Serious injury from motor vehicle crashes may entitle you to financial recovery.
Motor vehicle accidents can cause devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial hardship. Donelan Law represents individuals and families in cases involving serious injury or wrongful death resulting from car accidents, truck accidents, and other high-impact crashes.
Representation is focused on cases involving meaningful harm. The firm does not handle property-damage-only claims, traffic citations, or accidents without physical injury.
Common serious cases often involve:
Civil claims focus on financial recovery and accountability for the harm caused. Compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, long-term care needs, and other damages resulting from the crash.
Some cases also overlap with criminal proceedings, particularly when impaired or reckless driving is involved. Legal guidance can help families understand how civil and criminal processes interact and what steps may protect their rights.
Move to a safe location and call emergency services for medical assistance and to report the accident.
Get photographs, witness information, and insurance details.
Seek medical attention for any injury, even if injuries seem minor at first.
Do not claim or admit fault, simply notify them of the accident.
Legal representation can help ensure that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Donelan Law approaches serious accident cases with focused, detail-driven representation and close attention to the unique circumstances of each client.
Our clients receive:
The goal is to help injured individuals and their families pursue fair compensation, accountability, and a path forward after a life-altering accident.
There are many differences between criminal and civil cases:
1) Who decides to pursue charges.
In criminal cases, the State of Missouri or the federal government decides whether to pursue charges against a person when they have committed a crime.
In a civil action, the victim or their legal representative chooses to pursue legal action against the person or entity who caused them harm.
2) The kinds of justice and remuneration a case can achieve.
In a civil case, the victim usually seeks monetary compensation for damages.
In a criminal cases, the courts may award monetary restitution, but also can impose punishments such as fines, imprisonment, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other remedies.
3) The Standard of Proof required to achieve a result.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is generally lower than in criminal cases.
4) Impact on Related Cases
A criminal conviction can sometimes make the civil case more likely to be successful, but it is not necessary to file criminal charges. Even if a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case, you still may be able to file a civil action against the abuser or a third party.
A victim can pursue a civil action whether or not a criminal case has also been filed.
It depends on several factors.
In most personal injury cases, Donelan Law works on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee for the services unless we win and make a successful recovery. A personal injury case is a civil legal claim brought by an individual seeking compensation for wrongs committed by an individual or entities who caused them preventable harms and losses (i.e., suing an abuser or third party for money damages).
In other types of cases, Donelan Law can be hired for an hourly rate or a flat fee. For example, representation for obtaining an order of protection is often based on an hourly fee or a flat fee. After reviewing the facts of your case, we will let you know the initial retainer fee to open a case and candidly discuss potential costs from the beginning and throughout your case.
In many types of cases, Donelan Law only receives a fee after a monetary recovery has been made. However, in some legal battles with abusers, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Having an attorney as your advocate and legal representative can better protect your time, money, mental health and safety. Sarah has over 10 years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and she understands the real dangers of some abusers and knows the complicated legal system.
Donelan Law understands that abusers can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, and you may need support with several issues. We are here to help you navigate whatever legal issues you are facing or make sure you find the right help. This might include defamation claims, criminal charges, and housing issues.
Please note: Donelan Law does not generally represent clients in family law cases (i.e., divorce and custody cases).
In Missouri, wrongful death claims generally must be filed within three years from the date of death. Missing this deadline can prevent recovery, so prompt legal consultation is critical.
We investigate all potential sources of recovery, which may include:
A wrongful death claim arises when a person dies as a result of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or intentional act.
Common causes include:
A wrongful death case is a civil action separate from any criminal prosecution.
Serious injuries can result from:
Missouri law establishes a specific order of who may bring a claim:
If none of the above are available, other family members or a court-appointed plaintiff may file. Determining who has legal standing can be complex, and legal guidance is important.
Yes! Donelan Law takes the utmost precautions to ensure your information stays private and it is always the individual’s decision whether or not to move forward with legal action.