Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
Lawyer Monthly spoke with Julie Siegel, a highly experienced Missouri-based personal injury attorney and founder of Siegel Injury Law, LLC, who provides an in-depth look at the realities of motor vehicle accidents, the types of injuries commonly sustained, and how liability and compensation are determined under Missouri law.
Approximately 90% of my work is representing people who have been injured in a motor vehicle collision. The most common type of crash is a rear-end collision, but we see plenty of crashes that occur because people run red lights or stop signs, striking a car that has the right of way. Probably the most horrific crashes are those that occur with a tractor-trailer or commercial vehicle. Those vehicles tend to be larger and cause more damage to both the car and the people in it.
Motor vehicle collisions can cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and cervical and lumbar spinal injuries. The most common injury we see is whiplash — an injury to the neck and back caused by the sudden jerking motion that occurs during a crash. These range from soft tissue sprains and strains to herniated discs. We also have clients who suffer broken bones, torn rotator cuffs, and knee ligament injuries, as well as those requiring neck and back surgeries.
A client’s case is most often limited by the insurance policy limits of the person who caused the accident. In Missouri, the minimum policy limits for a motor vehicle are $25,000. That means that if the at-fault driver only carries a minimum policy, that might be all the coverage available, regardless of the extent of injury.
Not every case involves a minimum policy — coverage can start at $25,000 and go upward. Some commercial truck policies, for example, can exceed $1 million.
Other types of insurance may also come into play, such as medical payments coverage or underinsured motorist coverage. I always advise clients to review their own policies to ensure they have these protections. Medical payments coverage will pay medical bills regardless of fault, while underinsured motorist coverage helps if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries. While it involves using your own insurance, it’s essential protection against inadequate coverage.
Liability is dependent on the specific facts of each case. Some cases, such as a rear-end collision, are more straightforward — the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is almost always at fault, even if the car in front stopped suddenly.
To determine liability, we often go back to the basic rules of the road taught in driver’s education. Other evidence may include traffic cameras, witness statements, or even an admission of texting while driving. Police officers also play a key role in assessing liability, often noting fault based on their investigation at the scene.
We haven’t seen major shifts in how cases are handled due to the rising cost of medical care. In many of our cases, we work with doctors’ offices on a lien basis, meaning the doctor is paid from the settlement proceeds. This system works well for both the medical providers and our clients.
In terms of medical technology, most cases still rely on X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs for diagnosis and follow-up. While the fundamentals remain the same, technology is continually improving — and with time, it will likely help clients achieve better recovery outcomes.
The first step after a crash is to call 911 and report the accident. Inform police officers or first responders of any injuries. If it’s safe, take photos of the vehicles and the scene to preserve evidence — especially if fault might be disputed.
Next, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any pain or discomfort. Once safe, your next call should be to Siegel Injury Law, where we can assist in protecting your rights and guiding you through the claims process.
There are countless ways a personal injury attorney can assist clients after a crash. We help locate medical providers willing to work on a lien, handle property damage assessments, and even arrange transportation for medical appointments.
Statistically, individuals who hire an attorney receive higher average settlements than those who don’t — even after accounting for legal fees. More importantly, an experienced attorney removes much of the stress and uncertainty following an accident, allowing clients to focus on recovery rather than paperwork or negotiations.
Julie Siegel
Founder, Siegel Injury Law, LLC
130 S Bemiston Ave, Unit 608, St. Louis, MO 63105, USA
Tel: +1 314-695-8060
Email: Julie@siegelinjurylaw.com
Julie Siegel is a St. Louis-based personal injury attorney with decades of experience representing clients in car and truck accidents, slip and fall, wrongful death, workers’ compensation, and product liability cases. Since graduating from St. Louis University in 1996, she has built a reputation for compassionate advocacy and practical legal guidance, helping countless clients navigate the aftermath of serious injuries.
