Personal Injury - St. Louis, MO

Rudman & Smith has an extensive history of obtaining successful verdicts and settlements in the personal injury arena. Recently, the firm obtained a $4 million verdict for a client who sustained injuries due to abuse she experienced in a state facility. This verdict was the result of excellent litigation skills, superior knowledge of the law, experience, and commitment to our client.

We approach every personal injury case with the same dedication that was used to obtain said $4 million dollar verdict. We do not suggest or advise that you attempt to resolve a personal claim without legal representation. The insurance company has experienced lawyers working on their behalf, and so should you. We understand and are sensitive to the fact that your injuries may render you unable to work.

Consequently, we will handle your personal injury claim in a timely manner and demand additional compensation for loss wages. If you are without health insurance or coverage, don’t worry-there are medical professionals who will still provide services. We will do our best to make sure the process of pursuing a personal injury claim is convenient and not stressful.

At Rudman & Smith personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. If there is no recovery for your case, then you are not obligated to pay any attorney fees. Rudman & Smith prides itself on providing excellent customer service to its clients. Consequently, attorneys are frequently available to discuss your case during evening and weekends.

Auto Accidents

When one is injured due to negligent, drunk, or distracted drivers significant injuries can occur. Rudman & Smith will demand that you and/or your loved ones receive the fair and just compensation that you deserve. One who operates a motor vehicle has a duty to drive in a safe and responsible manner; when this duty is breached or violated the results can be devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto or trucking accident call Rudman & Smith at once. Have a free consultation with us before you give a statement to the insurance company. 

Things To Remember When You Are Injured In An Automobile, Trucking, or Motorcycle Accident:

• Ambulance – if an ambulance is needed, request one immediately.

• Call the police – people will behave in a less threatening or aggressive manner when they know the police will arrive soon.

• Request that a police report be prepared – some officers may be reluctant to write a police report if there is only minor damage, but still insist that one be written. The negligent party may attempt to deny liability if there is not a police report.

• Provide proof of license & insurance – be prepared to provide the responding officer with your license and insurance upon request. This will expedite the process.

• Liability or fault – do not admit liable or fault if you were not the negligent party. Incorrectly accept liability may result in a lawsuit being filed against you.

• Witnesses – remember to write the names and addresses of all witnesses.

• Leaving the scene – leaving the scene of an accident may result in criminal charges being filed against you.

• Notify your insurance company – notify your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible.

• Statements to the other driver’s insurance company – avoid giving a statement to the negligent driver’s insurance company without your attorney being present.

• Medical treatment – if at any point you experience pain or physical difficulties, seek medical treatment immediately.

Trucking Accidents

Accidents involving large commercial truck can result in serious personal injuries or death. Due to the enormous size of many commercial vehicles, frequently specialized training is required to operate a commercial vehicle. If one operates a large commercial vehicle or truck, but was not properly trained, serious accidents may occur.

Consequently, improperly trained drivers and their employers may be liable for your injuries. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is often required if one is to operate a large commercial vehicle. This type of license or credential not only implies that one is properly trained to operate a large commercial vehicle, but it also implies that one will not operate said vehicle in a negligent manner. One who operates a large commercial vehicle has a duty to operate said vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. If said duty is breached, significant personal injuries are likely to occur. 

The extremely large size of a commercial vehicle may increase the likelihood of serious personal injuries or death. Large commercial trucks are often used to transport hazardous materials, substances, or liquids. If a spill occurs due to negligent driving or packaging of said materials, significant personal injuries, illness or death may result. If you or a loved one has been personally injured due to a trucking or commercial vehicle accident, call Rudman & Smith at once. Do not delay. Rudman & Smith has significant experience pursuing personal injury claims which involve trucking accidents or commercial vehicles.

Things To Remember When You Are Injured In An Automobile, Trucking, or Motorcycle Accident:

• Ambulance – if an ambulance is needed, request one immediately.

• Call the police – people will behave in a less threatening or aggressive manner when they know the police will arrive soon.

• Request that a police report be prepared – some officers may be reluctant to write a police report if there is only minor damage, but still insist that one be written. The negligent party may attempt to deny liability if there is not a police report.

• Provide proof of license & insurance – be prepared to provide the responding officer with your license and insurance upon request. This will expedite the process.

• Liability or fault – do not admit liable or fault if you were not the negligent party. Incorrectly accept liability may result in a lawsuit being filed against you.

• Witnesses – remember to write the names and addresses of all witnesses.

• Leaving the scene – leaving the scene of an accident may result in criminal charges being filed against you.

• Notify your insurance company – notify your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible.

• Statements to the other driver’s insurance company – avoid giving a statement to the negligent driver’s insurance company without your attorney being present.

• Medical treatment – if at any point you experience pain or physical difficulties, seek medical treatment immediately.

Motorcycle Accidents

Although motorcycle accidents occur less frequently in St. Louis, MO than automobile accidents, often the personal injuries are more serious. The results are normally more serious because a person who is riding on a motorcycle does not have the protection of an automobile.

Almost always, the motorcyclist or said passenger will be ejected from the motorcycle. When one is ejected from a motorcycle during an accident, broken bones, head injuries, or other devastating injuries are likely to result. These personal injuries can result in substantial medical bills, treatments, or surgeries. These injuries may also result in one being unable to work or disabled either permanently or temporarily.

Motorcycle accidents may also occur when either an automobile driver or a motorcyclist operates said vehicle or motorcycle in a negligent manner. In either case, Rudman & Smith can help you get the compensation that you deserve. One who operates a motorcycle has a duty to operate said motorcycle in a safe and reasonable manner.

One who is a passenger on a motorcycle may have a claim against a negligent motorcyclist or one who operates an automobile negligently, or against both the motorcyclist and driver if comparative fault or contributory negligence is involved.

If you have been involved in an accident involving a motorcycle, regardless if you operated said motorcycle, and personal injury has occurred, please call Rudman & Smith immediately.

Things To Remember When You Are Injured In An Automobile, Trucking, or Motorcycle Accident:

• Ambulance – if an ambulance is needed, request one immediately.

• Call the police – people will behave in a less threatening or aggressive manner when they know the police will arrive soon.

• Request that a police report be prepared – some officers may be reluctant to write a police report if there is only minor damage, but still insist that one be written. The negligent party may attempt to deny liability if there is not a police report.

• Provide proof of license & insurance – be prepared to provide the responding officer with your license and insurance upon request. This will expedite the process.

• Liability or fault – do not admit liable or fault if you were not the negligent party. Incorrectly accept liability may result in a lawsuit being filed against you.

• Witnesses – remember to write the names and addresses of all witnesses.

• Leaving the scene – leaving the scene of an accident may result in criminal charges being filed against you.

• Notify your insurance company – notify your auto insurance carrier as soon as possible.

• Statements to the other driver’s insurance company – avoid giving a statement to the negligent driver’s insurance company without your attorney being present.

• Medical treatment – if at any point you experience pain or physical difficulties, seek medical treatment immediately.