If you’ve been injured in an accident in St. Louis, you’re suddenly facing medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and an uncertain future. Missouri law gives you the right to pursue compensation from the person or company responsible, but the truth is this: your choice of attorney can make or break your case. So how to choose the right personal injury attorney?
Every year, thousands of people in St. Louis find themselves in this exact situation. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), St. Louis County sees more than 15,000 traffic crashes annually, many causing serious injuries. That doesn’t include slip and falls, workplace accidents, or other incidents that can turn a person’s life upside down.
At Sansone & Lauber, we’ve spent decades representing injury victims across Missouri, recovering millions of dollars for our clients. We’ve built our reputation on aggressive representation, meticulous case preparation, and proven results, including a record-setting $14.2 million settlement for a motorcycle accident victim.
The right lawyer will fight to protect your rights, maximize your compensation, and stand up to insurance companies that want to pay you as little as possible. The wrong lawyer can cost you time, money, and justice.
This guide will walk you step-by-step through how to choose the right personal injury attorney in St. Louis, so you can move forward with confidence.
Why the Right Personal Injury Attorney Makes a Difference
When you’re injured, you might assume the insurance company will “do the right thing.” Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts — sometimes offering pennies on the dollar before you even know the full extent of your injuries.
Hiring an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer changes the entire dynamic. Here’s why:
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They Level the Playing Field
Insurance companies have teams of attorneys working against you. You need someone equally skilled fighting for you. -
They Preserve Critical Evidence
Accident scenes change, witnesses move, and records disappear. An attorney ensures evidence is collected and preserved immediately. -
They Maximize Your Settlement
A good lawyer calculates the true value of your claim — factoring in future medical care, lost earning capacity, and intangible damages like pain and suffering. -
They Prepare for Trial
Even if your case settles, insurers take you more seriously if your attorney has a track record of winning in court.
Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Personal Injury Attorney in St. Louis
1. Look for Experience in Missouri Personal Injury Law
Personal injury law is complex, and Missouri has its own rules regarding statutes of limitations, comparative fault, and damage caps. So how to choose the right personal injury attorney in St. Louis? You need a lawyer who knows Missouri law inside and out — not a general practice attorney who dabbles in injury cases.
At Sansone & Lauber, personal injury law is our focus. We’ve handled cases in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and throughout Missouri’s state and federal courts. This deep local knowledge helps us navigate the legal system efficiently and strategically.
2. Check Their Track Record of Results
Any lawyer can claim to “fight for clients,” but results speak louder than words. Ask to see examples of past settlements and verdicts, especially in cases similar to yours.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injury victims, including:
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$14.2 million for a motorcycle accident victim
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$2.3 million for a truck accident case
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$1.8 million for a wrongful death claim
3. Verify Trial Experience
Many attorneys avoid going to trial, preferring quick settlements — even if it means accepting less money for their clients. Insurance companies know which lawyers will go to court and which won’t.
At Sansone & Lauber, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach not only strengthens your case but often leads to higher settlement offers.
4. Understand the Fee Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. However, not all fee structures are the same. Ask:
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What percentage will the attorney take?
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Who pays case expenses (expert witnesses, filing fees) if you lose?
We are transparent about our fees, and you will never pay out of pocket for your case unless we recover compensation for you.
5. Evaluate Communication and Accessibility
Your lawyer should be accessible, responsive, and willing to explain legal terms in plain language. During your consultation, ask:
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How quickly will you return my calls or emails?
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Will I work directly with you or mainly with staff?
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How often will you update me on my case?
At our firm, you work directly with your attorney — not just a case manager — from start to finish.
6. Ask About Resources and Experts
Winning a personal injury case often requires expert testimony from:
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Accident reconstructionists
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Medical specialists
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Economists
We have long-standing relationships with leading experts in Missouri and nationwide, allowing us to present compelling, evidence-backed cases.
7. Consider Reputation and Reviews
Online reviews, testimonials, and peer ratings can offer insight into how an attorney treats clients. Look for consistent praise regarding:
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Communication
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Professionalism
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Results
You can also verify an attorney’s standing with the Missouri Bar Association.
8. Watch for Red Flags
Be cautious of attorneys who:
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Promise specific outcomes before reviewing your case
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Pressure you to sign a contract on the spot
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Have no trial history
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Rarely communicate with clients
Missouri Accident and Injury Law Insights
Statute of Limitations
In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. However, certain cases (like claims against government entities) have much shorter deadlines.
Pure Comparative Fault
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault — but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Damage Caps
Missouri has no caps on most personal injury cases, except medical malpractice, which limits non-economic damages.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Lawyer
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Basing your decision solely on advertising
Slick TV ads don’t guarantee skill or dedication. -
Choosing the cheapest attorney
Contingency fees are fairly standard; focus on experience and results. -
Failing to ask about trial experience
A settlement-only lawyer can leave money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will my case take?
A: It depends on the complexity, medical treatment length, and whether a trial is necessary.
Q: What if I was partially at fault?
A: Under Missouri’s comparative fault rules, you can still recover damages reduced by your fault percentage.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: Every case is unique. We consider medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future costs.
Q: Can I switch attorneys mid-case?
A: Yes. You have the right to change lawyers at any time.
Take Action — Contact Sansone & Lauber Today
If you’ve been injured in St. Louis, don’t gamble with your future. Choosing the right attorney could mean the difference between financial hardship and full recovery.
📞 Call Sansone & Lauber at (314) 863-0500
📍 Serving St. Louis and all of Missouri
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