Q: I just had a car wreck. Should I go to a doctor?

A: In order to protect your general well being, as well as your ability to recover from the insurance company, it is imperative that you go see a doctor after any car accident in Missouri.

Q: Will I have to go to court to recover money from the insurance company?

A: Maybe. Your case can be settled before a lawsuit is filed. Some cases go all the way to a jury trial and receive a verdict before the insurance companies will pay. How your case is handled will depend on the facts of your case.

Q: How much is my Missouri personal injury case worth?

A: It depends. You will need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to have a complete discussion about this. There are many factors that will eventually determine the value of your case.

Q: The insurance company has offered me a check, should I take the money and run?

A: You need to be aware of your legal rights before you accept anything! If you accept a check or sign a release it could mean that the insurance company will no longer be responsible for any further payment to you. Too many times, injuries suffered from a car accident do not go away fast enough. Too many times the injuries from a car accident lead to months and months of doctor's care and therapy.

Q: How soon after my car accident should I speak with a lawyer?

A: It is best to speak with an attorney fairly quickly after a car accident. The insurance company will be evaluating your behavior immediately. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you as to your options and the appropriate fashion in which to handle your case.

Q: Do I have to hire an attorney in order to speak with an attorney?

A: No. I will speak with you and discuss with you what I can do and you will be under no obligation to me.

Q: What if I am not ready to hire an attorney?

A: Not all injuries cases need a lawyer for the injured person to fairly settle their case with the insurance company. However, sound advice for every injured victim is to at least talk with an experienced personal injury attorney.

Q: What will be my lawyer's fee?

A: In Missouri, virtually all car accident and personal injury cases are handled by lawyers working on a contingency fee basis. At the very beginning of the attorney/client relationship, the lawyer's fees will be determined with a signed, written agreement between the client and the lawyer. You can expect a lawyer's fee to be between 25% and 40% of what is collected. A fee of 33%, I would suggest, is the most common.

Q: Why hire a personal injury lawyer?

A: A personal injury attorney will look out for your best interest. Insurance claims adjusters are highly trained experts paid to look out for the best interest of the insurance companies.