Frequently Asked Car Accident Questions in Missouri
Car accidents happen in an instant, but the consequences can last for months or even years.
After a crash, many people find themselves facing medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost income, nosy insurance adjusters, and countless questions about what comes next. Understanding your rights under Missouri law can help you make informed decisions and protect your ability to recover compensation.
At The S.E. Farris Law Firm, we regularly help injured drivers and passengers throughout the St. Louis area navigate the aftermath of serious car accidents. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from accident victims.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim in Missouri?
Missouri currently allows injured individuals five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If the other driver didn’t have insurance or have enough insurance, the time frame can be extended.
While five years may sound like a long time, waiting can seriously hurt your case. Important evidence can disappear, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and surveillance footage is often deleted long before a lawsuit is filed.
If the accident resulted in a fatality, different deadlines may apply to a wrongful death claim.
Because every case is unique, it is wise to speak with an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a crash.
When Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Not every accident requires legal representation. However, hiring a lawyer is often beneficial when:
- You suffered injuries requiring medical treatment
- The insurance company denies liability
- The insurance company offers a low settlement
- Multiple vehicles were involved
- Fault is disputed
- You missed time from work
- You sustained permanent injuries
- A commercial vehicle or trucking company was involved
The sooner an attorney becomes involved, the better your chances of preserving evidence and avoiding costly mistakes during the claims process.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
The steps you take after a collision can significantly impact both your health and your legal claim.
Seek Medical Attention
Always prioritize your health. Some injuries, including concussions and soft tissue injuries, may not show symptoms immediately.
Report your injury.
A police report creates an official record of the crash and may provide valuable evidence later. Reporting the injury to your own insurance, even if you don’t intend to make a claim, can be helpful in the future as well.
Document the Scene
If possible, take photographs of:
- Vehicle damage
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals
- Skid marks
- Visible injuries
Gather contact information from witnesses and the other drivers involved.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Promptly report the accident, but avoid giving recorded statements to any one other than the police before speaking with an attorney.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, communicate with insurance companies, and guide you through the claims process.
What Is Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rule?
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system.
This means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for causing the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your damages total $100,000 and you are found 20% responsible, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000.
Insurance companies frequently use comparative fault arguments to reduce payouts, which is one reason legal representation can be valuable.
What Is the Car Accident Settlement Process?
Most car accident claims settle before reaching trial.
The process typically involves:
- Medical Treatment
Your attorney will often wait until you finish treating and are released by your doctor or have a clear understanding of your future treatment needs before valuing the claim. It is a mistake to settle an injury claim until the full impact of the injury is determined.
- Investigation
Evidence is gathered, including:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photographs
- Expert opinions when necessary
- Demand Package
Your lawyer submits a demand to the insurance company outlining liability, injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Negotiation
Settlement negotiations take place between the parties.
- Litigation if Necessary
If the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, filing a lawsuit may become necessary.
While every case is different, having an experienced attorney can often improve both the efficiency and outcome of the process.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Missouri Car Accident?
Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical Expenses
- Emergency room treatment
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Future medical care
Lost Income
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Missed business opportunities
Pain and Suffering
Compensation may be available for:
- Physical pain
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Property Damage
- Vehicle repair costs
- Vehicle replacement costs
- Rental car expenses
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
Serious injuries that permanently affect your quality of life may substantially increase the value of a claim.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Insurance Company Already Made an Offer?
Insurance companies often make early settlement offers before the full extent of injuries is known.
Accepting a settlement means giving up the right to pursue additional compensation later, even if your injuries aren’t fully known or worsen.
Before accepting any offer, it is wise to understand the full value of your claim and the long-term impact of your injuries. You are unlikely to know the real value of your claim, but an experienced attorney will.
Why Choose The S.E. Farris Law Firm?
After a serious car accident, you need clear answers, honest guidance, and an advocate who understands Missouri injury law.
At The S.E. Farris Law Firm, we work directly with injured clients throughout the St. Louis area to investigate accidents, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the compensation they deserve. Our goal is to help clients focus on recovery while we handle the legal challenges.
If you’ve been injured in a Missouri car accident, contact The S.E. Farris Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers, including The S.E. Farris Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.
How long does a car accident settlement take?
Some cases resolve in a few months, while more complex claims can take a year or longer depending on the severity of injuries and disputes regarding liability or your medical history.
Should I speak with the other driver’s insurance company?
Never speak to the other driver’s insurance company about your injuries. If possible, another family member should take the lead on getting your car fixed but if you must do it, don’t talk about your injuries or medical history at all. Insurance adjusters may use statements against you when evaluating your claim. No insurance company has ever taken a statement to help you get more money for your damages.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
You may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage or other available insurance policies.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Missouri’s comparative fault system allows injured parties to recover compensation even when they share some responsibility for the accident.
