🏆 $60M+ Recovered for Clients • Super Lawyers 2024-2025 • 25+ Years of Experience • No Fee Unless You Win
When accidents happen in St. Louis—whether on Highway 40, at the intersection of Kingshighway and Chippewa, or in your own neighborhood—the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, insurance companies start calling, and you’re left wondering how to protect your rights while recovering from your injuries.
This is where a personal injury lawyer becomes your advocate, investigator, and legal strategist. At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’ve spent over 25 years helping St. Louis residents understand exactly what we do and how we can help them recover the compensation they deserve.
The short answer? A personal injury lawyer handles every legal aspect of your accident case so you can focus on healing. But the full picture is much more detailed—and understanding these responsibilities can help you make informed decisions about your case.
Free Case Evaluation and Legal Consultation
Your relationship with a personal injury attorney begins with a no-obligation consultation. During this initial meeting, your lawyer will:
- Listen to your story about how the accident occurred and what injuries you sustained
- Review available documentation, including accident reports, medical records, and photos
- Assess liability to determine who was at fault under Missouri law
- Explain your legal options and the potential value of your claim
- Outline the legal process and timeline for your specific situation
At The Dixon Injury Firm, this consultation is always free. We believe every St. Louis resident deserves to understand their rights before making any decisions about legal representation.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Collection
Once you hire a personal injury lawyer, the investigation phase begins immediately. This is where experience makes a significant difference. Your attorney will:
Gather Physical Evidence:
- Photographs and video footage from the accident scene
- Police reports and official accident documentation
- Property damage assessments
- Weather and road condition reports (particularly important for St. Louis cases involving ice, construction zones, or flooding)
Collect Medical Documentation:
- Emergency room records
- Hospital admission notes and treatment plans
- Physician statements and diagnostic test results
- Physical therapy records
- Mental health treatment documentation if applicable
- Expert medical opinions on long-term prognosis and future care needs
Interview Witnesses:
- Eyewitness accounts from people who saw the accident
- Expert witness preparation (accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, economists)
- Character witnesses who can speak to how injuries have affected your life
Obtain Technical Evidence:
- Surveillance camera footage from businesses or traffic cameras
- Cell phone records if distracted driving is suspected
- Vehicle “black box” data in commercial truck accidents
- Maintenance records for defective equipment or premises liability cases
This investigation often uncovers evidence that insurance companies hope you’ll never find. With over $60 million recovered for clients, we know which stones to turn over.
Accurate Case Valuation
One of the most critical—and often overlooked—roles of a personal injury lawyer is determining what your case is truly worth. Insurance companies will often make quick, low-ball settlement offers hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full value of your claim.
Here’s an important fact many people don’t know: Studies consistently show that accident victims who hire attorneys recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves—even after attorney fees are deducted. According to research by the Insurance Research Council, injury victims with legal representation receive settlement amounts that are 3.5 times higher on average than those without attorneys. This difference exists because experienced lawyers know how to accurately value claims, negotiate effectively, and demonstrate the full impact of your injuries.
Your attorney calculates both economic damages (quantifiable losses) and non-economic damages (subjective losses):
Economic Damages Include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and assistive device costs
- Home modification expenses if you’ve suffered permanent disability
Non-Economic Damages Include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on relationships)
Missouri law doesn’t cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, which means experienced attorneys can argue for full and fair compensation based on the specific impact of your injuries.
Communication with Insurance Companies
After an accident, you’ll likely receive calls from insurance adjusters—both your own company and the at-fault party’s insurer. These conversations are carefully designed to minimize your payout.
Common insurance tactics include:
- Requesting recorded statements that can be used against you later
- Asking you to sign medical releases that allow access to your entire medical history
- Making early settlement offers before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Disputing liability or claiming you were partially at fault
- Delaying the claims process hoping you’ll become desperate
When you have legal representation, all communication goes through your attorney. We understand these tactics because we see them every day in St. Louis courts. Your lawyer will:
- Handle all correspondence and phone calls
- Refuse unreasonable requests for information
- Protect your statements from being twisted or misinterpreted
- Counter lowball offers with documented evidence of your damages
- Keep the insurance company moving toward a fair resolution
Demand Package Preparation and Negotiation
Before filing a lawsuit, your attorney will typically send a formal demand letter to the insurance company. This comprehensive package includes:
- A detailed narrative of how the accident occurred
- Complete medical documentation and billing
- Evidence of liability (photos, reports, witness statements)
- Legal analysis under Missouri statutes
- A specific demand amount with justification
- A deadline for response
The negotiation process that follows requires legal knowledge, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking. Insurance companies respect attorneys who have trial experience—they know we’re prepared to go to court if necessary.
Our Super Lawyers recognition and track record of substantial recoveries give us credibility when we sit across the table from insurance adjusters and defense attorneys.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If negotiations don’t result in fair compensation, your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate Missouri court. In St. Louis, this typically means:
- St. Louis City Circuit Court for accidents occurring in the city
- St. Louis County Circuit Court for accidents in the county
- Federal Court for cases involving federal questions or diverse parties
Your lawyer handles all legal paperwork, including:
- Drafting and filing the petition (complaint)
- Serving the defendant with legal papers
- Responding to motions filed by defense counsel
- Managing court deadlines and procedural requirements
- Ensuring compliance with Missouri Rules of Civil Procedure
This technical legal work requires years of training and daily practice. Small procedural errors can delay your case or even result in dismissal.
Discovery Process Management
Discovery is the pre-trial phase where both sides exchange information. Your attorney manages:
Interrogatories: Written questions that must be answered under oath
Requests for Production: Demands for documents, photos, and other physical evidence
Depositions: Recorded testimony given under oath before trial, including:
- Your deposition (your lawyer will prepare you thoroughly)
- Depositions of the defendant and witnesses
- Expert witness depositions
Requests for Admission: Statements the other side must admit or deny
This phase can take months or even longer for complex cases. Your attorney protects your interests while building the strongest possible case for trial.
Expert Witness Coordination
Most serious personal injury cases require expert testimony. Your lawyer will:
- Identify and hire qualified experts in relevant fields
- Coordinate medical examinations and reviews
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists
- Consult with vocational experts about lost earning capacity
- Prepare economic experts to calculate lifetime damages
- Ensure experts are prepared for deposition and trial testimony
In St. Louis, we work with renowned experts from Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, and other respected institutions.
Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Before trial, Missouri courts often require mediation—a structured negotiation with a neutral third party. Your attorney will:
- Prepare mediation briefs summarizing your case
- Develop negotiation strategy
- Represent your interests during the mediation session
- Advise you on whether settlement offers are fair
- Protect you from pressure to settle for less than your case is worth
Many cases settle at mediation, but only when the offer truly reflects the value of your claim.
Trial Representation
If your case goes to trial, your personal injury lawyer becomes your courtroom advocate. Trial preparation and execution include:
Pre-Trial Preparation:
- Drafting and arguing pre-trial motions
- Preparing witness testimony
- Creating demonstrative evidence (charts, diagrams, video presentations)
- Developing opening and closing statements
- Anticipating defense strategies
During Trial:
- Selecting an impartial jury
- Presenting your case through witnesses and evidence
- Cross-examining defense witnesses
- Making legal objections to protect the record
- Delivering persuasive arguments to the jury
- Requesting appropriate jury instructions
Post-Trial:
- Filing post-trial motions if necessary
- Handling appeals if the verdict is challenged
- Enforcing judgments and collecting compensation
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we’ve spent decades in St. Louis courtrooms. Our trial experience means insurance companies take our cases seriously—often leading to better settlement offers before trial.
Settlement Distribution and Case Resolution
After winning your case—whether through settlement or verdict—your attorney ensures you receive your compensation properly. This includes:
- Negotiating reductions with medical providers (protecting more money for you)
- Resolving liens from health insurance companies or Medicare/Medicaid
- Addressing workers’ compensation subrogation claims
- Calculating and paying attorney fees and case costs
- Distributing your net settlement or verdict amount
- Providing tax guidance (most personal injury compensation is tax-free)
- Setting up structured settlements if appropriate
We make sure you understand exactly where every dollar goes and that you receive the maximum amount allowed under Missouri law.
Why St. Louis Cases Require Local Legal Knowledge
Personal injury law isn’t one-size-fits-all. St. Louis cases involve unique considerations:
Local Court Procedures: Each Missouri circuit court has local rules. St. Louis City Circuit Court operates differently than St. Louis County, and judges have individual preferences for how they want cases presented.
Venue Selection: Choosing whether to file in the city or county can significantly impact your case outcome. Local attorneys understand which venues favor plaintiffs in different types of cases.
Comparative Fault Rules: Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” system (§ 537.765 RSMo). Even if you’re partially at fault, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Experienced St. Louis lawyers know how to minimize your assigned fault percentage.
Statute of Limitations: In Missouri, you typically have five years from the date of injury to file most personal injury lawsuits (§ 516.120 RSMo). However, exceptions exist for cases involving minors, government entities, or delayed discovery of injuries. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation forever.
Local Defendants: Whether you’re dealing with a major corporation with St. Louis operations, a local business, or an individual defendant, understanding the local landscape matters. We know the defense attorneys, the insurance companies that cover local businesses, and the strategies they’ll use.
The Dixon Injury Firm Difference: Experience, Results, and Community Commitment
When you ask “What does a personal injury lawyer do?”, you’re really asking “What will my personal injury lawyer do for me?” Here’s what sets our firm apart:
Deep St. Louis Roots
We’re not a national firm with a local office. We’re your neighbors, your friends, your fellow St. Louisans. Attorney Christopher R. Dixon grew up here, attended Lindbergh High School, and has practiced in these courts for over 25 years.
This community connection means we understand the challenges St. Louis residents face after accidents—from dealing with the high uninsured motorist rate in the region to navigating treatment at BJC HealthCare or SSM Health facilities.
Proven Track Record
With over $60 million recovered for clients and recognition as Super Lawyers for 2024-2025, we’ve consistently delivered results for injury victims throughout the St. Louis area. Our case results speak for themselves, but more importantly, they reflect real people whose lives we’ve helped rebuild.
Lifetime Member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum
This prestigious organization includes less than 1% of attorneys in the United States—only those who have won million-dollar verdicts or settlements for their clients. This membership reflects both our trial skill and our commitment to maximizing every client’s recovery.
Personal Attention to Every Case
At The Dixon Injury Firm, you won’t be handed off to a paralegal or junior associate. Attorney Christopher R. Dixon personally handles your case from initial consultation through resolution. You’ll have direct access to an experienced trial attorney who knows your name, your story, and your goals.
No Fee Unless We Win
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. Our fees come only from your recovery—if we don’t win, you don’t pay. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours: we succeed only when you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Lawyers in St. Louis
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?
Nothing upfront. The Dixon Injury Firm works on contingency, meaning our fees come from your settlement or verdict. Most personal injury attorneys charge between 33% and 40% depending on whether the case settles before trial or requires litigation. We explain all costs clearly during your free consultation.
How long does a personal injury case take in St. Louis?
The timeline varies significantly based on case complexity. Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries might settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years or longer. Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations provides ample time to build a strong case rather than rushing to settlement.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Missouri’s pure comparative fault law (§ 537.765 RSMo) allows you to recover damages even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can recover $80,000.
Can I handle my personal injury claim without a lawyer?
Legally, yes. Practically, it’s rarely advisable for serious injuries. Research from the Insurance Research Council shows that accident victims represented by attorneys receive settlement amounts 3.5 times higher on average than those without legal representation—even after attorney fees. Insurance companies know unrepresented claimants lack negotiation leverage and legal knowledge, leading to significantly lower settlement offers.
What’s the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Missouri?
Generally five years from the date of injury for most personal injury claims (§ 516.120 RSMo). However, important exceptions exist:
- Medical malpractice: two years (§ 516.105 RSMo)
- Government entities: requires 90-day notice under Missouri’s Sovereign Immunity Act
- Minors: the clock may not start until they turn 18
- Discovery rule: in some cases, the deadline starts when you discover (or should have discovered) the injury
Missing the statute of limitations means losing your right to compensation forever, regardless of how strong your case might be.
Will my case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, having an attorney with proven trial experience is critical because insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re prepared to go to court. Our Super Lawyers recognition and Million Dollar Advocates Forum membership demonstrate our trial capabilities.
How much is my personal injury case worth?
Case value depends on numerous factors:
- Severity and permanence of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Impact on quality of life
- Defendant’s degree of fault
- Available insurance coverage
- Strength of evidence
During your free consultation, we can provide an honest assessment based on our 25+ years of experience with similar cases.
What should I do immediately after an accident in St. Louis?
- Seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel fine (some injuries have delayed symptoms)
- Document everything: take photos, get witness contact information, obtain a police report
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal advice
- Preserve evidence: don’t repair vehicles or discard damaged property yet
- Keep detailed records of all medical treatment, expenses, and how injuries affect your daily life
- Contact a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offers
The earlier you involve an attorney, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Take the Next Step: Free Case Review with The Dixon Injury Firm
Understanding what a personal injury lawyer does is the first step. The next step is finding the right attorney for your specific situation.
At The Dixon Injury Firm, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to every St. Louis resident who’s been injured due to someone else’s negligence. During this consultation, we’ll:
- Listen carefully to your story
- Review your documentation
- Explain your legal options in plain English
- Provide an honest assessment of your case
- Answer all your questions without pressure
You’re under no obligation to hire us, but you deserve to understand your rights and options. With over $60 million recovered for clients and Super Lawyers recognition for 2024-2025, we have the experience and track record to maximize your recovery.
Contact The Dixon Injury Firm today for your free consultation. Because when you’re hurt, you need more than just a lawyer — you need neighbors who care about your recovery and your future.
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.
