When a car accident occurs, one of the first documents generated in the aftermath is the police report, which often includes the responding officer's assessment of fault based on witness statements, physical evidence, and applicable traffic laws. Many individuals assume that if the police report assigns blame to the other driver, that determination...
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When involved in a car accident in St. Louis County, Missouri, obtaining an official police report is a critical step that can significantly influence insurance claims, legal proceedings, and potential personal injury lawsuits. Under Missouri law, drivers must immediately report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding...
Missouri auto insurance policies frequently contain exclusions for unlicensed drivers, creating complex coverage disputes when accidents occur. Under Missouri's financial responsibility laws (§ 303.025 RSMo), all drivers must maintain liability insurance, but insurers routinely deny claims when the at-fault motorist lacked a valid license at the...
Automobile insurance policies in Missouri frequently contain exclusions for damages arising from driving under the influence (DUI), creating complex legal and financial consequences for policyholders involved in alcohol- or drug-related crashes. These exclusions, typically embedded in the fine print of policies issued by major carriers like State...
Insurance policies in Missouri routinely contain intentional acts exclusions, which preclude coverage for damages arising from deliberate misconduct by the insured. These provisions, typically found in the "Exclusions" section of auto policies issued by carriers like State Farm, Geico, and American Family, are grounded in the fundamental principle...
Roadside shoulder accidents present some of Missouri's most complex liability puzzles, where stranded motorists, passing vehicles, and government entities collide in a legal perfect storm. Unlike typical roadway crashes, shoulder incidents involve layered responsibilities under Missouri's modified comparative fault system and sovereign immunity...
Highway 40 (Interstate 64) in St. Louis is one of the busiest and most complex roadways in Missouri, stretching from the Poplar Street Bridge through the heart of the city and into St. Louis County. Due to its high traffic volume, frequent construction zones, and complex interchanges—such as the notorious "Big Bend" and "Hanley Road" exits—this...
Becoming the lead plaintiff in a class action lawsuit might seem like winning the legal lottery, but the reality is far more complex—and often less lucrative—than most people imagine. While high-profile cases occasionally make headlines with multi-million dollar lead plaintiff awards, the typical compensation structure involves careful calculations...
Insurance claims are a critical mechanism for policyholders to recover losses after accidents, property damage, or other covered events. However, claimants frequently encounter initial settlement offers that are substantially lower than expected or justified. This practice is not arbitrary but stems from deliberate corporate strategies, legal...
Unlike suburban jurisdictions, St. Louis City's 22nd Judicial Circuit presents unique challenges and opportunities, including higher jury verdict averages but also more complex liability disputes due to dense urban traffic patterns. Plaintiffs must contend with Missouri's pure comparative fault system (§ 537.765 RSMo), aggressive insurer defenses,...