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One minute, you're driving home from work or running errands. Then suddenly, you're dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance adjusters who seem more interested in closing your claim quickly than ensuring you receive fair compensation for an accident that wasn’t your fault. In all the chaos, it’s hard to know exactly what your rights and options are moving forward.
At Finney Injury Law, we provide more than just legal representation. We’re advocates who understand what you're going through and know how to protect your interests. Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers have helped countless car accident victims secure the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
When insurance companies refuse to make fair settlement offers, you need attorneys who are ready and willing to take your case to trial. We thoroughly prepare every case as if that’s what will happen because it's how we consistently obtain better results for our clients.
Understanding Missouri and Illinois Car Accident Laws
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. The state also has a five-year statute of limitations for filing car accident claims.
Conversely, Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means if it’s proven that you’re more than 50% at fault for the incident, you’re not eligible to recoup any compensation. The state also has a two-year statute of limitations for filing your accident-related personal injury claim.
How Finney Injury Law's St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys Help Protect Your Rights
After a collision, insurance companies often contact victims quickly, hoping to settle claims before the full extent of injuries and damages becomes clear. Our skilled trial lawyers help level the playing field for you by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly. We gather police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence to build a strong case.
- Documenting all damages. This includes current and future medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
- Handling all insurance communications. We deal with adjusters on your behalf, protecting you from tactics designed to minimize your claim.
- Preparing your case for trial. While many cases settle, we prepare each one as if it will go to court, giving us leverage in negotiations.
Common Car Accident Injury Cases We Handle in Missouri and Illinois
Finney Injury Law helps clients who have suffered various types of crash-related injuries including, but not limited to:
- Brain injuries. From mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries requiring long-term care.
- Spinal cord injuries. Including herniated discs, paralysis, and other life-altering conditions.
- Broken bones. These are particularly common in high-impact collisions and require extensive rehabilitation.
- Soft tissue injuries. Such as whiplash, which can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
We also take into account the mental and emotional toll that a serious car accident has on you, your family, and your way of life.
Types of Compensation Available for St. Louis Car Accident Victims
You shouldn’t have to settle for less than you deserve. Our experienced trial attorneys pursue full and fair compensation for all losses stemming from your collision. Here are some of the economic and non-economic damages you may be entitled to recover.
Medical Expenses
This covers the full spectrum of health care needs triggered by your accident. Emergency services like ambulance transport and ER care are just the beginning. We pursue compensation for hospital stays, surgical procedures, expert visits, prescription medications, and physical therapy. If your injuries require ongoing care, we also factor in future medical costs like follow-up procedures, mobility aids, and long-term rehabilitation. Even seemingly minor costs like co-pays and medical transportation add up and should be included in your claim.
Lost Income and Benefits
Your accident may force you to miss work during recovery, using up sick leave and vacation time. Beyond immediate lost wages, we assess how your injuries affect your long-term earning potential. If you can't return to your previous job or need to reduce your hours, we calculate the difference in earnings over your expected career. This includes lost bonuses, promotions, retirement contributions, and other employment benefits you would have earned.
Property Damage
While vehicle repair or replacement costs are obvious, we also pursue compensation for personal items damaged in the crash. This can include cellphones, laptops, medical devices, child car seats, and other valuable items. We work to ensure you receive fair market value for totaled vehicles and proper repairs that restore your car to its pre-accident condition.
Pain and Suffering
These non-economic damages acknowledge the physical and emotional toll of your accident. Physical pain from injuries, emotional trauma, anxiety about driving, depression, sleep problems, and PTSD symptoms are all compensable. We document how your injuries limit your daily activities and prevent you from enjoying hobbies, family time, and social relationships.
Loss of Consortium
Serious injuries affect entire families. Your spouse may be entitled to compensation for changes in your marital relationship, including loss of companionship, affection, and support. This also covers their increased responsibilities in caring for you and managing household duties during your recovery.
When insurance companies calculate settlement offers, they often focus solely on immediate medical bills and property damage. Our trial experience allows us to effectively demonstrate these damages to insurance companies and juries. We work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to document the full impact of your injuries and build strong evidence supporting maximum compensation.