St. Louis car accident Lawyers

We have helped our clients in St. Louis and the surrounding areas win millions of dollars in automobile accident verdicts and settlements

Ortwerth Law has the experience needed to maximize your car accident settlement. Whether it is an insurance agency, an individual, or a company, our injury attorneys have filed lawsuits, gone to trial, and received car accident settlements for more than $2 million.

An overview of car accidents in the City of St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis, Missouri is one of the most bustling cities in the United States. With its growing population and its thriving industries, it is no surprise that the city is also home to a large number of motor vehicle accidents. According to Trailnet, St. Louis is one of the cities with the highest number of car accidents in the state. In 2023, there were over 149 deaths reported due to car accidents in St. Louis City and St. Louis County.

This is a concerning trend, as car accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in the United States. While some accidents are unavoidable, many can be prevented by taking simple precautions, such as wearing a seatbelt, following traffic laws, and avoiding distractions while driving.

Our car crash attorneys in St. Louis have experience going up against large insurance agencies

If you are in a car accident, do not talk to the insurance company!

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle collision, you will eventually be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. Do not talk to the insurance adjuster! Answer the telephone, say hello, politely decline to discuss the accident and advise the adjuster that you will be hiring an attorney. Do not be fooled; do not let your guard down; and do not allow yourself to believe that the insurance company cares about you. The insurance adjuster is just doing his/her job and looking for information to use against you. If the adjuster offers you the opportunity to “settle now” it most certainly will not be a fair settlement for you. This tactic has been used by insurance companies for years to maximize their profits by paying victims less than they deserve.

We are premier St. Louis car accident lawyers and we will thoroughly investigate your case, speak to witnesses, contact police, work with your doctors and do whatever it takes to maximize your recovery. This is our commitment to you.

Without a car accident attorney, the insurance company isn’t going to pay you the amount you deserve. The insurance company’s main goal is to maximize profits. The adjuster’s goal is to pay you as little money as possible. Even if you do receive an offer, it may not even cover your medical expenses. And the offer certainly won’t be enough to fairly compensate for your pain and suffering. Why let that happen to you? The insurance company has experienced lawyers working on its side. Shouldn’t you have an experienced lawyer work for you? It just makes sense because you deserve full and fair compensation for your injuries, medical bills, out-of-pocket expenses and economic damages.

Insurance companies we have successfully brought claims against include:

AAA, Allied, Allstate, American Family, Auto-Owners, Chubb, Country Companies, Farmers, Federal, Founders, GEICO, Great Western, Hartford, Liberty Mutual, Old Dominion, Progressive, Safeco, Sentry, Shelter, State Farm, Travelers, USAA, Vanliner, Viking, Zurich

How to Find the Best Saint Louis Car Accident Attorney

Having an attorney with experience might seem obvious, but how can you tell if a personal injury lawyer can get you the results you need? We are a small law firm by design. We want our clients to feel like they are getting the most attention possible. When you are injured in a car crash, managing partner Craig Ortwerth will personally meet with you and be available at all times to discuss your case.

We have an extremely skilled team of investigators who can research your case, the scene, and all of the small but important details that are required to build a strong case. On top of our client-first approach and years of experience specializing in car and truck accident cases, we also have something else to prove we are worthy: our results.

How much has your firm recovered in automobile accident claims?

Ortwerth Law is a St. Louis personal injury firm with extensive experience in handling car accident lawsuits.

We have handled cases that range from filing a lawsuit against insurance agencies due to unfair compensation to circumstances that resulted in major settlements of $1 million and even $2.2 million.

You can see some of our featured stories on our verdicts page for more information on our car accident settlements.

• Orthwerth Law wins $2.2 million settlement in drunk driving case
• Orthwerth Law wins $2.1 million car accident settlement in a lawsuit against the City of St. Louis and other defendants
• Orthwerth Law wins $1 million rear-end accident settlement involving a commercial vehicle accident
• Orthwerth Law wins $1.5 million settlement from commercial truck driver and employer

Types of Car Accident Compensation You Can Receive

Making sure you are compensated properly after an automobile accident is paramount. Our Missouri car crash lawyers will ensure every avenue is explored so you get the maximum compensation possible. Whether it is suing the driver of the vehicle or going up against your insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance provider, Ortwerth Law has the experience and resources to get you the compensation you deserve.

