
Missouri and Illinois Uninsured Motorist Claims
Missouri and Illinois require mandatory uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on all auto insurance policies. UM coverage allows car accident victims to seek compensation through their insurance policies if involved in accidents with uninsured drivers.
The statute of limitations to file a UM claim in Missouri is 10 years from the date of the accident. In Illinois, the statute of limitations may differ depending on the terms of your insurance policy, but is never less than two years.
If you were a passenger involved in an accident with an uninsured driver or a pedestrian struck by an uninsured motorist, you may have the right to compensation. At Cofman Townsley, we know the law in Missouri and Illinois, and our St. Louis car accident lawyers are here to help you understand your legal options.
DRUNK DRIVING VICTIMS
At Cofman Townsley, we have no tolerance for people who drink alcohol and get behind the wheel. Drunk drivers have lowered reaction times, poor judgment, and clouded vision. These impairments can combine to cause potentially deadly crashes on the road.
Driving Impairments Caused by Alcohol
People who have been drinking alcohol should never drive, as they may experience several conditions that make driving dangerous, such as:
- Increased Reaction Times: Alcohol increases the time it takes for the brain to process information. This makes it more difficult for intoxicated drivers to slow down or speed up with the flow of traffic.
- Blurred Vision: Drivers who are intoxicated don’t see as clearly as sober drivers. Their blurred vision can make them more likely to miss red lights, stop signs, and other vehicles on the road.
- Poor Judgment: Alcohol impairs judgment and decision-making skills. Intoxicated drivers may make poor decisions, like trying to pass on narrow roads or running red lights at intersections.
When impaired by alcohol, drivers are more likely to make mistakes that cause serious accidents that may hurt themselves and innocent victims on the road. At Cofman Townsley, our St. Louis car accident lawyers will protect your rights against drunk drivers, and you can count on us to work harder than the other person’s legal team.
CAR ACCIDENT FAQ
- What should I do if I’m involved in a traffic accident? There are a few steps you can take after your car accident to help protect your health and rights to compensation:
- See a doctor to rule out internal injuries and get a medical report.
- Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory.
- Avoid discussing the accident with friends or insurance adjusters.
- Call an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer from Cofman Townsley at (314) 499-1190.
- When should I settle my case? It’s best to consult with your attorney before you decide to settle your case. The insurance company’s settlement offer may not be enough to cover your medical bills and lost wages. We can negotiate on your behalf until you get a fair settlement offer.
- Should I give a statement to the at-fault driver’s insurance company? No. Don’t say anything to the other driver’s insurance company. Insurance companies are in business to make money—and sometimes that means twisting the words of innocent victims like you to make you ineligible for compensation. Let your car accident attorney handle all correspondence with the insurance companies.
- Who pays for my medical bills if I’ve been injured in an accident? If another driver’s negligence caused your accident, their insurance provider should be responsible for your medical bills and lost wages. The legal team at Cofman Townsley has helped many car accident victims like you get the money they’re owed, and we’ll do our best to help you, too. Just dial (314) 499-1190 or fill out a free initial consultation form—you’ll speak with an attorney who can begin building your case right away.
- Why do I need a police report? A police report is vital evidence for an auto accident claim, as it will be used in your case to establish the facts of the accident. To obtain a copy of the police report, you should call or visit the police department after the car accident.
- How soon after the accident should I get a lawyer? Get a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner you contact the St. Louis, Missouri car accident lawyers at Cofman Townsley, the more potential evidence we can collect. That means a stronger claim and a higher chance of compensation for you. Don’t wait to get the help you need after your car accident—contact us right away.
NEED A CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER IN ST. LOUIS? CALL COFMAN TOWNSLEY.
After your car accident, you deserve a law firm that understands your situation. At Cofman Townsley, we have over 50 years of experience helping injured victims and their families in St. Louis and across Southern Illinois and Missouri get real results that make a difference in their lives.
Our St. Louis car accident lawyers know your life may feel broken into pieces after the accident. It’s our goal to make you feel whole again. Don’t hesitate to contact us—pick up the phone and dial (314) 499-1190 or complete our free form.