Personal Injury Lawyer East St. Louis

Being injured can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed with pain and suffering and confusion over how to get compensation from the liable party. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, our East Saint Louis personal injury lawyers help victims in East St. Louis get compensated for their losses caused by someone else.These losses include medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, and more. If you have suffered from an injury due to someone else’s recklessness or negligence, then you do not have to fight it on your own. You also should not be stuck with the bills and stress of your accident. Instead, give us a call at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer so we can schedule your free case evaluation.

Why You Need A Personal Injury Lawyer in East St. Louis

Insurance companies spend a lot of money hiring their own attorneys who they expect to save them money on settlements for injury victims. Attorneys representing insurance companies might even argue that the victim deserves only a fraction of what they are asking for. Often they take advantage of victims representing themselves. On the other hand, if they see that you’ve hired an intrepid lawyer with an outstanding track record, then they’re going to be a lot more willing to work with you.

Belleville personal injury attorney has the resources to investigate your personal injury claims so that you have the strongest case possible. Your attorney’s experience and success in these types of cases matter significantly since they will be your legal guide throughout the process and ensure that you meet deadlines and understand what is expected of you. Working with a dedicated legal team also gives you additional support, resources, and insight to strengthen your case from start to finish.

How can I help my personal injury case?

The best thing that you can do to help your experienced attorneys is to send all of the required evidence to them as soon as possible.These documents include:

• Medical tests and evaluations: After you reported your accident, did you have an X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other imaging tests to assess your injuries? These are key documents to provide as evidence in your personal injury case.
• Did you require emergency surgery? The surgeon’s notes regarding the procedure and your prognosis are important for showing the judge and the insurance company what you have endured.
• Photos and videos from the scene of the accident: any images of your car, the other driver’s car, the streets or intersection you were near, and your injuries are vital to proving your case.
• The police report: if you did not receive one at the scene of the accident, then be sure to request one from the St. Louis police department

Be Mindful of What You Say

After motor vehicle accidents, your mind is probably reeling. It’s important to maintain your composure and to be careful about what you say. The responding police officer is going to ask you some questions about the accident. Do not accept blame for the accident, and do not blame anyone else. Only explain what happened leading up to the accident. If any of the other drivers involved begin to harass you, then stay in your vehicle away from them. This helps protect accident victims from further conflict or escalation during an already stressful situation.

This is important because the way insurance companies operate means they are going to look for any way to lower your compensation. You do not want to say anything that could compromise your case. Call us. We will develop a strong case on your behalf and speak to the insurance companies for you.

Where East St. Louis Personal Injury Cases Are Filed & How the Process Works

Most injury cases arising from East St. Louis accidents are filed in the St. Clair County Circuit Court, located in Belleville. Depending on where the incident occurred and where the parties reside, some claims may also be filed in Madison County Circuit Court, both well-known venues for personal injury matters in Illinois.

Illinois generally gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline—called the statute of limitations—can permanently bar your right to compensation. There are limited exceptions for minors or cases involving delayed discovery, but it’s best to speak with an attorney as early as possible to preserve all options.

The length of a personal injury case varies. Minor injury claims may resolve in a few months through negotiations with the insurance company. More complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, multiple vehicles, commercial defendants, or wrongful death may take longer. Even when a lawsuit is filed, many cases still settle before reaching a jury trial.

Throughout the process, your lawyer will collect evidence, review medical records, calculate damages, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and prepare your case for trial if necessary. Having a skilled East St. Louis’ injury attorney in your corner ensures your rights remain protected from day one.

Areas of Practice

Just as not all doctors specialize in the same field of medicine, not all personal injury attorneys practice the same areas. Accidents, falls, and crashes require specific skills, relationships with expert witnesses, and an understanding of other branches of related law, such as labor law and how it affects worker’s compensation, for example.

That’s why when you need an attorney to represent you in a personal injury case, you need to find out if they practice the type of representation that you need. Speaking with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in understanding your legal options and protecting your rights. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we can help victims of:

• Auto accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Truck Accidents
• Workers compensation
• Nursing home abuse
• Product liability claims
• Premises liability Cases
• Slip and fall accidents
• Spinal Injuries
• Catastrophic Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Medical Malpractice

Frequently Asked Questions

We strive to provide a general overview of personal injury law in East St Louis, but call us for customized legal advice specific to your case. Here is more general information that is not meant to be taken as legal advice. 

When should I contact an attorney?

You should contact a personal injury attorney immediately for a few reasons. First is that there is a statute of limitations. This is the time limit that you have to legally bring forth a personal injury claim. Every state sets its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which is why it’s so important for you to work with St. Louis personal injury lawyers. They would be able to guide you on the laws specific to Missouri.

Even though the statute of limitations in Missouri is five years, that does not mean that you can walk into the courthouse and file your claim on the day that is exactly five years from your accident. It doesn’t exactly work like that, and unfortunately, there have been some cases of victims waiting until too close to the deadline and having their time limit elapsed while they were preparing to file with the court.

The other reason why you don’t want to wait is that it will make the insurance company suspect your injuries. They will argue that if your injuries were severe enough, you would have sought maximum compensation and relief much sooner. Avoid these missteps and contact our firm as soon as possible.

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Illinois?

Illinois generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting longer may cause the court to dismiss your case, even if your injuries are severe.

What are contingency fees?

Most East St. Louis personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront—no hourly rates or retainers. Your lawyer only gets paid if they win compensation for you.

What do I need to prove to win a personal injury claim?

You must show that another person or company was negligent, that their negligence caused your injuries, and that you suffered damages such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Will my case go to court?

Many claims settle through negotiation, but some must be filed in St. Clair County Circuit Court if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation. Even after filing a lawsuit, many cases settle before trial.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Illinois uses a modified comparative negligence rule. You can still recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible, but your compensation will be reduced by your share of fault.

How much is my East St. Louis injury case worth?

Case value depends on medical bills, future treatment needs, lost wages, pain and suffering, the severity of injuries, and how the accident has affected your life. Catastrophic or disabling injuries often lead to higher compensation.

What if the at-fault driver has no insurance or fled the scene?

You may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. An attorney can evaluate your policy and identify all available sources of recovery.

How long will my personal injury case take?

Simple claims may resolve within months. More complex cases—especially those involving commercial vehicles, disputed liability, or long-term injuries—may take a year or more.

Do I really need a lawyer for an East St. Louis accident?

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially when victims are unrepresented. A personal injury lawyer handles the investigation, negotiations, and legal deadlines, giving you the best chance at a fair recovery.

About Hipskind & McAninch, LLC 

We are a small law firm that is able to provide personalized service to all of our clients, ensuring that they get the legal help they need with attention, care, and dedication. Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys have won numerous accolades and made impressive accomplishments in law school. Currently, the firm has a 99% success rate and is able to help victims in Missouri and Illinois. Call today for a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys.