A Guide to Missouri Personal Injury Statutes for Auto Accident Victims

Anyone who has ever been in an auto accident in Missouri has likely wondered about their legal rights. Most victims ask the following questions:

1. How does my auto insurance coverage work?
2. Does the state use the no-fault rule?
3. What is Missouri's minimum coverage requirement?
4. Knowing how the state's auto insurance laws work is crucial to the success of an accident claim. For further help, consult a local car accident lawyer.

Missouri Fault Laws

Missouri uses the at-fault rule for auto insurance. Simply put, an injured driver must file a claim with their insurer or the other driver's provider. Additionally, the person responsible for an accident is liable for financial harm, which their insurer covers up to the policy's limit. A Missouri resident injured in an auto accident has a range of options for reporting the event and gaining compensation. They can:

1. File a personal injury suit against the responsible party
2. File a claim with their own insurer
3. Make a claim against the at-fault driver's insurer

In no-fault states, drivers have fewer options, and they may find it harder to prove the seriousness of their injuries. Thankfully, Missouri's drivers have no such worries.

Pay to Play

According to House Bill 339, uninsured drivers waive their right to request non-economic damages after an auto accident. A driver with no insurance can only get compensation for their medical bills. There are two notable exceptions:

• If the accident was caused by an intoxicated driver
• If the victim's insurance company canceled their policy without six months notice
• Many critics denounce this law because they believe it punishes drivers who cannot afford insurance. However, the state doesn't offer a low-income coverage option.

Filing a Claim for Auto Accident Injuries

A driver's only option for collecting accident damages, aside from the auto insurance system, is to file a personal injury claim. With these claims, accident attorneys will gather evidence to argue for a fair settlement. Drivers can gain compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, property damage, and lost income. As the state uses the pure comparative fault doctrine, a driver who's partially responsible for an accident can recover a portion of their damages.

Call an Auto Accident Lawyer

If there's been an auto accident that's caused injuries, our lawyers are ready to help. Missouri Personal Injury Statutes only give victims a short time to file a claim, so it's important to act quickly. Call today or visit the website to find out how an attorney can protect a victim's rights and help them pursue their options.