🏆 $60M+ Recovered • Super Lawyers 2024-25 • 25+ Years Experience • No Fee Unless We Win
When accidents happen in University City—whether on the bustling Delmar Loop, at the intersection of Olive Boulevard and I-170, or along the residential streets near Washington University—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 University City 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.
University City’s unique blend of commercial corridors, residential neighborhoods, and proximity to major highways creates specific accident risks that local attorneys understand best.
The Delmar Loop stands as one of St. Louis’s most vibrant entertainment districts, but heavy pedestrian traffic, parallel parking, and distracted drivers create constant hazards:
The Loop’s combination of angled parking, constant pedestrian crossings, and drivers searching for parking makes it one of University City’s most dangerous areas for accidents.
Olive Boulevard carries heavy commuter and commercial traffic through University City, resulting in frequent serious accidents:
Olive’s role as a major east-west corridor means high speeds and heavy traffic volumes, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
I-170 runs directly through University City, and highway access points create dangerous conditions:
Highway accidents often result in the most serious injuries due to high speeds and impact forces.
The MetroLink light rail runs through University City, creating unique accident scenarios:
These accidents may involve complex liability questions with the transit authority, making experienced legal representation critical.
University City’s diverse 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 corridors.
The eastern portion of University City borders Washington University, creating specific hazards:
The concentration of young drivers and pedestrians, combined with distracted behavior, makes this area particularly dangerous.
University City’s commercial areas beyond the Loop also see frequent accidents:
Property owners and businesses have legal obligations to maintain safe premises for customers and visitors.
The Dixon Injury Firm represents University City residents in all types of personal injury claims:
Vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of serious injuries in University City. 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 University City 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.
University City’s residential character 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 or renter’s insurance policies that provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
University City’s high concentration of students, professionals, and Loop visitors means significant pedestrian and bicycle traffic:
These cases require attorneys who understand both traffic laws and the unique vulnerabilities pedestrians and cyclists face.
University City’s MetroLink access and bus routes create unique liability situations:
These cases may involve government entities or transit authorities, requiring knowledge of special notice requirements and procedures.
University City 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 University City requires more than general legal knowledge—it demands familiarity with the neighborhood’s specific characteristics and challenges.
University City represents one of the St. Louis area’s most diverse and culturally rich communities. Home to the famous Delmar Loop, multiple educational institutions, and a mix of residential neighborhoods, University City has unique characteristics that affect personal injury cases:
Demographics and property values matter when presenting cases to juries or negotiating settlements. Understanding University City’s economic and cultural diversity helps us accurately value lost wages, future earning capacity, and quality-of-life impacts.
Commercial district dynamics including the Delmar Loop’s pedestrian-heavy environment, parking challenges, and entertainment district traffic patterns all influence how accidents occur and how liability is established.
Transit infrastructure considerations including MetroLink stations, bus routes, and the resulting pedestrian and bicycle traffic create unique accident scenarios requiring specialized legal knowledge.
University proximity effects mean understanding student behavior patterns, academic calendars that affect traffic, and the mix of resident and commuter populations.
Many University City accidents involve local businesses, property owners, transit authorities, or municipalities. 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. University City 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—particularly relevant in the Loop entertainment district
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 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 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 dinner in the Loop 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 regular police. Preserve your ticket or fare receipt as proof of passenger status.
Loop business accidents may involve multiple insurance policies including business liability, property owner coverage, and umbrella policies. An attorney can identify all available coverage.
University-adjacent accidents may involve student drivers with limited insurance. We know how to identify all potentially responsible parties and maximize recovery.
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. University City cases typically get filed in St. Louis County Circuit Court rather than City 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 25% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you recover $75,000. Experienced attorneys minimize your assigned fault percentage through effective case presentation.
Public transit accidents involve special procedures including potential claims against government entities. 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.
Rideshare accidents can involve multiple insurance policies including the driver’s personal insurance, Uber or Lyft’s corporate policy, and other drivers’ coverage. We identify all available insurance and maximize your recovery from all sources.
If you’ve been injured in University City 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 University City, 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.
