Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Missouri
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Missouri Car Accident Lawyer for Injured Drivers and Passengers
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Missouri Car Accident Lawyer
A car accident in Missouri is more than just a stressful event, it can lead to life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost wages. When insurance companies prioritize their profits over your recovery, you need an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer who understands the state’s complex liability and comparative fault laws. At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we provide aggressive, results-driven representation for accident victims in Columbia and across Missouri. We don’t just handle cases; we build a strategic roadmap to hold at-fault parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Award-Winning Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Recognized for Excellence
Tyson Mutrux has recovered millions for car accident victims across Missouri from I-70 crashes in Columbia to multi-vehicle pile-ups in St. Louis. Licensed in Missouri, Illinois, and U.S. Federal Courts, he has been named Best Injury Attorney in Columbia (2025) – Inside Columbia Magazine, Recognized under Top 10 Car Accident Lawyers in Columbia (2024) – Trust Analytica, Best Car Accident Lawyer in Columbia (2023) – Expertise.com and holds a Superb 10/10 Avvo rating. Before founding Mutrux Firm, Tyson worked for State Farm Insurance as a claims representative, giving him firsthand knowledge of how insurance companies minimize claims and how to fight back.
Personal Injury Lawyers in the Community
How Local Knowledge Strengthens Your Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit?
The combination of high traffic, aggressive driving, and poorly maintained infrastructure contributes to the high accident rate in Missouri. Local agencies, such as MoDOT and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, provide the data necessary to prove negligence in court for Accident lawsuit.
Our team understands:
Traffic Pattern Analysis: How time-of-day and road conditions impact driver liability.
Police Reporting: How to leverage highway patrol reports to establish negligence per se.
Local Ordinances: Navigating city-specific traffic laws that can strengthen your claim.
- Seek medical help
- Capture evidence
- File a police report
- Talk to witnesses
Get medical help
Capture evidence
File a police report
Talk to witnesses
Don't settle for less
The first offer is where insurers start. It is not where we finish.
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Their first offer $65,000
What we recovered
$400,000
The insurer opened at $65,000 and later called $101,000 its top offer. Working closely with our client, we proved significant lost wages and settled for $400,000.
Figures are actual recoveries. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How Missouri Car Accident Lawyers Help Drivers Navigate the City’s Most Dangerous Roads?
For over a decade, we have served as a trusted partner for accident victims throughout Missouri, gaining deep insight into the state's most treacherous roadways and intersections. If you have been involved in a collision, the guidance of an experienced Missouri car accident lawyer can significantly impact your ability to secure the full compensation you deserve. Missouri's roadways, ranging from bustling urban interstates like I-70 and I-270 to dangerous rural stretches, present unique hazards that require specialized legal knowledge to navigate.
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we leverage local traffic data from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to build robust cases. Whether your accident occurred in St. Louis, Columbia, or anywhere else in the state, we know exactly what to look for, from police report inconsistencies to historical crash data, to hold negligent parties accountable.
While accidents can happen anywhere, certain locations across Missouri are statistically more hazardous due to high traffic volume, confusing interchange designs, and frequent lane changes.
Dangerous Highways and High-Risk Corridors
Interstate 70 (I-70)
As a major artery crossing the state from Kansas City to St. Louis, I-70 is one of the deadliest routes in the nation, with high volumes of commuter and commercial truck traffic.
US Route 63 (Highway 63)
Known for being a vital north-south connector, stretches of Highway 63 have historically ranked among the deadliest in the state.
Missouri Highway 21 ("Blood Alley")
A notoriously dangerous 28-mile stretch south of St. Louis, known for its challenging curves and high fatality rate.
US Route 71 (Highway 71)
Especially the sections passing through Kansas City, which have seen a high density of serious multi-vehicle collisions.
Hazardous Intersections to Watch
Navigating intersections requires constant vigilance, especially in dense metropolitan areas like St. Louis:
Grand Boulevard & Forest Park Avenue
A high-traffic hotspot near St. Louis University where speeding and red-light running are common.
Kingshighway Boulevard & Lindell Boulevard
Frequent congestion and complex turn lanes make this a volatile area for both drivers and pedestrians.
Gravois Avenue & Chippewa Street
A diagonal intersection layout that frequently confuses drivers, often leading to side-impact or T-bone accidents.
Stadium Boulevard & I-70 (Columbia)
Featuring a diamond interchange, this area is highly prone to high-speed collisions.
Understanding Car Accident Types
Car accidents in Missouri can take many forms, each carrying unique risks and legal considerations. Whether it’s a rear-end collision, a T-bone accident at an intersection, or a crash involving a pedestrian or cyclist, these incidents often result in serious injuries and financial burdens. A Columbia car accident lawyer can help navigate the complexities of Missouri’s legal system, ensuring victims receive fair compensation for their losses.
Some of the most common types of accidents include rear-end collisions, typically caused by distracted driving or tailgating, and T-bone crashes, which frequently occur at intersections due to failure to yield. Sideswipe accidents and lane departure crashes often happen at high speeds, while single-vehicle accidents may result from road conditions, driver error, or mechanical failure. Additionally, head-on collisions and multi-vehicle pile-ups are among the most severe, often leading to catastrophic injuries.
