Understanding Car Accident Laws: Is Missouri a No-Fault State?
Car accidents are often difficult to deal with. With the potential injuries, both physical and mental, property damage, and dealing with the insurance company, it can be quite a daunting experience. Oftentimes, each state has different laws for whether or not they operate under a no-fault system or a traditional tort system. It’s important to understand these laws so drivers know their rights and responsibilities in the event of an accident. Let’s take a closer look at understanding the car accident laws in Missouri with Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers today!
Understanding No-Fault Insurance
Before we begin looking into Missouri’s specific laws, let’s understand what no-fault means. In no-fault states, drivers who are involved in an accident use their own insurance, regardless of who is found at fault. The aim of no-fault states is to streamline the claims process and ensure that individuals receive compensation in a timely manner, without having to pursue litigation.
Each driver’s insurance policy includes personal injury protection (PIP) in no-fault states. Which means that medical bills, lost wages, and other damages are paid using PIP coverage, regardless of who is found at fault. There are limits to the coverage provided by PIP, and in some cases, the injured party could pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance through litigation.
Is Missouri a No-Fault State?
So, is Missouri a no-fault state? No, Missouri operates under a traditional tort system for car accidents. In a traditional torts system, the at-fault party is responsible for the injured party’s damages. So, if you are involved in a car accident in Missouri, the driver who caused the accident would be held liable for damages.
Missouri’s tort system follows comparative negligence, which means that fault is divided between the parties involved based on their degree of responsibility for the accident. Under Missouri law, even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to compensation. However, your total recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.
Insurance Requirements in Missouri
There are a few insurance requirements in Missouri that drivers must carry with minimum coverage limits. The minimum liability insurance requirements in Missouri includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These coverage limits are put into place to make sure that drivers have the financial means to compensate others in the event of an accident. Furthermore, uninsured motorist coverage should also be added to protect against uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Recovering Damages in Missouri
In Missouri, if you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for various types of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and any other healthcare-related expenses incurred as a result of the accident.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working or earning income, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you’ve lost during your recovery period.
- Property Damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation may also be awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the accident and your injuries.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where the accident results in the loss of companionship or support from a spouse or family member, damages may be awarded for loss of consortium.
It’s important to note that Missouri has a statute of limitations that must be met to receive any type of compensation. In Missouri, you have five years since the date of the accident to file suit.
Injured in an Accident? Get In Touch With Mutrux Firm Today!
It is important to understand the laws regarding insurance coverage and car accidents in Missouri. Now that you know that Missouri follows the traditional tort system of the at-fault driver’s insurance paying for damages, get in touch with Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers if you have any questions! We’re here to help you throughout the process and want to make sure you are able to recover from your accident while we handle the legalities of your case.
Call us at (888) 550-4026 or contact us here for a free consultation. We operate on a contingency basis, so you don’t owe us a dime unless we win!