🏆 $60M+ Recovered • Super Lawyers 2024-25 • 25+ Years Experience • No Fee Unless We Win
When accidents happen in Kirkwood—whether on the busy stretch of Kirkwood Road, at the intersection of Big Bend and Manchester, or along the residential streets near downtown Kirkwood—you need legal representation that understands both your community and your rights under Missouri law.
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’ve spent over 25 years helping St. Louis residents recover compensation after serious accidents. We’re not just your attorneys—we’re your neighbors, your friends, your fellow St. Louisans who understand what makes Kirkwood special and the unique challenges residents face after an injury.
With over $60 million recovered for clients and recognition as Super Lawyers for 2024-2025, we have the experience and proven track record to maximize your recovery. Better yet, we work on a contingency fee basis: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Kirkwood’s combination of suburban neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and commuter traffic creates unique accident risks that local attorneys understand best.
Manchester Road serves as one of Kirkwood’s primary commercial corridors, carrying heavy traffic through the heart of the community:
Manchester’s constant traffic flow and concentration of retail destinations make it one of Kirkwood’s most accident-prone areas.
Big Bend Boulevard runs north-south through Kirkwood, connecting residential areas to commercial districts:
Big Bend carries significant commuter traffic between South County and Clayton, leading to aggressive driving and frequent accidents.
Kirkwood Road (historically Route 66) carries both local and through traffic:
The road’s role as a former major highway means it wasn’t designed for the current mix of local and through traffic.
I-44 runs along Kirkwood’s northern edge, and highway access creates dangerous conditions:
Highway accidents often result in the most catastrophic injuries due to high speeds and heavy vehicles.
Downtown Kirkwood’s walkable business district sees unique accident patterns:
The concentration of pedestrians, especially on weekends, creates heightened accident risks that drivers don’t always anticipate.
The Kirkwood MetroLink station serves commuters and creates specific hazards:
These accidents may involve the transit authority, requiring knowledge of special claim procedures.
Kirkwood’s established residential neighborhoods present their own dangers:
Many residential streets carry more traffic than originally designed for, as drivers use them to avoid congestion on main roads.
Kirkwood Park and other recreational facilities see various injury incidents:
While parks offer wonderful amenities, the city has responsibility to maintain safe conditions.
The Dixon Injury Firm represents Kirkwood residents in all types of personal injury claims:
Vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of serious injuries in Kirkwood. We handle:
Missouri’s pure comparative fault law (§ 537.765 RSMo) means you can recover compensation even if you’re partially at fault—your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
Property owners throughout Kirkwood must maintain safe conditions. We represent clients injured by:
Proving premises liability requires showing the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to fix it or warn visitors.
Kirkwood’s family-friendly atmosphere means many residents encounter dogs on walks, at parks, or around the neighborhood. Missouri follows strict liability rules for dog bites (§ 273.036 RSMo), meaning owners are responsible for injuries their dogs cause regardless of the animal’s prior behavior.
We handle cases involving:
Dog bite cases often involve homeowner’s insurance policies that provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Kirkwood’s walkable downtown and residential streets see significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic:
These cases require attorneys who understand both traffic laws and the unique vulnerabilities pedestrians and cyclists face.
Kirkwood’s MetroLink station and railroad crossings create unique liability situations:
These cases may involve government entities or transit authorities, requiring knowledge of special notice requirements and procedures.
Kirkwood residents injured on the job may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, and in some cases, third-party personal injury claims:
We help you understand whether workers’ compensation alone covers your situation or whether additional claims against third parties can provide fuller compensation.
When negligence causes a death, Missouri law (§ 537.080 RSMo) allows family members to recover compensation for their losses. We handle wrongful death claims with sensitivity and determination, pursuing maximum recovery for:
These cases require immediate attention because evidence disappears quickly and witnesses’ memories fade.
Successful personal injury representation in Kirkwood requires more than general legal knowledge—it demands familiarity with the community’s specific characteristics and challenges.
Kirkwood represents one of St. Louis County’s most established and desirable communities. This historic railroad town has evolved into a thriving suburban city with strong schools, a vibrant downtown, and a genuine sense of community. These characteristics affect personal injury cases:
Demographics and property values matter when presenting cases to juries or negotiating settlements. Understanding Kirkwood’s stable, family-oriented population and strong property values helps us accurately value lost wages, future earning capacity, and quality-of-life impacts.
Historic infrastructure challenges include aging streets, sidewalks with tree root damage, and older commercial buildings. We know which infrastructure problems the city has been notified about—critical for premises liability cases.
Traffic pattern knowledge helps us investigate accidents effectively. We understand rush hour patterns, weekend downtown congestion, school zone traffic, and where speeding commonly occurs.
Commuter corridor impacts mean understanding how Manchester Road, Big Bend Boulevard, and I-44 carry through traffic that creates hazards for local residents.
Many Kirkwood accidents involve local businesses, property owners, or municipal defendants. Our 25+ years of experience means we know:
This knowledge streamlines the legal process and often leads to faster, better settlements.
Personal injury law varies by state and even by jurisdiction. Kirkwood cases involve specific Missouri legal principles:
Five-year statute of limitations (§ 516.120 RSMo) for most personal injury cases, with important exceptions for medical malpractice (two years) and claims against government entities (90-day notice requirement)
Pure comparative fault (§ 537.765 RSMo) allowing recovery even when you share some blame for the accident
No caps on non-economic damages in most cases, meaning full compensation for pain and suffering
Dram shop liability (§ 537.053 RSMo) holding bars and restaurants accountable when they over-serve intoxicated patrons who then cause accidents
Strict liability for dog bites (§ 273.036 RSMo) making owners responsible regardless of the dog’s history
Common carrier duties applying heightened responsibility standards to public transportation providers
Understanding these laws and how St. Louis County courts interpret them directly impacts your case outcome.
The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
Ensure safety first. Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 if anyone is injured. Even minor-seeming injuries require medical evaluation—symptoms of serious conditions often appear hours or days later.
Document everything. Use your phone to photograph vehicle damage, injuries, street conditions, traffic signs, and anything else relevant. Get contact information from witnesses. Note the exact location, time, and weather conditions.
Call police. Always request a police report, even for seemingly minor accidents. This official documentation proves the accident occurred and records the responding officer’s observations about fault.
Don’t admit fault. Avoid making statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” that could be interpreted as admitting responsibility. Answer questions honestly but keep responses brief and factual.
Exchange information. Get names, contact details, insurance information, and license plate numbers from all drivers involved. If your accident involved a business, transit vehicle, or municipal property, note identifying information.
Seek comprehensive medical treatment. See a doctor within 24-48 hours even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue damage don’t show immediate symptoms. Document every medical visit, diagnosis, and treatment recommendation.
Preserve all evidence. Don’t repair your vehicle yet. Keep damaged clothing, broken equipment, or anything else damaged in the accident. Save all receipts related to the accident—medical bills, towing costs, rental car expenses, lost wage documentation.
Report the accident to your insurance company. You’re typically required to notify your insurer, but be careful about giving recorded statements or signing medical releases. These can be used to minimize your claim value.
Avoid social media posts about the accident. Insurance companies monitor social media and will use photos or statements against you. A picture of you enjoying downtown Kirkwood or Kirkwood Park can be misrepresented as proof you’re not really injured.
Contact a personal injury attorney before settling. Insurance companies often contact accident victims within days offering quick settlements. These initial offers rarely reflect the true value of your claim. Consult an attorney before accepting any payment or signing any documents.
MetroLink accidents require reporting to transit police in addition to Kirkwood police. Preserve your ticket or fare receipt as proof of passenger status.
Downtown business district accidents may involve multiple insurance policies including business liability, property owner coverage, and umbrella policies. An attorney can identify all available coverage.
School zone accidents require careful documentation of time, posted speed limits, and school zone signage to establish liability clearly.
The sooner you contact The Dixon Injury Firm, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence supporting your claim.
When you work with The Dixon Injury Firm, you receive personalized legal representation focused on maximizing your recovery:
We immediately begin investigating your accident, including:
This comprehensive investigation often reveals evidence that increases your claim value significantly.
One critical mistake unrepresented accident victims make is undervaluing their claims. We calculate both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injuries.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring and disfigurement, and relationship impacts.
Research from the Insurance Research Council confirms that injury victims with attorneys receive settlements 3.5 times higher on average than those without legal representation—even after attorney fees. This difference exists because experienced lawyers understand claim valuation and effective negotiation.
Insurance companies respect attorneys with proven trial experience. Our Super Lawyers recognition and Million Dollar Advocates Forum membership demonstrate that we’ll take cases to trial when necessary.
This reputation leads to better settlement offers because insurers know we’re prepared for litigation. We negotiate aggressively while always keeping your best interests at the center of every decision.
While most cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation includes:
Our decades of courtroom experience in St. Louis County Circuit Court means we understand local court procedures, judge preferences, and what resonates with local juries. Kirkwood cases get filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court.
Attorney Christopher R. Dixon personally handles your case from initial consultation through resolution. You won’t be passed off to paralegals or junior associates—you’ll work directly with an experienced trial attorney who knows your name, your story, and your goals.
This personal attention means better communication, faster responses to your questions, and representation that truly understands what you’re going through.
Nothing upfront. We work exclusively on contingency, meaning our fees come only from your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t pay attorney fees. This arrangement means quality legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation.
Case timelines vary based on injury severity, liability clarity, and negotiation success. Simple cases with clear fault and moderate injuries might resolve in 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We’ll provide an honest timeline estimate during your free consultation.
Missouri’s pure comparative fault law (§ 537.765 RSMo) means you can still recover compensation even if you share blame. Your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you recover $70,000. Experienced attorneys minimize your assigned fault percentage through effective case presentation.
Railroad and transit accidents involve special procedures including potential claims against government entities and common carriers. You must provide notice to the transit authority within 90 days under Missouri’s Sovereign Immunity Act. We handle all required notifications and navigate the complex claim process.
Initial insurance offers are almost always far below fair value. Insurance adjusters count on accident victims not understanding claim value or feeling desperate for quick money. Before accepting any settlement, consult an attorney who can evaluate whether the offer truly compensates you for all your losses—including future medical care and long-term impacts.
Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from getting necessary treatment. We can help you find doctors who work on liens (payment from your settlement) and understand how to access medical care while your case is pending. Gaps in treatment harm both your health and your case value.
Proving fault requires evidence showing the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. This evidence includes accident scene photos, police reports, witness statements, expert testimony, surveillance footage, and physical evidence. We handle this investigation immediately to preserve evidence before it disappears.
Missouri has one of the highest uninsured motorist rates in the country. If an uninsured driver hits you, you can file a claim under your own uninsured motorist coverage. We help you maximize recovery through all available insurance policies and identify other potentially liable parties.
Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, permanent impairment, defendant’s fault level, and available insurance coverage. During your free consultation, we’ll provide an honest assessment based on our 25+ years of experience with similar cases. Remember, research shows that cases handled by attorneys result in settlements 3.5 times higher on average than those handled by victims themselves.
If your injuries are truly minor and you’ve fully recovered, you might handle the claim yourself. However, many “minor” accidents result in injuries that worsen over time or require ongoing treatment. Consulting an attorney costs nothing and helps you understand the true value of your claim before accepting a settlement.
Claims against municipalities require special procedures under Missouri’s Sovereign Immunity Act. You must provide written notice to the city within 90 days of the accident. We handle all required notifications and understand the unique challenges of cases against government defendants.
If you’ve been injured in Kirkwood due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation that understands your community and your rights under Missouri law.
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to every accident victim. During this meeting, we’ll:
With over $60 million recovered for clients, Super Lawyers recognition for 2024-2025, and over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge and track record to maximize your recovery.
Contact The Dixon Injury Firm today. Because when you’re injured in Kirkwood, you need more than just a lawyer—you need neighbors who understand your community and care about your recovery.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about personal injury law in Missouri and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Contact The Dixon Injury Firm for personalized guidance about your situation.
Many personal injury law factories get as many clients in the door as possible, hoping one will be the jackpot. Not us. At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’re highly selective about our cases because we devote considerable time and attention to each client.
