Auto Accidents

It is very important to recognize the full dimensions of any significant personal injury case. At Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law we handle all types of auto, truck and motorcycle accident cases in the State of Missouri and the State of Illinois.

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

• Call the police — even if there is no visible damage or evidence, a police report gives you an accurate description of the accident along with names and other vital information.
• Seek medical attention — even if injuries are not apparent; the next morning when they appear, you have established a baseline of your health and damages.
• Request that a police report be prepared — which allows easy access to the policy and insurance information from the other driver's insurance carrier.
• If feasible, photograph the scene including your injuries, the damage to the vehicles, relevant highway traffic signs, and the accident scene.
• Identify potential witnesses — their names, addresses, and contact numbers.
• Identify the at fault, or potentially at fault, driver or drivers. Get license plate numbers and automobile descriptions as well.
• Report the incident to your automobile insurance carrier as soon as possible.
• Do not discuss the details of the accident with the other driver's insurance company.
• Cooperate fully with the police.
• Examine the other driver's insurance and verify authenticity of the policy to ensure validation.
• Notify your insurance company — but only give basic information about the accident.
• Medical treatment — if the product or service you are injured from is defective, seek medical attention.

Trucking Accidents

Annually, trucking companies haul tons of material across the nation's highways in amounts that can exceed many tons of weight. Trucks can be devastating when involved in a collision with a standard automobile, pickup, or minivan. Fortunately, trucking companies carry (if in compliance with the law) hefty insurance policies. There are also specific regulations that trucking companies are required to follow. These regulations govern a wide range of issues, from the mechanical maintenance of the truck to the physical health and working hours of the truck driver. If these regulations are not met, it can serve as a powerful tool for the injured party.

If you are injured in a trucking accident, call Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law at once. Evidence must be gathered quickly and before it can be compromised. There are often independent witnesses, highway and truck cameras, and other key evidence that must be preserved. Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law has significant experience in handling trucking and auto accidents in excess of millions of dollars.

Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are some of the most devastating personal injury cases. The reason is the motorcycle rider's direct exposure to the elements. There is very little protection from concrete, asphalt, other automobiles, natural elements and road debris. Most auto drivers simply do not see the motorcyclist. This exposure leads to significant injuries and costs.

Often motorcyclist passengers are just as at risk of a serious injury as the rider himself. Motorcycle riders who are involved in a collision are at an extreme risk for serious bodily injuries. If you are in a motorcycle accident, Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law can help you and your case. Do not assume that because the other driver's insurance company has offered you money that they have offered the fair market value of your claim.

Call Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law immediately. This is a type of injury that can require expensive medical care and significant surgery. Like automobile accidents, evidence and witnesses can be lost over time if an attorney is not retained promptly.

Nursing Homes

At Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law we will help you seek justice on behalf of your loved one by holding negligent parties accountable. Our attorneys are ready to assist you when this type of unfortunate situation arises. If you or a family member was injured in a nursing home, long term care or assisted living facility, or by an in home provider, contact us for your free initial consultation.

Defective Products / Medicine

These claims arise when consumers are injured by unsafe or improperly designed products, including dangerous medications, due to defects in design, manufacturing, or inadequate warnings.

Allow Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law to help you if you have been a victim or if anyone in your family has suffered a personal injury as a result of this type of negligence.

Dog Bites

Derek Rudman is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience handling dog bite cases under Missouri Law. Dog bite claims typically arise when an individual is injured by a dog due to the owner's negligence or failure to properly restrain or control the animal. I work to help clients navigate these claims, recover damages for medical expenses and other losses, and ensure accountability under the law.

Call Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law in St. Louis, MO at once so that we may begin to process your claim as soon as possible!

DWI / DUI / Felony DWI

A Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction can have devastating effects on one's freedom, pocket book and driving privileges whether you are a licensed driver or carry a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). One can face a felony DWI charge, which can result from two prior DUI convictions or two prior alcohol-related offenses.

This is a developing area of law that places seemingly stricter penalties on defendants every year. This is an area of law where you need to hire an experienced attorney to get you successfully through the minefield of possible penalties.

We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law on both sides of the table, and can assist in strategically guiding you through this complex area of law by reviewing the evidence lodged against you, analyzing breathalyzer reports and machine maintenance records in attempts to reducing your charges or having them in some cases dismissed outright. Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction or jail time, and minimize your risks.

Driving While Revoked or Suspended

This type of violation may result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine. A conviction for driving while revoked or suspended will result in a suspension of one's driving privileges. Subsequent violations for driving while revoked or suspended may result in felony charges. Let Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law protect your driving record and fight for your freedom. Call Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law in St. Louis, MO now at (314) 393-5200.

Warrants, Capias & Bond Reductions

In felony cases and certain misdemeanor cases a warrant and/or capias are issued for one's arrest once charges are brought against you. Once notified by mail, casenet, or by the police simply coming to your place of work or home can lead to problems in your life. Please contact Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law in St. Louis, MO immediately at (314) 393-5200. We can help!

We will try to minimize these risks by working with the prosecutors and judges to avoid the embarrassment of being arrested and attempt to prevent you from spending time in jail while your case makes its way through the system. If you have a bond set, regardless of being physically incarcerated or not we can work to have your bond lowered. We are very successful in getting this accomplished for you regardless if the case is a felony or a misdemeanor.

Traffic Offenses

We have handled thousands of these types of charges at Derek M. Rudman, Attorney at Law on both sides of the table. Let our experience work for you. Our goal is that you do not receive a conviction, jail time, high fines or points on your driving record.

We handle all traffic matters, including but not limited to: driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence, excessive blood alcohol content (BAC), driving while suspended, driving while revoked, no insurance, improper registration, speeding, speeding in a construction zone, improper lane change, leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving, no operator's license, obtaining plates of another, tampering, no headlights, tinted windows, driving through a stop sign or electric signal, driving on the wrong side of the road and improper passing.