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St. Louis Car Crash Attorney - Free Consultation, No Fees Unless We Win
Types of Car Accidents We Handle in St. Louis
Car accidents can change lives in an instant. When collisions cause serious injuries, victims face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain while trying to recover. Wolff Trial Lawyers represents car accident victims throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area and Missouri, as well as Steamboat Springs and Northwest Colorado.
If another driver's negligent, reckless, or illegal behavior caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering. Lead attorney Alvin A. Wolff Jr. brings over 46 years of trial experience and board certification in civil trial law to every case we handle.
Why St. Louis Car Accident Victims Choose Wolff Trial Lawyers
46+ Years of Trial Experience
Attorney Alvin A. Wolff Jr. has represented injury victims in Missouri courts for more than four decades. His board certification in civil trial law—a credential held by a small percentage of attorneys—demonstrates the depth of his courtroom experience.
We Prepare Every Case for Trial
Insurance companies know which attorneys will take cases to trial and which will accept quick settlements. We build every case as if it's going to a jury, which positions our clients for maximum compensation whether the case settles or proceeds to verdict.
Focused Caseload, Direct Communication
We intentionally limit the number of cases we handle so that every client receives personal attention. You'll work directly with your attorney—not just a paralegal or case manager.
No Fee Unless We Win
We handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries.
St. Louis Car Accident Statistics and Common Causes
St. Louis sees thousands of car accidents each year. Many crashes result from preventable driver error—speeding, red-light violations, distracted driving, and unsafe lane changes. While weather can contribute to some collisions, most serious accidents occur on dry roads where one driver violated traffic laws or failed to exercise reasonable care.
Common causes of St. Louis car accidents: Speeding and aggressive driving account for the largest share of serious crashes in the metro area, followed by distracted driving (including cell phone use), impaired driving, and failure to yield at intersections.
After an accident, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or shift blame to the injured party. Our attorneys investigate the facts, work with accident reconstruction professionals when needed, and build a case that documents both liability and the full extent of damages.
Dangerous Roads and Intersections in St. Louis
Our attorneys have handled car accident cases involving crashes on highways and local roads throughout the St. Louis area, including:
Major Interstates
I-70 — Airport corridor; high commercial truck traffic
I-64 (Highway 40) — Central east-west corridor through the metro
I-44 — Southwest corridor connecting to Jefferson County
Serious injuries often require surgery, months of physical therapy, and extended time away from work. We work to document the full impact of your injuries—including medical costs, lost earning capacity, future treatment needs, and effects on your daily life.
Compensation and Missouri's Comparative Fault Law
In car accident cases, injured parties may recover economic damages (medical bills, future treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life).
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident—your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If a jury finds you 20% at fault and the other driver 80% at fault, and your total damages are $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Missouri does not bar recovery based on comparative fault, unlike some states that prevent recovery if you're more than 50% at fault.
Missouri generally does not cap non-economic damages in standard car accident cases. Medical malpractice claims follow separate rules with statutory caps.
What To Do After a Car Accident in St. Louis
Call 911 — Request police and medical assistance, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries don't show immediate symptoms.
Document the scene — Take photos of vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and your injuries.
Exchange information — Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved. Identify witnesses and note the police report number.
Seek medical care promptly — Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations. Medical records document the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Don't give recorded statements — Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly. Consult an attorney before providing statements that could affect your claim.
Contact an attorney early — We can preserve evidence, address errors in police reports, secure surveillance video, and handle communications with insurers.
Evidence We Work to Preserve
Critical evidence can disappear quickly after an accident. Surveillance video may be overwritten, witnesses' memories fade, and vehicles may be repaired or scrapped. We move promptly to gather and preserve:
Police crash reports and citations
Traffic camera and dash-cam footage
Business surveillance video
Vehicle event data recorder (EDR) information
Scene photos and measurements
Medical records and bills
Witness statements
Employment and wage records
Serving Car Accident Victims Throughout Greater St. Louis
Missouri: St. Louis City, St. Louis County (Clayton, Richmond Heights, Brentwood, University City, Maplewood, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Ladue, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, Florissant), St. Charles County (St. Charles, O'Fallon, St. Peters, Wentzville), Jefferson County (Arnold, Fenton), and surrounding communities.
Colorado: Steamboat Springs and Routt County (Hayden, Oak Creek, Yampa), serving clients throughout the Yampa Valley and Northwest Colorado.
Car Accident FAQ
We recommend consulting an attorney before giving any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work to protect their company's interests, not yours. Statements made early in the process—even seemingly innocent ones—can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Let us handle communications with insurers to protect your rights.
Missouri follows a "pure comparative fault" rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you're found 30% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you could recover $70,000. Unlike some states, Missouri does not bar recovery as long as you are less than 100% at fault.
Missouri's statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is 5 years from the date of the accident. However, waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and build a strong case. Claims against government entities (city buses, state vehicles, etc.) have much shorter notice deadlines. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Injuries can take days or even weeks to fully manifest. What feels like minor soreness after an accident can develop into chronic pain, herniated discs, or conditions requiring surgery. Additionally, property damage, rental cars, and lost wages add up quickly. A consultation helps you understand your options and avoid mistakes—like accepting a quick settlement—that could limit your recovery.
Wolff Trial Lawyers handles car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain. This arrangement allows accident victims to access experienced legal representation without financial risk.
Depending on your case, you may recover compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving particularly reckless conduct (like drunk driving), punitive damages may also be available. Every case is different—we evaluate the specific facts to pursue maximum compensation.
First, call 911 and request medical assistance—even if injuries seem minor. Document the scene with photos (vehicle damage, debris, road conditions, injuries). Exchange information with other drivers and identify witnesses. Seek medical care promptly and follow your doctor's recommendations. Do not give recorded statements to insurance companies before consulting an attorney. Then call us—we can preserve evidence, address police report errors, and protect your claim.
Approximately 16% of Missouri drivers are uninsured. If you're hit by an uninsured driver, you may be able to recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. If the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your damages, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage may apply. We can review your policy and help you understand all available sources of recovery.
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of your case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some straightforward cases settle in a few months once medical treatment is complete. Complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties may take a year or longer. We keep clients informed throughout the process and work efficiently while ensuring we pursue maximum compensation.
We strongly recommend speaking with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Insurance companies often make quick, low offers hoping you'll accept before understanding the full extent of your injuries or the true value of your claim. Once you accept a settlement, you typically cannot seek additional compensation later—even if your injuries turn out to be more serious than initially thought or require surgery down the road.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact Us Today.
After medical care, make your next call to Wolff Trial Lawyers. We'll review your case, explain your options, and fight for the compensation you deserve. There's no fee unless we win.
Alvin A. Wolff, Jr. is a distinguished St. Louis personal injury attorney with 46 years of experience handling more than 7,500 personal injury and medical malpractice cases, securing hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for clients.
Known as “The St. Louis Personal Injury Law Firm,” Alvin and his team have earned Wolff Trial Lawyers a reputation for relentless advocacy, compassionate client care, and results-driven representation.
Relentless Advocacy = Real Results
Real World, Down-to-Earth Advice = No Jargon, No B.S.
Family Legacy of 100+ years in Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Law
Accidents unfold in seconds. This modern, attorney-approved checklist helps you protect your health, preserve critical evidence, and safeguard your rights under Missouri law.
Practice Area: Personal Injury · Motor Vehicle CollisionsJurisdiction: St. Louis, Missouri
Step 1
Move to Safety and Check for Injuries
Activate hazard lights and, if safe, move vehicles out of traffic. Call 911 for any injury. Never leave the scene. Use cones or flares if you have them and avoid standing in live lanes.
Step 2
Call the Police and Request an Official Report
Ask the responding officer to create a report and obtain the report number. Provide factual statements only; do not admit fault or speculate.
Step 3
Exchange Information with Drivers and Witnesses
Name, phone, driver’s license, and plate numbers
Insurance company and policy number
Vehicle make, model, and color
Witness names and contact info
Step 4
Photograph and Video the Scene
Capture wide shots and close-ups of all vehicles, plates, nearby signs/signals, skid marks, debris, weather/lighting, and any visible injuries.
Step 5
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Tell providers you were in a motor vehicle collision so the mechanism of injury is recorded. Retain ER/urgent-care paperwork, imaging, and discharge instructions.
