The moments after a car accident in St. Louis can feel overwhelming. Your heart is racing, you’re checking yourself and your passengers for injuries, and you’re trying to figure out what to do next. Whether your collision happened on I-64 during rush hour, at the intersection of Kingshighway and Chippewa, or in a parking lot in Clayton, the steps you take immediately after a crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
The Dixon Injury Firm’s award-winning legal team has recovered over $60 million for St. Louis car accident victims — including a $1.175 million settlement for one car crash case and $1 million for an uninsured motorist accident. Attorney Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis and raises his family here, so when we fight for you, we’re fighting for our neighbors. We’ve taken on some of the biggest insurance companies in Missouri and won. Call (314) 208-2808 today for a free, no-obligation consultation — you pay nothing unless we win.
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Missouri law requires you to stop immediately after any car accident, regardless of how minor it may seem. Under RSMo § 577.060, leaving the scene of an accident — even a fender bender — can result in criminal charges, including felony hit-and-run if injuries are involved.
Pull your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s safe and drivable. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If your car is blocking traffic on a busy St. Louis street like Grand Boulevard or Hampton Avenue and you can’t move it safely, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
Never leave the scene to “get help” without first calling 911. Even if the other driver says they don’t want to involve police or insurance, you are legally required to remain at the scene. Leaving could jeopardize your legal rights and result in criminal penalties.
If you’re on a highway like I-270, I-44, or Highway 40, be extremely cautious. Secondary accidents are common when drivers stop on busy roads. If possible, move your vehicle completely off the roadway to a shoulder or exit ramp.
Before doing anything else, assess whether you, your passengers, or anyone in the other vehicle is injured. Adrenaline can mask pain, so injuries may not be immediately apparent. Check for:
If anyone is seriously injured, do not move them unless there’s an immediate danger like a fire. Moving an injured person can worsen spinal injuries or internal bleeding. Keep them calm and wait for emergency medical services to arrive.
Even if injuries seem minor, they should still be documented and medically evaluated. Many serious car accident injuries — including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage — don’t show symptoms immediately but can have life-altering consequences if left untreated.
Always call 911 after a car accident in St. Louis, even if the collision seems minor. A police report creates an official record of the accident, which becomes critical evidence when filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
When you call 911, provide:
St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department or Missouri State Highway Patrol will respond depending on the accident location. The responding officer will investigate the scene, interview drivers and witnesses, document vehicle damage, and create an official crash report.
Missouri law (RSMo § 577.060) requires drivers to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 — which covers virtually all collisions. The police report will include the officer’s assessment of fault, citations issued, and witness statements. This document becomes critical evidence for your St. Louis car accident lawyer when building your case.
Do not admit fault or apologize to the other driver or the police officer. Statements like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” can be used against you later, even if you weren’t primarily responsible for the crash. Answer the officer’s questions truthfully but stick to facts — where you were going, what you observed, and what happened.
If your vehicle is drivable and you’re not seriously injured, move it out of traffic to prevent additional collisions. St. Louis roads like Gravois Avenue, Natural Bridge Road, and South Broadway can be dangerous when vehicles block traffic lanes.
Before moving your car:
Move to the shoulder, a parking lot, or a side street. If you’re on a highway and cannot safely exit your vehicle, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened and wait for police. Standing on the shoulder of I-64 or I-55 is extremely dangerous.
Once you’re in a safe location, turn off your engine, engage your parking brake, and wait for police to arrive. If you’re able to exit safely, stand well away from traffic behind a guardrail or on a sidewalk.
Missouri law requires drivers involved in an accident to exchange contact and insurance information. Approach the other driver calmly and professionally — do not argue about fault, make accusations, or discuss the accident details beyond basic information exchange.
Information to collect from the other driver:
Also note whether the driver is the vehicle owner. If they’re driving someone else’s car, get the owner’s contact and insurance information as well. Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules, meaning multiple parties may share liability for the accident.
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance or refuses to provide information, note their vehicle description and license plate. Uninsured motorist accidents are unfortunately common in St. Louis. If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your own policy, you may still be able to recover compensation — our firm secured a $1 million settlement in an uninsured motorist case.
Do not sign any documents or accept money from the other driver at the scene. Some drivers will offer cash to avoid involving insurance companies. Accepting this can waive your right to pursue full compensation later when injuries or vehicle damage turn out to be more serious than initially apparent.
Contact The Dixon Injury Firm today for a free consultation: (314) 208-2808.
Comprehensive documentation is critical for protecting your legal rights. Insurance companies will scrutinize every detail of your claim, and thorough evidence can make the difference between a fair settlement and a denied claim.
Photograph everything:
Take photos from various distances and angles. Wide shots show the overall scene and vehicle positions. Close-ups capture specific damage details. If you’re injured and cannot take photos yourself, ask a passenger or witness to document the scene.
