St. Charles Car Accident Attorneys

It’s hard to accept that no matter how safely we drive, there will still be negligent people who cause vehicle accidents which may drastically change our lives. A car crash can be very costly – when it involves an injury, the losses include not just medical expenses but also missed work days and mental distress. This is why it is important for accident victims to claim the compensation they need and deserve.

If you or someone in your family has suffered from a car accident in Missouri, we at Shea Kohl Law can be your effective legal ally. Our practical, no-nonsense legal services have helped numerous Missouri individuals obtain their maximum compensation – and we have been doing this since 1984. Talk to us to see how we can help you win.

Missouri Car Accidents And Negligent Drivers

Tens of thousands of car crashes occur in Missouri each year, and from these crashes, thousands of individuals end up hurt or killed. In 2014, for example, 47,977 people were injured and 766 were killed in MO crashes, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Sadly, the numbers don’t seem to go down. This year, we’ve already had 301 vehicle fatalities – and it’s only May.

The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety looked at the data and found that the top contributors in fatal car crashes include speeding, substance impairment, and wrong lane usage. This means that many drivers in our state are still operating their vehicles irresponsibly.

If your accident involved the carelessness of someone else, you may be able to file a claim based on their negligence. Claiming compensation can provide a great relief from the financial burdens that resulted from your accident.

Other Potentially Liable Parties In A Car Accident

Though irresponsible drivers are the main cause of many car crashes, there are other parties that may be held liable as well.

One example is an auto company or car parts manufacturer that produced a malfunctioning vehicle or car part. This happens more often than we realize. In fact, since the enactment of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act in 1966, more than 390 million vehicles, 66 million pieces of vehicle equipment, 46 million tires, and 42 million child safety seats have been recalled for safety defects. If your accident involved a malfunctioning component – perhaps a defective brake or a blown-out tire – it may be worth exploring a company’s product liability.

Another party who may be liable in a car collision is an establishment that over-served alcohol to a person who later caused a drunk-driving accident. Missouri has a law called a “dram shop statute,” which states that if a bar or restaurant served alcohol to someone who is already visibly intoxicated, that bar or restaurant shares the liability.

A public agency can be held liable for a car crash as well. Certain government offices are responsible for keeping our roads safe for motorists. They may be tasked with road design, construction, traffic systems, and maintenance. If they failed at their duty, any street or highway could invite accidents. However, there are special requirements and procedures when claiming against a government agency, so it is best to consult a lawyer on this.

Determining all the liable parties in your car accident requires extensive legal knowledge and sharp investigative skills. Our decades-long experience at Shea Kohl Law can prove valuable in this regard.

How Much Is Your Case Worth?

A common question among accident victims is: How much would I be able to receive as accident compensation?

The answer varies widely, as compensation (legally called “damages”) depends on the specific circumstances of your accident. For instance, one of the factors considered is the severity of your injuries – a catastrophic brain injury would most likely merit higher damages award than a few cuts and bruises.

In general, you may be compensated for two types of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are those that have a clear monetary value such as hospital bills, rehabilitation expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. Meanwhile, non-economic damages are less tangible, such as pain and suffering.

There is another category called punitive damages. This is awarded to you not as a form of compensation, but as a form of punishment for the at-fault party. However, punitive damages are rarely applicable as they require extraordinary recklessness on the part of the defendant.

When it comes to compensation, it is crucial to avoid settling too early. Many accident victims accept lowball insurance offers or sign their rights away before they realize their claim’s value. To avoid this, don’t hesitate to consult with a doctor to determine the true extent of your injuries, and also consult with an accident lawyer for a thorough and knowledgeable assessment of your legal case.

What Shea Kohl Law Can Do For You

Whether you are filing an accident claim, considering a lawsuit, or seeking answers to your legal dilemma, we at Shea Kohl Law are ready to help. We can provide you legal services that have been honed by our 90+ years of combined experience. These services include:

• Fully assessing your case, providing you with candid legal opinions and pragmatic solutions
• Investigating your accident, reviewing your medical records, and conducting research to build you a strong case
• Tapping our network of accident analysts and medical experts to support your claim
• Skillfully representing you in settlement negotiations or court litigation, if necessary
• Regularly communicating with you throughout the entire process, so you have a solid grasp of how your case is progressing.

Shea Kohl Law is based in St. Charles, MO. We serve the counties of St. Charles, Lincoln, St. Louis, and Warren, as well as nearby areas in Illinois.

Contact Us

We can start just by talking about your car accident. Your initial consultation with us is completely free. Call Shea Kohl Law today at (636) 946-9999.