• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

Whiplash & Whiplash Injury St. Louis

  • Whiplash
    • What is Whiplash?
    • How Long Does Whiplash Last?
  • Symptoms
  • Treatment
    • Exercises
    • Physiotherapy
    • Surgery
  • Compensation
  • Car Accident
    • What to Do When You Get in a Car Accident
    • The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
    • Wrong Way Car Crash
    • Why Hire a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer?
    • Injuries
      • Brain Injury
      • Delayed Injuries
      • Head Injury
      • Leg Injury
    • T-Bone Accident
    • Uninsured Motorist
    • Who Pays My Medical Bills?
  • Whiplash St. Louis Blog

wrongful death

Wrongful Death Lawyer – St. Louis Car Accident Attorney

January 12, 2023 by Christopher

Navigating the legal aspect of death during a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. Our St. Louis wrongful death lawyer is here to help.

Going through a car accident injury claim process can be challenging under any circumstances – but add death into the equation, and things can get even more complicated. If you’re a deceased accident victim’s family member, you may wonder if a claim can still be filed in light of their passing. The answer is yes. You can file a wrongful death claim.


FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

st. louis woman leaving flowers at a grave

What’s a wrongful death claim?

A wrongful death claim is intended to recover damages sustained by the deceased had they not died. This can only be filed by the deceased surviving relative, including the deceased person’s spouse, biological or adopted children, parents, or siblings. 

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Wrongful Death Claim for a Car Accident?

Here are some of the types of damages that can be recovered in a wrongful death claim:

  • Funeral and burial expense
  • Loss of future income and benefits 
  • Loss of companionship and support
  • Medical expenses

What Evidence Is Needed to Prove Negligence in a Wrongful Death Claim for a Car Accident?

To prove your wrongful claim is merited, you’ll be required to table evidence that proves beyond reasonable doubt that the death of your loved one was a result of another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct. The type of evidence you can use will vary depending on the circumstances of the case. 

That said, here are some of the types of evidence that can be used to prove negligence in a wrongful death claim for a car accident:

  • Police reports
  • Eyewitness testimonies
  • Expert testimonies
  • Medical records
  • Photos and videos

How Is the Value of a Wrongful Death Claim Determined in the Case of a Car Accident?

The value of a wrongful death claim can be determined by several factors, including:

  • The deceased’s earning capacity at the time of their death: This includes their current salary, any bonuses or commissions, and their potential future earnings.
  • The cost of the deceased’s funeral and burial expenses: These expenses can be significant and are typically included in the claim.
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death: This type of damage is calculated based on the length of time between the accident and the deceased’s death, as well as the severity of the injuries suffered by the deceased.
  • Medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident: This includes any expenses related to hospitalization, treatment, or rehabilitation.

Navigating the legal aspect of death during a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. However, understanding the common questions that arise during this process can help make it a little easier. Also, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney who can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights and options, and ensure you do not settle for less than you need and deserve.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been affected by a St. Louis car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Hoffmann Law Firm. Our experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys have the knowledge and skills to guide you through the legal process and help you recover the damages you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: wrongful death

Missouri Car Accident Fatalities Rose 12% In 2020 – How to Stay Safe This Summer

April 12, 2021 by Christopher

Despite the reduction of total distance driven due to the pandemic, total traffic fatalities increased by about 12% in 2020.

Car accidents are one of the leading causes of premature death nationwide. And in Missouri, 2020 was a very deadly year. Despite the reduction of total distance driven due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, total traffic fatalities rose 12% in 2020 compared to 2019 – rising to 989 deaths, compared to 881 in 2019.

Let’s take a look at some of the statistics released by MoDot related to traffic accidents and fatalities in St. Louis and Missouri, and discuss simple ways to stay safe on the road this summer.

car accident fatality

The Statistics Behind Missouri Traffic Fatalities In 2020

As mentioned, a total of 989 people died on Missouri roads in 2020. Here are a few more statistics provided by MoDot about road safety and traffic fatalities:

  • Speed-related and unbuckled fatalities rose by 25% compared to the previous year
  • 67% of all drivers and passengers killed in crashes in 2020 were not wearing seat belts
  • 389 people were killed due to speed-related crashes in 2020, according to preliminary reports. This includes excessive speed or speeds that were too high for weather conditions.
  • 126 pedestrians were killed by vehicles in 2020, which is the highest number on record for Missouri 

Simple Safety Tips For Avoiding Accidents & Fatalities

With the above statistics in mind, here are a few tips that Missouri and St. Louis residents can take to stay safe while driving this summer.

  • Wear your seat belt & use proper child seats – Not wearing a seatbelt was the single largest contributing factor to fatalities in 2020. Always wear your seatbelt and secure children and car seats properly.
  • Slow down – Stay under the speed limit, and use caution when driving in poor conditions like snow, rain, fog, and other inclement weather.
  • Avoid distracted driving – Never use a phone while driving. Avoid other distractions like fiddling with the radio, eating, smoking, or daydreaming. Pay attention and focus on the road.
  • Never drive under the influence – Driving under the influence is illegal and dangerous. Even if you’ve only had one drink, never get behind the wheel. Protect yourself and other road users by being responsible.
  • Practice “defensive driving” – Don’t drive aggressively. Follow best practices like looking ahead on the road, always checking your mirrors, keeping 3-4 seconds between your car and other cars, and being aware of your surroundings.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

Whether you’ve had a loved one die in a wrongful death car accident, or you have been injured in an accident in St. Louis and wish to pursue a personal injury suit against the responsible party, The Hoffmann Law Firm can help. Give us a call today to schedule a free case review with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney.

FREE Consultation

Speak with an experienced attorney 24/7

Click to Call: (314) 361-4242

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: wrongful death

What to Expect From a St. Louis Wrongful Death Claim Resulting from a Car Accident

August 21, 2019 by Christopher

While no amount of money can bring a loved one back, a wrongful death claim can provide a sense of justice and a fair settlement for a victim’s suffering.

We can’t even begin to comprehend the pain you might feel if you lost a loved one in a car accident. We know that no amount of compensation can make this ordeal disappear and bring hope back to your life. However, the person that caused you this pain and suffering may be held accountable for his or her actions.

rose on grave stone

If you decide to file a suit against the other driver, a St. Louis car accident attorney can help you build your case and educate you on what you should expect.

It Could Give You a Sense of Justice

People that have lost a loved one in a car accident generally don’t really care about monetary compensation.  No matter how big or small the settlement, they know that nothing can bring their family member back. However, by not taking any action against the responsible party, many feel as if they aren’t suffering any consequences for their actions.

Filing a wrongful death claim is a way of giving grieving families a sense of justice. By making them financially responsible, you get the courts’ admission of guilt, which can be at least a bit satisfying.

Payment for Past and Future Bills

In addition to the emotional trauma, the death of a loved one comes with dire financial consequences too. If they’ve spent a lot of time in the hospital before their passing, then you probably have lots of medical bills piling up. Not to mention that the costs of a funeral can go extremely high.

More often than not, the financial burden doesn’t stop here. If the victim was also the family’s main provider, then losing their income can take a significant toll on your wellbeing and sustenance. You are probably worrying about how you will be able to pay future bills, your mortgage, and provide for your kids.

By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, your St. Louis auto accident attorney will ensure that the responsible party will pay for both past and future bills. He will take into account your current and future needs and consider them for your settlement. An experienced lawyer can get you compensation for the medical bills you had to pay for your loved one’s injury and will ensure that the settlement will account for their lost wages too.

We will go beyond the financial aspects of your loss. Your family member wasn’t only the sum of his earnings, so you should also account for the emotional support and guidance that he or she would have provided if still around.

It’s difficult to quantify your pain and we know that no amount of money can make up for your loss. We hope that we can at least help you get a sense of justice as well as a fair settlement for your suffering. We are here to listen to you. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.

Filed Under: Whiplash St. Louis Blog Tagged With: wrongful death

Footer

The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
130 S Bemiston Ave # 603
St. Louis, MO 63105
(314) 361-4242

Free Consultation Request

    RSS Car Accident Lawyer & Auto Accident Attorney St. Louis

    • Yellow Light Accident Lawyer St. Louis
    • How Cold Weather Can Increase Your Risk of a St. Louis Car Accident
    • Receiving Medical Care After a Car Accident
    • 3 Common Brain Injuries That Occur in Car Accidents 
    • St. Louis Pile-Up Car Accident Lawyer
    • St. Louis Car Accident Cause by Failing to Use Turn Signals
    • Can Car Safety Features Cause Accidents and Injuries?
    • 5 Face Injuries Common in Car Accidents
    • 3 Types of Evidence to Prove a Drowsy Driver Caused Your St. Louis Car Accident
    • Leg Injuries from Car Accidents

    Copyright © 2023 The Hoffmann Law Firm L.L.C.
    The images included on this site are not actual attorneys, events, or clients. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely on advertisements. The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. Attorney Chris Hoffmann handles car and truck accident claims throughout Eastern Missouri and Western Illinois. He represents injured clients in St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Clayton, East St. Louis, Alton, Hillsboro and Belleville, and other cities in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Jefferson Country, MO, and St. Clair County and Madison County, IL.