St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

Roadway accidents are the leading cause of personal injury cases in the nation. In 2006, vehicular accidents were the leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 3-34. As technological advances continue, it is expected that we will continue to see an increase in traffic accidents. It is common to see drivers talking on their cell phones, using their navigational systems, or changing the radio station. Yet the insurance companies do not take responsibility for their insured’s actions.

If you or your family has been injured on the road or highway, your choice of an injury attorney will be one of the most important decisions you make. Along with making an informed decision about an attorney, make sure to:

  • Take pictures of the vehicles and the scene.
  • Gather the names of witnesses as soon as possible.
  • Find out who was driving the other vehicle and their insurance company.
  • Go to the hospital or make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Cooperate with the police and if subpoenaed, appear in court.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all medical appointments.
  • Don’t talk with an insurance company until you have talked with your own Attorney!

Medical treatment is very important to your case and your health. Check out our medical page here. You may need guidance for the proper medical treatment, depending on your financial situation, degree of injury, and insurance coverage. If you have health insurance, you should immediately see your family doctor and follow up with whatever care he or she suggests. If you do not carry medical insurance, we may be able to help you.

Common Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Case:

  • Failing to seek immediate medical care.
  • Failing to be completely honest with your lawyer.
  • Failing to be completely honest with your doctor.
  • Failing to follow your doctor’s advice.
  • Failling to appear for all medical appointments.
  • Failing to be sure your pain is accurately documents in the medical records.

What Do All of These Insurance Terms Mean?

Uninsured Motorists (UM):

Uninsured motorists have no insurance. This includes drivers with no insurance as well as those drivers who leave the scene. If you have been injured by an uninsured motorist, it can be very frustrating. You have bills to pay and property damage through no fault of your own. If you have basic coverage in Missouri and Illinois, you also have uninsured motorist coverage. If you have more than the minimum requirements, you will have even more coverage. Thus you make a claim against your insurance carrier against the UM coverage section of the policy.

Under-insured Motorist (UIM):

Sometimes the at-fault driver has insurance but does not have enough coverage to cover all of your expenses. In such a situation, you have been injured by an under-insured motorist. UIM coverage is elective – not everyone has it.

Whether UM or UIM applies, you need to get a copy of your policy from your insurance agent. The policy will include very helpful information crucial to your case.

Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay):

Med pay coverage is called medical payments coverage in an insurance policy. This coverage will pay for reasonable expenses incurred for necessary medical and funeral services because of bodily injury caused by an accident and sustained by an insured.

St. Louis Attorney Lindsay Rakers handles Missouri and Illinois roadway accident cases. I can explain the above concepts to you and make sure that you are getting everything you are entitled to. I will evaluate your case for free. I will never take a fee unless and until I obtain a settlement or verdict for you. Contact St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney or call (800) 517-0602.