Personal Injury Lawyer St. Louis

If you were hurt in an accident in St. Louis, this simple, local guide walks you through what to do next—step by step. It’s written for crash victims, cyclists and pedestrians, and anyone dealing with injuries after a fall or other incident in the City of St. Louis. You’ll find who to call, how to get reports, where cases are heard, nearby hospitals, deadlines, towing info, and trusted local links—all in one place.

First 24 Hours in St. Louis

Safety & Medical

  • Call 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies in the city, call the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) at 314-231-1212.
  • ER vs. urgent care: Go to an emergency department for serious symptoms (head injury, severe pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, suspected fractures). Urgent care can handle minor cuts, sprains, and mild pain. When in doubt, choose the ER.
  • Tell providers everything that hurts. Describe all symptoms, even if they seem small.
  • Keep discharge paperwork and imaging CDs. These help with insurance and any legal claim.

Evidence Checklist

  • Take wide and close photos of the scene, vehicles, plates, street signs, skid marks, debris, and visible injuries.
  • Save dashcam or doorbell footage. Ask nearby businesses or homeowners to preserve camera video.
  • Get witness names, phones, and emails. Note where each person was standing or driving.
  • Write down the other driver’s license, plate, and insurance details. Photograph documents if possible.
  • Start a notes app or paper log: pain levels, symptoms, missed work, mileage to medical visits, out-of-pocket costs.

Reporting an Accident

  • Call police to document injury crashes or serious property damage. In the City of St. Louis, officers can create a crash report number you’ll use later.
  • Missouri accident report (DOR): Some crashes must be reported to the Missouri Driver License Bureau using Form 1140 if an uninsured motorist is involved and there’s injury, death, or $500+ damage. Review state rules and, if required, submit promptly.
  • Tell your insurer within a reasonable time per your policy. You can report the basics without giving a recorded statement until you understand your rights.

Where Cases Happen Here (Courts & Venues)

  • City of St. Louis Circuit Court (22nd Judicial Circuit): This is the main trial court for injury cases arising in the City of St. Louis. Civil and associate divisions handle most personal-injury lawsuits. See filing info, clerk contacts, and local rules on the court’s website.
  • St. Louis County Circuit Court (21st Judicial Circuit): If your crash happened in St. Louis County (outside the City) or a defendant is based there, venue might be in the county’s circuit court.
  • Federal court: Some cases (for example, diversity of citizenship or federal questions) may be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in downtown St. Louis.
  • Small claims basics: Missouri small claims courts can hear tort or contract cases up to $5,000 (property damage disputes are common here). You usually can’t recover above the limit if you choose small claims.
  • E-filing and case lookup: Missouri uses statewide e-filing (primarily for attorneys). Most people track cases via Case.net (public docket search). Self-represented resources and forms are available through Missouri Courts.

How to Get Your Police Report in St. Louis

  • City police reports (SLMPD): Go to the SLMPD Records Service Center (1915 Olive St., 1st Floor) or use the online Sunshine portal. Expect small per-page and search-time fees; bring a government ID and your report or complaint number. The SLMPD Daily Accident Report page posts recent, preliminary crash listings for quick reference.
  • County police reports: If your crash was handled by the St. Louis County Police Department, request through the Bureau of Central Police Records. They list hours, fees, and phone support.
  • Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP): For crashes investigated by MSHP, use the Patrol’s crash-report request process. There’s a standard fee, and official reports may take about 10 business days before they’re available.
  • Report types: Ask for a traffic crash report for collisions. Incident reports document non-crash events (assaults, thefts, etc.).
  • Turnaround: City preliminary accident listings usually appear within a few days; official copies can take longer depending on review and processing load.

Hospitals & Clinics Near St. Louis

These well-known facilities serve the city and close-in metro. For emergencies, call 911 and go to the nearest ER.

  • Barnes-Jewish Hospital — Central West End — ER/Level I Trauma — Patients & Visitors — Main: 314-747-3000
  • SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital — Midtown/Gate District — ER/Level I Trauma — Patients & Visitors — Main: 314-257-2100
  • St. Louis Children’s Hospital — Central West End — Pediatric ER/Level I Pediatric Trauma — Patients & Families — Main: 314-454-6000
  • SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital — Tower Grove East — Pediatric ER — Patients & Visitors — Main: 314-577-5600
  • Mercy Hospital St. Louis — Creve Coeur (West County) — ER — Patients & Visitors
  • SSM Health DePaul Hospital — Bridgeton — ER — Patients & Visitors — ED: 314-344-6360
  • Christian Hospital (BJC) — North County — ER — Patients & Visitors
  • SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital — Richmond Heights — ER — Patients & Visitors — Main: 314-768-8000

High-Risk Areas & Local Crash Patterns

  • Grand Boulevard — repeatedly identified as a high-crash corridor for people walking and biking.
  • Gravois Avenue — noted by local safety groups as another frequent injury corridor.
  • Kingshighway Boulevard — long, multi-lane arterial with complex intersections.
  • Natural Bridge Avenue — higher speeds and crossing distances increase risk.
  • I-64/I-44 and I-55/I-70 interchanges — heavy merges and congestion; extra caution in work zones.

Weather & season: Winter snow/ice commonly spikes crash risk across the metro. Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map and local NWS updates during storms or heavy rain.

Deadlines (Plain-English Overview)

  • General personal injury: Missouri’s typical deadline to file a negligence injury lawsuit is 5 years.
  • Wrongful death: Generally 3 years from the date of death.
  • Medical malpractice: Generally 2 years, with limited exceptions (e.g., certain discovery issues) and additional rules that can shorten or extend timing in specific circumstances.
  • Claims involving public entities: Missouri allows certain suits against government entities but applies damage caps and other requirements; timing can be complex.

These are high-level summaries only. Exact deadlines depend on facts, parties, and statutes. Do not rely on a web page for your filing date—talk to a licensed Missouri attorney immediately. See the linked statutes below.

Costs & Fees (How It Typically Works)

Most St. Louis personal-injury firms use a contingency fee: the lawyer’s fee is a percentage of the recovery, paid at the end. If there’s no recovery, you typically owe no attorney’s fee. Case costs (medical records, expert reviews, filing and service fees, investigators, transcripts) are usually advanced by the firm and reimbursed from the recovery. Percentages and cost practices vary by firm—always get a clear, written fee agreement that explains the percentage, who pays costs, and what happens if you end the case early or if the case loses.

Towing & Vehicle Storage in St. Louis

  • City Tow Lot: The City of St. Louis Towing Division lists hours, fees (administrative + daily storage), location, and release steps. You’ll generally need a government ID, proof of ownership/registration, and a release if the vehicle is on hold. Payment methods and hours are posted on the city page.
  • Steps to retrieve: Confirm the vehicle is at the City Tow Lot, bring ID and proof of ownership, confirm any police holds are lifted, and be prepared to pay towing and storage charges. Ask about acceptable payment types before you go.
  • Disputes: Use the contact information on the city’s towing page to ask about holds, billing questions, or administrative review options.

Working With a St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer

Local firms typically start with a free consultation by phone, video, or in-office. Expect regular updates (for example, monthly status emails or portal messages, plus calls after key milestones like medical completion or settlement offers). Many firms offer bilingual staff and translators on request and can arrange home or hospital visits when injuries make travel hard. A good injury team can help coordinate medical appointments, obtain records and bills, set up letters of protection when appropriate, and negotiate medical liens so more of your settlement goes to you.

FAQs

1) Do you offer free consultations? How soon can I speak with an attorney?
Most St. Louis injury firms offer free consultations and can usually speak the same day or within 24–48 hours. If you’re in the hospital or recovering at home, ask for a phone or video consult. Bring your crash report number (if you have it), photos, and any insurance letters to speed things up.

2) How do contingency fees and case costs usually work in Missouri?
The attorney fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict, paid at the end. If there’s no recovery, you typically owe no fee. Case costs (records, experts, filing fees) are usually advanced by the firm and repaid from the recovery. The exact percentage and costs policy vary—get it in writing before you hire.

3) How long do most cases take in St. Louis and what affects the timeline?
Many claims resolve in a few months after you finish treatment and records are gathered; litigated cases can take 12–24+ months depending on complexity, insurers, medical issues, and court schedules. Disputes about fault or long-term injuries, or the need for experts, can add time. Ask your lawyer for a plan and regular check-ins.

4) Should I give the insurance company a recorded statement?
You must cooperate with your own insurer under your policy, but you don’t have to give a recorded statement to another driver’s insurer. Many people choose to speak only after they understand their rights or have counsel present. If you do speak, stick to facts and avoid guessing.

5) What if I was partly at fault under Missouri law?
Missouri uses a form of comparative fault. Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but being partially at fault doesn’t automatically bar recovery. Fault is fact-specific—discuss details with a lawyer.

6) How are medical bills handled during the case?
You’re responsible for your medical bills as you go. Your health insurance, MedPay, or workers’ comp (if applicable) may help. After settlement, providers or insurers with valid liens may be reimbursed from proceeds. Law firms often negotiate liens to maximize your net recovery.

7) Will my case go to trial or settle?
Most injury cases settle, but some go to trial—especially if liability is disputed or offers are low. Effective negotiation depends on clear liability evidence, medical documentation, and your willingness to wait for a fair number. Your lawyer will discuss settlement ranges, mediation, and trial pros/cons.

8) What should I bring to the first meeting?
Bring your ID, insurance cards (auto and health), crash report number, photos and videos, witness info, medical records and bills, pay stubs or proof of lost income, and any letters from insurers. A short written timeline of what happened is very helpful.

Printable Checklist — What To Do After an Accident in St. Louis

  • Safety first: move to a safe area; call 911 if anyone might be hurt.
  • Get medical care; tell providers every area that hurts.
  • Exchange info and photograph everything (vehicles, plates, injuries, scene, skid marks).
  • Gather witness names and contacts.
  • Note nearby cameras (stores, homes, traffic cams) and ask owners to preserve video.
  • Request the police report number; set a reminder to obtain the report.
  • Preserve evidence (keep damaged items; don’t repair the car until documented).
  • Notify your insurer; avoid recorded statements until you understand your rights.
  • Track symptoms, missed work, mileage, and expenses in one place.
  • Consider a consultation with a local attorney to confirm timelines and options.

Local Links & Resources

Sources

General information only, not legal advice. Laws change and vary. Talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.