Trial-Ready Car Accident Lawyers in Southeast Missouri
When an Insurance Company Won’t Pay, We Make Them
After a car wreck, you face medical bills, lost wages, and a future that feels uncertain. The insurance company has a team of adjusters and lawyers working to pay you as little as possible. You need a legal team that isn’t afraid to take them to court. At Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz, we are trial lawyers. We prepare every car accident case as if it’s going before a jury, giving you the leverage to demand the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Hurt in a Wreck? Get a Trial-Ready Team on Your Side.
We Are Missouri Car Accident Lawyers
Many law firms aim to settle cases quickly, often for less than they’re worth. Our approach is different. We are litigators first. Our reputation for taking cases to trial and winning is our greatest asset, and yours. Insurance companies know we won’t back down. This forces them to negotiate fairly or face us in a courtroom where we have a proven record of success.
Record-Breaking Verdicts that Speak for Themselves
Our results show our commitment to securing maximum compensation for our clients. We have a history of achieving significant outcomes in car accident cases.
$1.7 Million Car Accident Verdict:
Holding a negligent driver accountable.
$1.8 Million Wrongful Death Settlement:
Securing a family's future after a tragic loss.
$1.25 Million Car Accident Settlement:
Ensuring our client had the resources to recover.
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our unwavering dedication to fighting for every dollar our clients are owed.
Navigating the Aftermath of a Serious Car Accident
A collision can happen anywhere, from the busy lanes of I-55 to a quiet rural road in the Bootheel. The consequences are often devastating, leaving victims with serious injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. We handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From concussions to severe cognitive impairment.
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
Spinal Cord and Neck Injuries
Including whiplash, herniated discs, and paralysis.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken Bones and Fractures
Often requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Internal Injuries
Internal Injuries
Damage to organs that may not be immediately apparent.
Severe Lacerations and Burns
Severe Lacerations and Burns
Resulting in permanent scarring and disfigurement.
No matter the severity of your injury, you need legal advocates who understand the full scope of your losses and can build a case to cover a lifetime of care. Learn More
What Not to Do If You’re in a Car Accident
In the aftermath of a car wreck, your actions matter. To protect your rights and your claim, avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t apologize to anyone at the scene—what seems like a simple courtesy can be taken as an admission of guilt.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting your attorney first. It’s easy to say something that could later be used against you.
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer. Insurance companies often make lowball offers hoping your need for relief will lead you to settle for less than you deserve.
- Don’t post about your accident on social media. Insurance adjusters may review your profiles and use your posts to challenge or undermine your claim.
Any one of these missteps can be used against you in negotiations or even in court. This is why one of the smartest moves you can make after a crash is to contact an attorney who will protect your rights from day one. Once you hire legal counsel, your lawyer becomes the only contact for insurance companies and opposing attorneys, ensuring you don’t inadvertently hurt your case.
Why Does a Trial Lawyer Make a Difference in Your Car Accident Claim?
Insurance adjusters are trained to protect their company’s bottom line. They may pressure you into giving a recorded statement, offer a quick lowball settlement, or deny your claim outright. Having a trial-ready attorney from the start changes the dynamic completely.
We Level the Playing Field
The insurer has legal experts. So should you. We immediately take over all communication, protecting you from their tactics.
We Maximize Your Claim's Value
We conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, consult with experts, and calculate the full value of your damages—including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
We Are Prepared for Battle
Our willingness to go to court is not a threat; it’s a promise. This preparation often leads to better settlement offers because the other side knows the risk they face if they go up against us.
We Handle All Types of Motor Vehicle Collisions in Missouri
Our decades of experience cover a wide range of complex accident scenarios. We have the resources and knowledge to take on any opponent, including:
How We Assist When You've Been Injured in a Car Accident
After an injury, facing insurance companies alone can be intimidating. Their adjusters are trained to protect their interests, not yours. We believe you deserve a dedicated advocate to handle these complex communications so you can focus on your recovery.
From the moment you partner with us, we take over all discussions with the insurance companies. We ensure your rights are protected, your claim is evaluated fairly, and your story is told with the strength it deserves. Watch the video below to learn more about how we stand by your side and fight for you every step of the way.
Don't Settle for Less Than You Deserve
The moments after a car accident are critical. Your first decision should be to protect your rights. Before you speak to an insurance adjuster or sign any paperwork, speak with an attorney who has a track record of holding negligent parties and their insurers accountable.
At Cook, Barkett, Ponder and Wolz, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing unless we win your case. There is no risk in getting the powerful legal representation you need.