Missouri is an at-fault state which means the guilty party may be required to cover the following car accident expenses:

Compensation for medical expenses after a car accident

One of the most important matters involved in car accident compensation is the amount you will receive for medical expenses. After an automobile accident, it is very common for one or both parties to have medical bills due to injuries sustained during the event. Compensation for medical expenses after a car accident may include:

• Costs for surgeries
• Medication/prescriptions
• Rehab or physical therapy
• And other general expenses from hospital bills and doctor visits

An unfortunate (and universally known) truth in the United States is that one of the most expensive experiences one can endure is a trip to the hospital after sustaining an injury. When you are injured in a car accident, getting compensated for your injuries can have a substantial impact on the rest of your life.

Because of this, our car accident attorneys always stress the importance of keeping track of all your medical bills and treatment costs, as they will be necessary to prove the extent of your injuries and to calculate the amount of compensation you are owed.

Compensation for vehicle (and other property) damage after a car accident

In addition to medical expenses, one of the other well-known topics discussed by car accident lawyers when discussing the amount of compensation you will receive has to do with property damage. The most important aspect is, obviously, regarding compensation for damages to your vehicle.

Property damage compensation after a car accident is not limited strictly to your vehicle. If, for instance, a laptop or phone was in your car during the automobile accident, and it sustained damage, you also may be able to receive compensation for those damages as well. Our personal injury lawyers will make sure to gather evidence of the property damage, such as photos and receipts, to support your claim for compensation.

Compensation for lost wages after a car accident

In addition to medical expenses and property damage, you may also be eligible to receive compensation for lost wages after your automobile accident. If you have sustained injuries that force you to miss work, or even limit the type of work you are able to do, you may be able to receive compensation for the wages you have lost due to the car accident.

This compensation may include any income you have lost while you were unable to work, as well as any future earnings you may miss out on due to ongoing medical treatment or disability.

The St. Louis car accident lawyers at Ortwerth Law will be able to make sure you have the proper documentation of your lost wages, such as pay stubs and tax returns, to support your claim for additional car accident compensation.

Other things that may affect the amount you receive for your car accident compensation:

• The type of car, truck or SUV you drive and the severity of the damages it sustained
• You must have car insurance to receive compensation
• The cost of medical bills or expenses accrued as a direct result of injuries sustained due to the car accident
• If the driver was under the influence, you may have grounds for an additional lawsuit or claims

Get Help From Our Car Accident Lawyers in St. Louis

Our car crash attorneys have seen it all. Over the years, we have been asked every question imaginable. If you are here, it is likey you have some questions of your own. Below are some of the most frequently asked car accident questions we receive from our clients who have been involved in a car wreck.

How long can I wait to file a car accident lawsuit in Missouri?

In Missouri, you are legally allowed to file an automobile accident within 5 (five) years of the date of the accident. In other words, the statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits in Missouri is 5 years.

Having said that, we strongly recommend speaking with a local injury attorney as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the hazier the details surrounding the car crash become for you, the witnesses, and the police statements.

How do I file a car accident police report in St. Louis, Missouri?

The process for filing a police report may vary slightly depending on the city or county, but there are certain steps that are consistent throughout the State of Missouri.

In short, the process of filing a police report in Missouri is:

1. Report your car accident claim to the local police department (In other words, call the police)
2. If uninjured and out of harm’s way, document the scene with photos and notes
3. Contact your car insurance provider
4. Fill out Motor Vehicle Accident Report Form 1140

Once these steps have been completed, you can contact a local personal injury attorney for a free consultation and to discuss whether you should file a lawsuit.

We will help you get every type of car accident compensation possible

What is the average car accident settlement in Missouri?

What will I receive for my car accident settlement? This is one of the questions we are most frequently asked. The average car accident settlement varies state-by-state and there are a wide range of factors that will determine exactly how much you will receive.

Because every accident is different, there is no definitive answer we can give, however, you can expect your car accident settlement to be between $3,000 – $15,000+ if the only damages sustained are to your vehicle.

If you are injured, you are likely entitled to additional compensation for things like medical bills and loss of income.

One of the most important things to consider when trying to estimate the amount of compensation you will receive is how hard your insurance agent is going to fight for you. In most cases, the insurance company representing the person responsible for the car accident will do everything in their power to minimize the amount of compensation they have to pay.

Because of this, it is vital that you have a car accident attorney who will have the resources and desire to get you the maximum amount of compensation.

What are the most common causes of car accidents in St. Louis, Missouri?

