The Glassman Law Firm, P.C. of St. Louis has been helping personal injury victims in the State of Missouri win substantial settlements and awards for many years. Our team has 50 years of combined courtroom experience, and we are proud of the fact that most of our clients have been referred to us by other satisfied clients.

In 2005, 78 more people died in traffic accidents on Missouri's roads than in 2004. The 1,208 deaths is a 7% increase from 2004. The number of deaths has not been below 1,000 since 1994. The Glassman Law Firm, P.C. understands that as an accident victim or the family of a victim, you may be overwhelmed and suffering from emotional, physical and financial injuries. Defending your rights is probably secondary in your mind to your personal recovery process. However, the justice system strives to return the victims of personal injury to some semblance of life they led prior to an injury. While monetary compensation cannot change the past, it can help lessen anxiety about medical bills, employment, rehabilitation, and your future.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 6 million reported motor vehicle crashes in 2004. While the majority of accidents involved only damage to property, 38,000 lives were lost and almost 2 million people were injured. Even minor accidents can produce injuries that are disproportionate to the event, and symptoms may not arise until well after the original accident. People involved in motor vehicle accidents include:

• Drivers of vehicles involved in accidents where another driver was at fault,
• Passengers in vehicle accidents whose driver or the driver of another vehicle was at fault,
• Pedestrians hit by vehicles, and
• Cyclists and motorcycle riders hit by motorists.

Under Missouri state and federal law, those injured in accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of others are entitled to file a civil action suit - called a "tort" - against those who caused them harm. The plaintiff (claimant) files a lawsuit against the party that caused the injury (defendant). If negligence is proven, the defendant must pay the plaintiff monetary "damages" that may include consideration for present and future loss of earnings, medical expenses and pain and suffering. In order for the plaintiff to recover damages, a skilled attorney must prove the critical elements of negligence:

1. The defendant had a duty to the plaintiff.
2. The defendant failed in that duty.
3. The plaintiff was injured and damages resulted from the defendant's breach of duty.

Accident-related injuries range from minor to serious and permanent. If you have been injured in an automobile accident, your physical trauma is probably compounded by the uncertainties of your financial future. How will you pay medical bills and make up for lost income?

In Missouri, automobile owners are required to carry proof of insurance coverage. If the other driver has no liability insurance, your own policy does provide benefits to protect you against uninsured drivers. If the responsible driver did not have a sufficient amount of liability insurance to adequately compensate you for all of your damages, we can assist you in presenting an underinsured motorist claim against your insurance company if you purchased this coverage in your automobile policy. These are very important and frequently misunderstood coverages. Although uninsured and underinsured claims are brought against your own company, your company cannot legally cancel your policy or raise your premiums for making these claims because they are not considered "chargeable losses" under your policy (i.e., they are not your fault). It is best to consult The Glassman Law Firm, P.C. so that your rights to seek damages are fully explored and pursued against responsible drivers and insurers. This is especially so when:

• There was a fatality.
• Bones were broken or fractured.
• Surgery has or will be required.
• There is permanent and serious injury or disfigurement.
• There is significant rehabilitation time and disability from work.

If you are eligible for damages, your compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering damages. If the accident was caused by someone else's negligence (exceedingly reckless or careless behavior), punitive damages may be awarded.

At The Glassman Law Firm, P.C., we relentlessly pursue compensation for our injured clients. Mr. Glassman and his committed staff are personally involved in the unique nature of your injury and how it has affected your life. Our open-ended consultations are free of charge. Let us know if we can be of service to you.

Contact us today at (314) 446-6000, or you may contact us via our online form.

Please see our Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions.

Please see our Car Accidents Resources / Links.

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