Legal Question in Personal Injury in Missouri

Auto Accident

I was involved in a car accident out of state. I live in Texas and I was visiting a friend in Missouri. We were hit from behind by an uninsured motorist who fled the scene of the accident. I was in the back seat and receive multiple injuries of which I am being treated. My question is if I want to sue do I need to find an attorney in Missouri or can I use one in the state I live in?


Asked on 2/09/09, 12:48 pm

7 Answers from Attorneys

Spencer Farris The S.E. Farris Law Firm

Re: Auto Accident

You can use one in Texas, if you can find one licensed to practice in Missouri. Otherwise, contact a Missouri attorney. I am happy to discuss the matter with you, free of charge, and make a referral if I can't help you.

In Missouri, you only have five years to file a tort claim, so you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. Even if the limitations period hasn't run, the attorney you hire will need time to investigate your claim for you, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to secure evidence.

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Answered on 2/09/09, 12:54 pm
Adam Graves Bruer & Wooddell, P.C.

Re: Auto Accident

You can hire a Texas lawyer, but the Texas lawyer will in turn need an Missouri lawyer to sponsor him or her (pro hac). In the end, a Missouri lawyer would be able to handle the Missouri legal issue better and would certainly know more about the Court where your case would be heard.

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Answered on 2/09/09, 1:00 pm
Edgardo Baez The Baez Law Firm, P.C.

Re: Auto Accident

Your claim needs to be handled in Missouri or with an attorney here in Texas, capable of handling Missouri cases.

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Answered on 2/09/09, 1:01 pm
Roger Merrill Merrill & Associates

Re: Auto Accident

If you were hit by an uninsured motorist, then it might not be worthwhile to pursue him. That does not mean, however, that you do not have other possible ways of recovering money. Please call me to discuss your options more fully.

If you are determined to sue the uninsured driver, then you will most likely need to hire a MO lawyer.

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Answered on 2/09/09, 1:17 pm
Dan Street Street Law Firm

Re: Auto Accident

A few firms, such as ours, handle cases nationwide. (We have handled many cases in Missouri, for example.) Over the 27 years we have practiced personal injury litigation exclusively, we have developed a network of competent attorneys in other states (including Missouri) with whom we can "associate" to handle legal issues in those states (and you will not have to pay two attorneys; the one fee will be shared by the Texas and Missouri attorneys). Most claims, if handled properly from the beginning, can be settled without going to trial, and many can be resolved without even filing suit. There are also instances in which the suit can be filed in Texas under certain circumstances. The reputation of the lawyer handling your case will in many instances persuade the insurance company to settle rather than drag it out in court. I suggest that you call and speak with one of our attorneys and let us determine the proper course of action in your case. There is no charge for the initial consultation, and all cases are accepted on a "contingency fee" basis.

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Answered on 2/09/09, 1:45 pm
Donald McLeaish McLeaish&Associates;, P.C.

Re: Auto Accident

call us to discuss but we would seek to associate with a Missouri attorney representing other occupants..or you would be wise to use that attorney if you could..

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Answered on 2/09/09, 4:00 pm
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Auto Accident

You can use a lawyer in either state. If it is more convenient to see one in Texas, find one you can trust and use him or her. If the lawyer determines that the lawsuit must be brought in Missouri, he or she can find a lawyer here in MO to help.

If you are still in MO, it will probably be more efficient to see a lawyer here. It appears you have had multiple responses to this query and have lots of options.

Good luck, and I hope you recover quickly.

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Answered on 2/09/09, 4:53 pm


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