Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Cape Girardeau, Missouri

If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence in Cape Girardeau or Southeast Missouri, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Layton & Southard has been fighting for injury victims in Cape Girardeau for over 15 years, helping clients recover millions in settlements and verdicts.

ACT QUICKLY: Missouri's five-year statute of limitations starts immediately after your accident. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your settlement. Don't wait to protect your rights. Contact our Cape Girardeau personal injury attorneys today for your free consultation.

Call 573.335.3359 - Free Consultation


Table of Contents:

What Should I Do Immediately After a Personal Injury Accident?

Critical Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights

  1. Seek immediate medical attention - Even if you feel fine, see a doctor after any accident
  2. Document everything - Take photos, gather witness information, and preserve evidence from your accidentcar crash
  3. Contact an experienced Cape Girardeau personal injury lawyer - Missouri's five-year statute of limitations starts immediately
  4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters without legal representation
  5. Keep detailed records of all medical treatment and expenses

Building Your Personal Injury Case

An experienced personal injury attorney will:

  • Investigate the accident scene and gather crucial evidence
  • Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries
  • Handle all communications with insurance companies
  • Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
  • Take your case to trial if necessary to secure fair compensation

Remember: Insurance companies are not on your side. They have teams of lawyers working to minimize your settlement. You need experienced advocates fighting for your rights.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Cape Girardeau

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car Accidents

Car accidents in Missouri can happen to even the most careful drivers. Our Cape Girardeau personal injury attorneys have successfully handled thousands of car accident cases, recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accident victims often face unfair bias from insurance companies and juries. Our experienced legal team counters these prejudices and fights for the full compensation you deserve for your serious injuries.

Commercial Truck Accidents

Semi-truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight of commercial vehicles. These cases require immediate investigation and expertise in federal trucking regulations.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents frequently involve serious injuries to vulnerable road users. We work to hold negligent drivers accountable for failing to share the road safely.

Workplace Injuries

Workers' Compensation Claims

Missouri workers injured on the job are entitled to workers' compensation benefits regardless of fault. We help ensure you receive proper medical care and wage replacement benefits.

Construction Site Accidents

Construction accidents often involve multiple responsible parties beyond your employer. Our attorneys investigate all potential sources of compensation for your injuries.

Wrongful Death Claims

When a loved one dies due to another party's negligence, Missouri law allows family members to file a wrongful death claim. These cases seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Missouri Personal Injury Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Missouri requires personal injury claims to be filed within five years of the accident date. However, we strongly recommend contacting our Cape Girardeau office immediately - crucial evidence can disappear quickly.

Comparative Fault Rule

Missouri follows a "pure comparative fault" system. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident, though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

No-Fault Insurance Requirements

Unlike some states, Missouri is not a no-fault insurance state. This means the at-fault driver's insurance should cover your damages, making it crucial to establish liability quickly.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum insurance coverage of:

  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
  • $25,000 per accident for property damage

How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?

Personal injury settlements in Cape Girardeau typically include compensation for:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses (past and future treatment costs)personal injury wheelchair
  • Lost wages (time missed from work)
  • Lost earning capacity (reduced ability to earn income)
  • Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering (physical discomfort and emotional distress)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed)
  • Disfigurement or disability (permanent physical changes)

Factors That Affect Settlement Value

  • Severity of injuries - More serious injuries typically result in higher settlements
  • Degree of fault - Clear liability against the defendant increases value
  • Insurance coverage limits - Available policy limits may cap recovery
  • Quality of legal representation - Experienced attorneys often secure higher settlements

Average settlement amounts in Missouri vary widely based on these factors. Our experienced team will evaluate your specific case to determine its potential value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Claims

How long does a personal injury case take in Missouri?

Most personal injury cases in Cape Girardeau settle within 6-18 months. Complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take longer. We work efficiently while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

Do I have to go to court?

Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, our experienced trial attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed to secure fair compensation.

How much do personal injury lawyers cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis - you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. This ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of financial situation.

What if the other driver doesn't have insurance?

Missouri requires minimum insurance coverage, but some drivers are uninsured. Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide compensation. We'll explore all available sources of recovery.personal injury claim form

Can I handle my own personal injury claim?

While Missouri law allows self-representation, insurance companies take advantage of unrepresented claimants. Studies show that injury victims recover significantly more compensation when represented by experienced attorneys.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after my accident?

Contact a Cape Girardeau personal injury lawyer immediately. Early legal involvement helps preserve evidence, establish liability, and protect your rights during the claims process.

Why Choose Layton & Southard for Your Personal Injury Case?

Decades of Experience in Cape Girardeau

Our attorneys have been serving Southeast Missouri since 1972. John Layton and Stephen Southard bring combined decades of trial experience to every case.

Proven Track Record of Results

We've recovered millions in settlements and verdicts for Cape Girardeau area injury victims. Our reputation for thorough preparation and aggressive advocacy gets results.

Personal Attention to Every Client

As a local Cape Girardeau firm, we provide personalized service that large regional firms cannot match. You'll work directly with experienced attorneys, not paralegals or case managers.

No Fees Unless We Win

Our contingency fee structure means you risk nothing by hiring experienced legal representation. We only get paid when you receive compensation for your injuries.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Beyond personal injury, our multidisciplinary Missouri law firm handles estate planning, business law, and other legal matters for Cape Girardeau families.

  • Phone: (573) 335-3359
  • Available for emergency consultations
  • Free case evaluation
  • Over 50 years combined experience
  • Contingency fee basis - no fees unless we win

Areas We Serve

From our Cape Girardeau and Perryville offices, we serve clients throughout:

Missouri Counties

  • Cape Girardeau County: Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City
  • Perry County: Perryville, Altenburg
  • Scott County: Sikeston, Benton, Chaffee
  • Bollinger County: Marble Hill, Zalma
  • Madison County: Fredericktown, Marquand
  • Stoddard County: Dexter, Bloomfield

Illinois Counties

  • Alexander County: Cairo, Thebes
  • Union County: Anna, Jonesboro
  • Jackson County: Murphysboro, Carbondale

Contact Our Cape Girardeau Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Don't wait to protect your rights. Missouri's statute of limitations and insurance company tactics mean time is critical after any accident.

Free Consultation Available

We offer free case evaluations to all personal injury victims. During your consultation, we'll:

  • Review the details of your accident
  • Explain your legal rights under Missouri law
  • Discuss potential compensation you may be entitled to receive
  • Answer all your questions about the legal process

Multiple Ways to Reach Us

Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

Additional Resources for Missouri Accident Victims: