Personal Injury Attorney in St. Louis, Missouri 

Accidents happen every day, but resulting injuries can completely alter the way you live your life. Time devoted to your relationships, career, and hobbies can transform into time spent receiving medical treatment or, in some cases, re-learning how to navigate life with your injuries. And, as if the physical pain and emotional stress weren’t enough, medical bills add a layer of financial pressure to the mix. When another’s negligence or reckless behavior causes you or a loved one harm, you have the right to explore your options for recovering the damages you’ve endured in the form of financial compensation.

Seeking the help of a personal injury attorney is essential. You’re already going through enough. Let a trusted and compassionate lawyer support you through filing your claim. The attorney at The Summary Law Firm, Attorney Justin Summary, has the confidence and experience to challenge insurance providers and negotiate the maximum settlement you deserve. And, when additional legal action is necessary, he will fight for your right to a fair recovery in court.   

Reach out to his office in St. Louis, Missouri, today to request a free consultation. He proudly serves injury victims throughout Missouri including St. Charles, Jefferson, St. Louis City / County as well as St. Clair County and Madison County, Illinois and he looks forward to taking your call.

Injury Cases The Summary Law Firm Handles 

If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in a traffic accident near St. Louis, Missouri, Attorney Summary can provide the attentive guidance you deserve. The following are the specific types of personal injury claims he handles:  

• Car accidents 

• Truck accidents 

• Motorcycle accidents 

• Pedestrian accidents 

• Wrongful death

Personal Injury Claims in Missouri  

After an auto accident, you may know what steps to take to file your claim, but it’s also important to develop an understanding of the laws and regulations so you can navigate the process with confidence.   

Missouri Is a “Fault” State 

A fault-based insurance system requires the driver who is liable for an auto accident to cover the other party’s damages. These include medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repairs, and additional pain and suffering. Before filing your claim, it’s important to take stock of your damages and losses so that your attorney can pursue the maximum settlement you deserve.  

Comparative Negligence Rule 

As a fault state, Missouri recognizes a comparative negligence rule. This means that you can be partially to blame for your accident and still receive a fair amount of financial compensation. The percentage of responsibility you hold (determined by the court) will directly correlate to the percentage deducted from your settlement.  

For example, if it’s decided that you were 30% at-fault for a collision between you and another driver, and the damages you’re pursuing total $300,000, you would walk away with 70% ($210,000) — the amount that correlates with the other driver’s percentage of fault.  

Statute of Limitations  

When suing an at-fault party for injury damages, you have to abide by the deadline set by your state’s personal injury statute of limitations. The Missouri statute of limitations for personal injury and auto accident lawsuits is generally five years. If you’re filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the statute is generally three years.  In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury and auto accident lawsuits is generally two years.

There are certain exceptions in place, but if you miss the filing deadline, there’s a good chance that the party you’re trying to sue will file a motion to have the case dismissed. Don’t take this risk. Consult a trusted attorney in your area to learn more about your state’s statute of limitations and secure skilled representation.  

Filing a Personal Injury Claim 

While every personal injury claim is completely different, the process follows a certain framework. Whether you’re filing a claim against your own insurance or against the at-fault person/entity, here’s what to expect:  

1. Determine if an insurance policy covers the damages you're pursuing. If you were involved in a traffic accident, the at-fault driver may have an insurance policy in place that covers the losses you’re seeking to recover in your claim.  

2. Consult a personal injury attorney. It’s always in your best interest to at least discuss the details of your incident with a skilled attorney. Attorney Summary offers free initial consultations, so even if your injuries are minor, he can provide you with the reliable guidance you need to move forward with your claim. If your injuries are significant and/or your case is complex, he has what it takes to advocate for you throughout the legal process. No matter what, he can help determine the best course of action for your specific situation.  

3. Decide whether or not to file a lawsuit. Many personal injury cases reach a fair settlement before a civil lawsuit is filed. When you’re recovering from an injury or the loss of a loved one, negotiating a settlement without having to go to trial is typically the ideal course of action. Again, working with a skilled attorney like the one at The Summary Law Firm in St. Louis as soon as possible is in your best interest because, if your case ends up going to court, you will have a reputable litigator in your corner who already understands you and your needs and goals.  

Ready to begin? Contact Attorney Summary today to get set up with a free consultation. He represents accident victims and families of the wrongfully deceased throughout St. Louis, Missouri, and the surrounding communities.