The most common causes of car accidents in St. Louis, Missouri are similar to those found in other cities across the country. Some of the most frequently cited causes include:

• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• Reckless driving
• Speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Failing to yield the right of way

In cases of impaired driving, our car accident attorneys have a great deal of experience filing lawsuits against drunk drivers in St. Louis. We not only work to get you the compensation you deserve, but we also make sure individuals, and any other parties responsible, are held accountable for their actions.

Each of these behaviors is dangerous and can lead to serious accidents. By understanding these causes, you can take steps to avoid them and keep yourself and others safe while on the road.

Here is a breakdown of average car accident settlements based on the severity of the accident

Severity of Accident	Average Settlement Amount
Minor Property Damage Only	$2,500 - $7,500
Moderate Property Damage and Minor Injuries	$8,000 - $15,000
Severe Property Damage and Moderate Injuries	$20,000 - $35,000
Severe Injuries with Long-term Impact	$50,000+

Am I required to file a police report after a car accident in St. Louis?

A common question we get asked by our clients is whether or not they are required to file a police report. In Missouri, you must file a car accident police report if:

• Either party has damages that exceed $500
• Your insurance company requires you to report the accident to the police
• Either party has been injured or killed as a result of the accident
• A parked/unattended vehicle was damaged and the owner is not present

Types of Car Accident Cases We Frequently Handle

We have the expertise and resources to represent clients involved in any type of automobile accident, but some of the cases we frequently see include:

• Lawsuits against drunk drivers
• Lawsuits against out-of-state drivers
• Lawsuits caused by speeding or reckless driving
• Property damage caused by car accidents
• Compensation for minor car accident injuries
• Compensation for severe car accident injuries
• Car accidents resulting in death (wrongful death lawsuits)
• Car accidents involving semi-trucks and 18-wheelers
• Car accidents involving delivery drivers

How our injury attorneys will help you after an automobile accident

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 30,000 people die as a result of car crashes every year. More than 2 million motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians are injured on roads and highways every year. Most of these “accidents” really are not accidents because the word “accident” implies that the crash wasn’t anybody’s fault.

Along with car accident cases, we are also St. Louis truck accident lawyers and handle any other automobile accident cases. We know the importance of acting quickly when our clients have been involved in a car accident.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys are here to help you through the process and get you the compensation you deserve. Some of the key benefits and services we provide include:

1. Dealing with Insurance Companies
2. Proving Fault and Liability
3. Evaluating Damages
4. Navigating the Legal Process
5. Protecting Your Rights

Areas we have helped clients

Not only have we worked with clients across the State of Missouri, but we also have worked with a great deal of clients in Southern Illinois. Ortwerth Law, LLC is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Illinois, and we have won our clients millions of dollars of compensation.

Some of the areas we frequently provide our services include:

• St. Louis County
• St. Louis City County
• North St. Louis City
• South St. Louis
• Jefferson County, Missouri
• Kirkwood, Missouri
• St. Charles, Missouri
• Southern Illinois
• O’Fallon, Missouri
• O’Fallon, Illinois
• Oakville, Missouri
• Webster Groves, Missouri

Car accidents on Highway 40, 44, and Interstate 270

If you live in St. Louis, you know certain highways, interstates, and roads have a reputation of being poorly maintained or always under construction. Because of this, there are certain areas we accidents seem to be a daily occurrence.

We have helped clients who have been in car accidents driving on just about every highway, interstate, and road in Saint Louis City, Saint Louis County, and St. Charles County.

Some of the locations where our car and truck accident clients have been injured include:

• Accidents on Highway 40 and 44
• Accidents on Interstate 70 and 64
• Accidents on Interstate 270 and 170
• Accidents on I-55 and I-255
• Accidents on Gravois and Telegraph
• Accidents on Grand Blvd, Lindbergh Blvd, and New Halls Ferry Road

Talk with our car accident lawyers in Saint Louis, Missouri

Car accidents are a serious issue in St. Louis, Missouri, but, in some cases, they can be completely preventable. By taking steps to avoid car accidents and following safe driving practices, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the roads.

Whether you are a resident of St. Louis, Missouri or simply passing through, be sure to take the time to understand the risks and what you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a car accident.

Finding a car accident attorney in St. Louis can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure you get the compensation you deserve after a car accident. By considering the factors we’ve discussed and asking the right questions, you can find a reputable and experienced car accident attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and get the best possible outcome.

Remember, time is of the essence in car accident cases, so don’t hesitate to contact an attorney as soon as possible. With the right attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal details.

Additional car accident information and resources: