How Long Do Car Accident Claims Take in St. Louis City Circuit Court?
Getting injured in a car accident can turn your life upside down. Between medical bills, lost wages, and the stress of dealing with insurance companies, it’s natural to wonder how long the legal process will take. The car accident claim duration in St. Louis is not the same for every case. Some claims are resolved in a few months, while others may take over a year. It all depends on the details of the accident and how the court process unfolds.
Our team at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC has spent years helping injured people get through the St. Louis City car accident court process. We understand the system and know how to move cases forward.
Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, property damage, or even a wrongful death claim, we’re here to guide you through each step. We’ve handled personal injury claims of all kinds, and we know what it takes to get results. While there’s no single answer to how long it will take, we can break down the factors that affect the timeframe for car accident cases in Missouri and help you understand what to expect.
Understanding Car Accident Claims in St. Louis City Circuit Court
When someone is hurt in a car accident in Missouri, they have the right to file a claim and seek compensation. That claim can be filed in a court, such as the St. Louis City Circuit Court, if the accident happened within city limits. This court handles personal injury claims, including auto accident cases and wrongful death lawsuits.
The St. Louis City car accident court process begins with filing a complaint, which is the legal document that starts the case. From there, the court sets deadlines, and both sides begin preparing. The process includes gathering evidence, exchanging documents, and possibly going to trial. Every step takes time, and the timeframe for car accident cases in Missouri can vary depending on the details.
Key Factors That Affect How Long a Case Takes
There are many reasons why a car accident case might take longer than expected. Some accidents are simple, with clear fault and minor injuries. Others are complicated, involving multiple vehicles, serious injuries, or disputed facts. When liability is unclear or the other driver denies fault, it can take longer to resolve.
Evidence is another factor. We need to gather medical records, police reports, and sometimes expert opinions. If the injured party is still receiving medical treatment or hasn’t reached full recovery, we may wait before settling. That’s because we want to understand the full extent of the injuries, including future medical expenses and lost wages.
Insurance companies also play a role. Some cooperate, others delay. Insurance adjusters may ask for more documents or drag out settlement negotiations. We know insurance company tactics that slow things down, and we know how to respond.
The court’s schedule matters too. St. Louis City Circuit Court handles many cases, and sometimes there’s a backlog. That can delay hearings and trial dates. Pre-trial motions, disputes over evidence, and other legal issues can also add time.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Court Process
Once we file the lawsuit, the defendant must be served. That means they receive official notice of the claim. After that, the discovery phase begins. This is when both sides exchange information, take depositions, and gather evidence. It’s a critical part of the process and can take several months.
Next come pre-trial motions. These are legal arguments about what evidence can be used or whether parts of the case should be dismissed. The court may also schedule settlement conferences to try and resolve the case before trial.
If the case doesn’t settle, we move to trial. The court sets a date, and both sides present their arguments. Trials can last a few days or longer, depending on the complexity. After the trial, there may be post-trial motions or appeals, which can extend the timeline even more.
How Hipskind & McAninch, LLC Helps Streamline the Process
We know how frustrating delays can be. That’s why we work hard to keep things moving. From the start, we gather evidence quickly and build a strong case. We talk to witnesses, collect medical records, and prepare for trial early.
Our team is skilled in negotiation. We know when to push for a fair settlement and when to take the case to court. Also, we don’t let insurance companies stall or avoid responsibility. Our team manages every detail so our clients can focus on healing.
We also stay in close contact with the court. This includes monitoring deadlines, responding to motions, and making sure everything is filed on time. Our goal is to avoid unnecessary delays and get results as quickly as possible.
Not every case goes smoothly. Sometimes the person responsible for the accident refuses to cooperate. Other times, the insurance company denies coverage or blames the injured party. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to handle it.
When evidence is disputed, we bring in expert witnesses. If the other side tries to delay, we file motions to keep the case on track. We also deal with complex issues like comparative fault, where both drivers may share blame. In those cases, we fight to make sure our client’s rights are respected and that they receive fair financial compensation.
Consult An Experienced Car Accident Attorney In St. Louis
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we don’t just file lawsuits, we guide our clients through every step. From the accident date to the final resolution, we’re there to answer questions, explain options, and provide support.
Our attorneys understand that most car accidents are traumatic. People are dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. They may be confused about the statute of limitations or unsure which court is the right one for their case. That’s why we offer a free consultation with a skilled personal injury lawyer to help people understand their rights.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Missouri, it’s important to act quickly. The limitations deadline matters, and waiting too long can affect your ability to file suit. Whether you’re dealing with physical injuries, ongoing treatment, or a wrongful death claim, we’re here to help. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation with our attorney.
Category: