PERSONAL INJURY LAW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What types of cases do you handle?
Typical cases are automobile accidents, semi-truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, boating accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, uninsured motorist cases, underinsured motorist cases, medical payment coverages, premises liability matters, personal injury, product liability, and cases against insurance companies.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, your initial consultation is absolutely free of charge.
What should I bring to my initial consultation?
At the first meeting, we will discuss the facts of your case and your injuries. Please bring the applicable police report (or simply the report number), the claim numbers of the insurance companies involved if a claim has already been opened, and a list or knowledge of the medical providers you’ve seen so far.
Do I need to put down a retainer for the costs associated with my case?
No, you will not need to put down a retainer for litigation costs.
By hiring a personal injury attorney, am I suing someone?
This is a frequently asked question. And the answer is no, you are not suing someone just by hiring a personal injury attorney. These cases involve insurance companies which provide coverage for the at-fault parties. A personal injury lawyer works to maximize your recovery while navigating the myriad issues arising from automobile accidents and personal injury cases. Most cases settle out of court and don’t involve going after a defendant’s personal assets.
If I get a settlement, will I have to pay back my health insurance if they paid for some of my bills related to my case?
Potentially. There are strict reporting and payback requirements from insurers such as Medicare and Medicaid. Private health insurance plans vary, and the law regarding “subrogation” is an ever-changing domain.
How much is my case worth?
Many factors go into assessing the value of a case. The first two components are liability and damages. Liability is the determination of fault. For example, if you are stopped at a red light and rear-ended by another vehicle, that would be considered a clear liability case. Damages are comprised of items such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc. Other factors to be considered in value include: venue, age of the plaintiff, severity of the injuries, and aggravating factors such as if the at-fault driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
I’m a resident of a different state who was involved in a Missouri automobile accident, can you help me?
Yes, previous clients who live out of state but were involved in a personal injury case which occurred in Missouri include residents of Illinois, Iowa, South Carolina, and the Bahamas. Please also call if you are a Missouri resident who was involved in an automobile accident in a different state. Previous clients in this regard include St. Louis, Wentzville, and O'Fallon residents who needed representation for automobile accidents which occurred in states such as Illinois, Colorado, and Florida. There are processes for allowing an out-of-state attorney to represent a personal injury client, and sometimes co-counsels are engaged in these matters too.