Missouri, like many states, follows a traditional at-fault system when it comes to vehicle accidents. This means that when a collision occurs, someone is typically deemed responsible or “at fault” for the incident. What does this actually entail? Missouri residents must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage through an insurance provider. In the event of a collision, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for paying medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages to victims who sustained injuries.
At-fault and no-fault are terms that describe the type of insurance system for any given state in the US and describe how car accident claims are handled. In Missouri, victims may file a claim for bodily injury or property damage through the coverage of the liable driver without filing with their own insurance company first. The lawyers at Goza & Honnold are highly experienced in handling complex vehicle accident claims and can help determine your best legal options if you were injured due to someone else’s negligence.
Missouri At-Fault Accident Laws
In an at-fault state, whoever is responsible for the collision is responsible for damages. However, who is liable for the accident may not always be clear. For example, if there is more than one driver responsible for the accident, injury claims will be handled by each respective insurance policy according to the portion of fault each party bears. As such, for three drivers equally at fault, insurers will pay one-third of the damages for all victims, whereas for two drivers of unequal fault, their liability might be divided 70% and 30%, and the insurance company may pay for their share accordingly.
If you share partial blame, then under the fault system, you will not be able to recover the portion of damages that corresponds to your share of fault. For example, if you were 25% liable for the accident, you could only recover 75% of the total damages.
In Missouri, you must carry the following amount of insurance coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per individual
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage coverage
Minimum uninsured coverage includes the following:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per individual
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
Uninsured or underinsured drivers may have their driver’s license suspended and be subject to a lawsuit if they cause an accident they cannot afford to cover.
Recoverable Compensation in a Successful Accident Claim
Depending on the details of the vehicle accident and the extent of the injuries you suffered, you may recover the following compensation under Missouri’s fault system:
- Medical expenses and treatment
- Expenses in-home medical or personal care
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disabilities and impairments
- Scarring
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If the at-fault party’s liability insurance does not cover the full extent of the damages you suffered, you may seek legal action with the help of the experienced lawyers at Goza & Honnold. We know that insurance companies may devalue or deny your claim. We protect your legal rights at every step of the legal process, ensuring you obtain the most favorable outcome for your claim.
Speak With the Experienced Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Understanding and navigating Missouri’s fault laws can be challenging to handle on your own after an accident. The lawyers at Goza & Honnold have decades of experience helping victims obtain a successful outcome in vehicle accident claims. With us by your side, you can build a strong claim and hold all liable parties accountable for the injuries you suffered.
Schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our experienced car accident lawyers by calling (913) 451-3433 or filling out a contact form.