Record additional details:
Write down or record these details while they’re fresh in your memory. Memories fade quickly, and specific details become critical when insurance adjusters question your account months later.
If the accident occurred at a high-traffic St. Louis intersection like Kingshighway and Chippewa, Hampton and Chippewa, or Big Bend and Manchester, note traffic signal timing and visibility issues. Local knowledge matters — Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis, and his team understands how poorly designed intersections and dangerous road conditions contribute to crashes throughout the metro area.
Independent witnesses can provide powerful evidence supporting your version of events, especially when the other driver disputes fault. Look for:
Approach witnesses politely and ask if they saw what happened. If they did, request their:
Record witness statements on your phone if possible, or write down what they tell you. Even brief observations like “the red car ran the red light” or “the truck was speeding” can become critical evidence.
If a witness is reluctant to get involved, ask if they’d be willing to speak with your attorney. Some people hesitate to talk to insurance companies but will provide information to a lawyer. Our team at Dixon Injury Firm knows how to professionally gather witness testimony that strengthens your case.
Don’t assume police will find all witnesses. Officers often arrive after witnesses have left, especially at busy intersections. You may have a brief window to identify people who saw the collision before they drive away or return to work.
This is the most important step for your health and your legal claim. Many serious car accident injuries don’t cause immediate pain or obvious symptoms. Adrenaline and shock can mask injuries for hours or even days after a collision.
Go to the emergency room or urgent care the same day if you experience:
Common delayed-symptom injuries include:
In St. Louis, go to emergency rooms at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis University Hospital, Mercy Hospital St. Louis, or SSM Health facilities. If your injuries aren’t severe enough for the ER, visit an urgent care center the same day.
Tell medical providers that your symptoms are related to the car accident. Be specific about the collision — how you were hit, whether you hit your head, where you feel pain. Medical records linking your injuries to the accident become critical evidence for your insurance claim.
Follow all treatment recommendations. If your doctor refers you to a specialist, makes follow-up appointments, or prescribes physical therapy, comply with their instructions. Insurance companies scrutinize medical records and will argue that gaps in treatment mean your injuries weren’t serious.
Insurance adjusters will use any delay in seeking treatment against you. If you wait several days to see a doctor, they’ll claim your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or aren’t severe. Immediate medical documentation protects your health and your legal rights.
Contact our award-winning team today: (314) 208-2808. With over $60 million recovered for clients, we have the experience to fight for you.
Missouri law and your insurance policy require you to report accidents promptly. Contact your insurance company within 24 hours to report the collision, but be strategic about what information you provide.
When calling your insurer:
Do not:
Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize their payout. Even your own insurance company has a financial incentive to pay as little as possible. Statements like “I’m okay” can be used to deny compensation for injuries that become apparent later.
If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, politely decline to give a statement until you’ve spoken with a St. Louis car accident attorney. You are not legally required to talk to the other driver’s insurer, and anything you tell them can hurt your claim.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage and the other driver has no insurance or fled the scene in a hit-and-run accident, your own policy may cover your injuries and damages. Notify your insurer immediately about the uninsured driver situation.
Consulting with a personal injury attorney should happen as soon as possible after your accident — ideally within days. Many car accident victims make costly mistakes by trying to handle insurance claims themselves or by waiting until problems arise to seek legal help.
When to contact a lawyer:
An experienced car accident attorney will:
The Dixon Injury Firm operates on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect attorney fees if we recover compensation for you. There’s zero financial risk in getting legal advice after your accident.
Our team has fought and won against major insurance companies including State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, and Farmers. We know their tactics for minimizing payouts, and we know how to counter them. With over $60 million recovered for injury victims and recognition as Super Lawyers® for 2024-2025, we have the experience and resources to maximize your recovery.
Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis and raises his family here. His children attend local schools. When we represent St. Louis car accident victims, we’re representing our neighbors — people who shop at the same stores, drive the same roads, and care about the same community we call home.
Call (314) 208-2808 today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to recover.
Even when you follow the steps above, certain mistakes can jeopardize your ability to recover full compensation. Insurance companies actively look for reasons to deny claims or reduce payouts.
Mistakes to avoid:
Admitting fault at the scene. Never say “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” to the other driver, witnesses, or police. Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules — even being 1% responsible reduces your recovery proportionally. Let the evidence speak for itself.
Posting on social media. Insurance adjusters monitor Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for evidence to use against you. A photo of you smiling at a family gathering can be twisted to argue your injuries aren’t serious. Avoid posting about the accident, your injuries, or your activities until your case is resolved.
Delaying medical treatment. Waiting days or weeks to see a doctor gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident or aren’t severe. Seek treatment the same day.
Accepting the first settlement offer. Initial offers from insurance companies are almost always far below the true value of your claim. They hope you’ll accept quick money before understanding the full extent of your injuries and damages. Never settle without consulting an attorney.
Giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters. Adjusters will use your words against you. Politely decline and tell them to contact your lawyer.
Signing medical releases. Insurance companies request authorization to access your complete medical history, then look for pre-existing conditions to blame for your current injuries. Limit medical releases to records directly related to the accident.
Exaggerating or lying about injuries. Be honest with doctors, lawyers, and insurance adjusters. Exaggeration destroys your credibility and can result in claim denial.
Waiting too long to hire a lawyer. Evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and insurance companies become entrenched in low-ball positions. Early legal representation protects your rights and maximizes your recovery.
Don’t face the insurance company alone. Call our award-winning team today: (314) 208-2808.
Understanding Missouri personal injury law helps you make informed decisions after a car accident. Key legal concepts that impact your case include:
Missouri follows “pure comparative fault” under RSMo § 537.765. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If your total damages are $100,000 and you’re found 30% at fault, you can recover $70,000. If you’re 80% at fault, you can still recover $20,000. This differs from states with modified comparative fault rules that bar recovery if you’re more than 50% responsible.
Because Missouri allows recovery regardless of fault percentage, insurance companies aggressively argue that victims share significant responsibility to reduce their payout. Having an experienced attorney who can counter these arguments is critical.
You have five years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri (RSMo § 516.120). If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to recover compensation through the court system.
While five years may seem like plenty of time, evidence deteriorates and memories fade. Insurance companies also become less willing to negotiate fair settlements as the deadline approaches, knowing you’ll lose leverage. Starting the legal process early — ideally within months of your accident — protects your interests.
If your accident involved a government vehicle (Metro bus, city vehicle, etc.), special notice requirements may apply with much shorter deadlines. An attorney can ensure you meet all procedural requirements.
Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/25:
These minimums are often inadequate for serious accidents. If you suffered significant injuries and the at-fault driver carries only minimum coverage, you may not be able to recover full compensation from their policy alone.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. While optional in Missouri, this coverage is critical for fully protecting yourself. If you have UM/UIM coverage, your own insurance company may provide additional compensation beyond the at-fault driver’s policy limits.
Our firm secured a $1 million settlement from uninsured motorist coverage after a driver with no insurance caused serious injuries to our client.
Missouri law allows car accident victims to recover both economic and non-economic damages:
Economic damages (quantifiable financial losses):
Non-economic damages (subjective losses):
Punitive damages may be available if the at-fault driver engaged in egregious conduct like drunk driving. Missouri does not cap punitive damages in car accident cases.
Calculating the full value of your claim requires accounting for future impacts, not just current expenses. An experienced attorney works with medical experts and economists to project lifetime costs of serious injuries.
When you’re recovering from injuries and facing mounting medical bills, choosing the right legal representation can determine whether you recover fair compensation or settle for far less than you deserve.
The Dixon Injury Firm’s attorneys have been recognized as Super Lawyers® for 2024-2025 and named “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. Attorney Chris Dixon is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an honor reserved for the top 1% of trial lawyers who have won million-dollar verdicts or settlements.
We’ve recovered over $60 million for personal injury clients, including:
These results demonstrate our ability to maximize recovery for our clients, not just settle for insurance companies’ initial low offers.
Insurance giants like State Farm, GEICO, Allstate, and Progressive have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize their payouts. They count on car accident victims accepting quick settlements before understanding their legal rights.
We’ve taken on the biggest insurance companies in Missouri and won. We know their tactics, their arguments, and their strategies for avoiding fair payouts. When they see that you’re represented by experienced trial attorneys willing to take cases to court, they take your claim seriously.
Chris Dixon isn’t just a St. Louis lawyer — he’s a St. Louisan through and through. He grew up here, graduated from Lindbergh High School, and chose to build his life and raise his family in the St. Louis area. His children attend local schools.
When Chris represents car accident victims in St. Louis, he’s representing his neighbors — people who drive the same roads he drives, shop at the same stores, and care about the same community. He understands St. Louis traffic patterns, dangerous intersections, and how local road conditions contribute to accidents.
Whether your accident happened on Highway 40 during rush hour, at the confusing Hampton and Chippewa intersection, or on icy roads during a St. Louis winter storm, we understand the local factors that played a role in your crash.
You won’t be handed off to paralegals or inexperienced associates. When you hire The Dixon Injury Firm, you work directly with your attorney throughout the process. We develop individualized legal strategies based on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries.
You’ll have direct access to communicate with your lawyer, get updates on your case, and ask questions as they arise. We treat every client like family because in St. Louis, that’s exactly what you are — our neighbors, our friends, our fellow community members.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no hourly fees, no retainers, and no out-of-pocket costs while your case is pending.
This contingency fee structure ensures that experienced legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. If we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us attorney fees.
Successfully handling serious car accident cases requires significant resources:
The Dixon Injury Firm invests these resources into building the strongest possible case for our clients. Insurance companies know we have the experience and resources to take cases to trial when they refuse to offer fair settlements.
Contact The Dixon Injury Firm today for a free consultation: (314) 208-2808. Time matters — the sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your legal rights.
Missouri’s statute of limitations gives you five years from the date of your car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (RSMo § 516.120). If you don’t file within this timeframe, you lose your right to pursue compensation through the courts. However, waiting years to pursue a claim weakens your case as evidence disappears and memories fade. Contact an attorney soon after your accident to protect your rights.
Missouri follows pure comparative fault rules (RSMo § 537.765), which means you can recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $50,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you’d recover $40,000. Because Missouri allows recovery regardless of fault percentage, you should pursue a claim even if you share some responsibility.
The Dixon Injury Firm works on a contingency fee basis — you pay no upfront fees and owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our attorney fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. There’s zero financial risk in hiring experienced legal representation, and you’ll typically recover significantly more with an attorney than handling the claim yourself.
No. Initial settlement offers from insurance companies are almost always far below the true value of your claim. Adjusters hope you’ll accept quick money before fully understanding your injuries, necessary treatment, and long-term impacts. Many serious injuries don’t become apparent for days or weeks after an accident. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot pursue additional compensation later — even if your injuries turn out to be far more serious than initially believed. Always consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your own policy, your insurance company will cover your injuries and damages up to your policy limits. Missouri does not require UM coverage, but we strongly recommend it. If you don’t have UM coverage and the at-fault driver has no insurance, your options are limited. You could sue the driver personally, but uninsured drivers rarely have assets to pay a judgment. An experienced attorney can review your policy to identify all available coverage sources.
The timeline varies significantly based on your injuries, treatment length, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with minor injuries and clear liability might settle within 3-6 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or inadequate insurance offers can take 1-2 years or longer. You shouldn’t settle until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement and understand the full extent of your injuries. Our priority is maximizing your recovery, not rushing to a quick settlement.
Seek medical attention immediately and inform your doctor that your symptoms are related to the car accident. Many serious injuries including concussions, internal bleeding, and soft tissue damage don’t cause immediate symptoms. Document all symptoms and follow all treatment recommendations. Contact your attorney to update them on your condition. As long as you sought initial medical attention soon after the accident and your doctor confirms the delayed symptoms are accident-related, you can still pursue compensation for these injuries.
You’re not legally required to hire an attorney, but studies consistently show that car accident victims who hire lawyers recover significantly more compensation than those who handle claims themselves — even after paying attorney fees. Insurance companies know that unrepresented claimants don’t understand claim valuation, legal procedures, or negotiation tactics. They take advantage of this by offering low settlements. If you suffered any significant injuries, disputed fault exists, or the insurance company denied your claim or offered an inadequate settlement, legal representation is necessary to protect your rights.
If you were driving for work purposes when the accident occurred, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim against your employer and a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages regardless of fault, while a third-party personal injury claim can provide compensation for pain and suffering, full lost wages, and other damages workers’ comp doesn’t cover. An experienced attorney can navigate both claims simultaneously to maximize your recovery.
You can still pursue a claim, but the absence of a police report makes your case significantly more difficult. Police reports provide independent documentation of the accident, the officer’s assessment of fault, and witness statements. Without this official record, proving what happened becomes a “he said, she said” dispute. If you didn’t call police at the scene, file an accident report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Contact an attorney immediately to help gather other evidence supporting your claim.
The steps you take immediately after a car accident in St. Louis can significantly impact your physical recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Following the guidance in this article — seeking immediate medical care, thoroughly documenting the scene, avoiding common mistakes, and consulting with an experienced attorney — protects your health and your legal rights.
The Dixon Injury Firm’s award-winning legal team has recovered over $60 million for injury victims throughout St. Louis and Missouri. We’ve fought and won against the largest insurance companies, securing the compensation our clients need to pay medical bills, replace lost income, and rebuild their lives after devastating accidents.
Chris Dixon lives in St. Louis and raises his family here. When we represent car accident victims, we’re representing our neighbors — your friends, your family, your fellow St. Louisans. We understand the roads you drive, the challenges you face, and the local factors that contributed to your crash.
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and owe nothing unless we win. There’s zero financial risk in getting experienced legal advice after your accident.
Don’t face the insurance company alone. Call (314) 208-2808 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, explain your legal options, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to recover. Time matters — the sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and maximize your recovery.
The Dixon Injury Firm: Fighting for St. Louis injury victims because when you’re hurt, our community is hurt.
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.