Step 6
Notify Your Insurance — Stick to Facts
Report promptly without admitting fault or minimizing injuries. If unsure how to proceed, consult counsel before giving a recorded statement.
Step 7
Preserve Evidence and Keep a Symptom Journal
Store photos, witness info, medical records, and tow/repair receipts
Record the police report number
Maintain daily notes on pain, sleep, work limits, and activities missed
Step 8
Consult an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
Early legal intervention preserves evidence, manages adjusters, values damages accurately, and protects your claim under Missouri law.
Important: Missouri’s comparative fault rules and filing deadlines can affect recovery. Delays may weaken your case. If you’re injured, seek counsel promptly.
🎙️ Listen: Distracted Driving & What To Do After a Crash
Insights from a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer on Staying Safe & Protecting Your Rights
In this episode, Alvin Wolff shares real-world advice about distracted driving dangers, what to do immediately after a crash, and how a car accident attorney can help protect your health and future claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a personal injury case in Missouri?
You likely have a case if someone else's negligence caused you real harm — medical bills, lost income, lasting injuries, or the loss of a loved one. Missouri law requires four things to prove negligence: a duty of care, a breach of that duty, a direct link between the breach and your injury, and actual damages. The only way to know for sure is a free consultation. Call (314) 651-8631 — we'll tell you honestly whether there's a case worth pursuing.
How long do I have to file a claim in Missouri?
Most Missouri personal injury cases have a five-year statute of limitations under RSMo § 516.120 — the same five-year deadline applies to most Missouri car accident lawsuits. Medical malpractice is only two years, wrongful death is three, and claims against government entities can be much shorter. Don't wait on the longer end; evidence and witnesses disappear fast. Call (314) 651-8631 so we can protect your filing rights.
What does it cost to hire Wolff Trial Lawyers?
A: No recovery, no fee. We handle personal injury and medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, agreed to in writing before we begin. Depending on what your case requires, there may still be case costs involved. We walk you through all of that at your free consultation. Your consultation is no pressure, no obligation.
Do I actually need a lawyer, or can I handle it myself?
You can handle it yourself, but Insurance Research Council studies have consistently found that represented claimants recover significantly more on average — even after attorney's fees. Adjusters are trained to close claims for as little as possible. An experienced St. Louis trial lawyer levels that field.
How much is my case worth?
Case value depends on your medical expenses, lost wages, future care, the severity and permanence of your injuries, how clearly fault falls on the other side, and the insurance coverage available. No honest lawyer can promise a specific number, and Missouri Bar rules prohibit us from doing so. What we can promise is a thorough valuation of every component of your claim.
What should I do right after a serious accident or injury in Missouri?
Get medical care immediately, report the incident in writing (police report, incident report, or hospital record), photograph everything, collect witness names, and do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company. Then call a St. Louis personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offer — initial offers are almost always a fraction of what the case is worth.
What if the accident was partly my fault? Can I still recover in Missouri?
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule from Gustafson v. Benda (Mo. 1983), which lets you recover even if you were up to 99% at fault — your compensation is simply reduced by your share of the blame. Insurance carriers work hard to inflate that share, which is exactly why representation matters.
How long will my case take?
Every personal injury case in St. Louis is different. A straightforward claim may resolve in a few months; a complex medical malpractice or catastrophic injury case that goes to trial can take a year or longer. We give you an honest timeline at your first consultation and keep you updated at every stage.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial, and we work hard to secure full value at the negotiating table. But insurance carriers pay more when they know the lawyer across the table will actually try the case — and Alvin Wolff, Jr. has tried over 100 cases to a jury verdict. Being trial-ready is what makes settlements bigger.
What kinds of cases does Wolff Trial Lawyers handle?
Serious personal injury and wrongful death matters throughout Missouri and Colorado — including medical malpractice, catastrophic injury, car and truck accidents, motorcycle and bicycle accidents, premises liability, slip and fall, dog bites, prescription errors, and negligent security. If you're not sure whether your situation fits, call and ask. If it isn't something we handle, we'll point you to someone who does.
Personal Injury Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Our team pursues compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
The Missouri Bar requires a disclosure that contacting an attorney on this website does not constitute an attorney client relationship. Legal advice is not given here and any past case results listed have no bearing on what your case might be worth. Every case rises and falls on its own particular merits.