Victims of accidents involving uninsured drivers face added challenges, making legal guidance even more critical. Similarly, crashes involving pedestrians, cyclists, or animals require thorough investigation to determine liability. Regardless of the accident type, working with a Missouri car accident lawyer can ensure that victims understand their rights, gather essential evidence, and secure the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been involved in a crash, seeking legal counsel promptly can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
Seek Justice with a Skilled Car Accident Attorney in Missouri
Let’s take a look at the Missouri car insurance requirements for vehicles registered in the state. Missouri is an at-fault state, so drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage in their auto policies. Here’s a quick rundown of the requirements to register and insure a vehicle in Missouri:
- Add liability and uninsured motorist coverage to your policy.
- Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle while driving. Failing to present proof of insurance to a police officer may result in fines.
- Not having proof of insurance can lead to penalties and make it difficult to recover compensation in the event of an accident.
In Missouri, all motorists must carry both liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. You can meet these requirements in several ways:
Purchasing a Liability Policy: The most common method involves buying a standard liability insurance policy from a licensed insurer. This policy covers damages you cause to others in an accident.
Providing Proof of Financial Responsibility: Instead of a traditional policy, you can submit a Proof of Financial Responsibility to the Missouri Department of Revenue. Options include a surety bond or cash deposits, ensuring you can cover damages from an accident.
Self-Insurance: Organizations with a fleet of 26 or more passenger vehicles can apply for a certificate of self-insurance. This option allows them to meet financial responsibility requirements without purchasing standard insurance policies.
For liability insurance, drivers in Missouri must have the following minimum amounts of coverage:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and
- $25,000 per accident for property damage.
Liability insurance is important, as it covers you in the event that you have sustained injuries, property damage, and other economic damages. Liability insurance covers any accident where you are the at-fault driver, your policy will pay for any damages caused. According to Missouri law, you must carry $25,000 per person for bodily injury coverage, and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury in uninsured motorist coverage.
In Missouri, drivers can choose to file a Proof of Financial Responsibility instead of purchasing a traditional insurance policy. To do this, you must submit the Proof of Financial Responsibility to the Department of Revenue. You can demonstrate your financial capability to cover any damages using one of the following methods:
- Surety Bond: A third party guarantees payment on your behalf.
- Real Estate Bond: You use real property as collateral for your financial responsibility.
- Cash Deposits or Securities: You provide cash or securities to the state as proof of your ability to pay for damages.
Choosing this option benefits those who may not want or need a traditional insurance policy but still want to comply with Missouri’s financial responsibility laws.
The certificate of self-insurance is a specialized option available for certain entities in Missouri. Religious organizations or companies with a fleet of at least 26 passenger vehicles can apply for this certificate. Like the Proof of Financial Responsibility, eligible organizations must submit the certificate of self-insurance to the Department of Revenue.
This certificate allows these entities to demonstrate their financial responsibility without needing traditional insurance coverage. By obtaining a self-insurance certificate, organizations can effectively manage their liabilities while complying with state regulations.
Our Columbia car accident lawyers are here to help! We can help you recover the compensation you deserve and ensure you have the best representation possible.
Missouri Penalties for Driving Without Insurance and Your Car Accident Lawsuit Options
Consequences of Driving Without Insurance
Driving without insurance leads to serious penalties, including hefty fines, license revocation, reinstatement fees, and points on your driving record. Maintaining insurance coverage protects your financial stability and allows your Columbia car accident lawyer to handle your case more effectively, improving your chances of a favorable outcome.
Missouri’s “No Pay, No Play” Law
Missouri enforces the “No Pay, No Play” law, which limits your ability to recover non-economic damages if you drive without insurance. These damages include mental anguish, loss of consortium, and diminished quality of life key factors in a Columbia car accident case.
How a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Deals With Insurance Adjusters?
Insurance adjusters focus on minimizing payouts to protect their company’s profits. Keep these tips in mind when discussing your claim:
- Never Admit Fault: Avoid any statements that could suggest liability.
- Decline Recorded Statements: You are not required to provide one.
- Avoid Injury Discussions: If you haven’t sought medical treatment, refrain from discussing injuries until you consult with Car accident lawyers in Columbia to protect your claim.
- Be Concise: Stick to short, clear responses.
- Don’t Feel Pressured: It’s okay to say you don’t know an answer.
- Consult Your Lawyer: Always check with your attorney before signing any insurance documents.
- Challenge Low Offers: If the insurer’s offer is too low, let your lawyer negotiate for fair compensation.
Although you can speak with an adjuster yourself, having an attorney handle negotiations often leads to better results. A skilled lawyer understands the strategies insurers use to reduce payouts and can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Are Car Accidents Common in Missouri?
Car accidents in Missouri are a frequent and serious reality, impacting thousands of residents and visitors across the state every year. While Missouri has seen a positive trend in declining roadway fatalities over the past few years, marking a third consecutive year of reduction in 2025, the state still records hundreds of fatal collisions and thousands of serious injuries annually. Whether you are driving on busy metropolitan interstates or quiet rural highways, the risk of a collision remains a critical concern.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Missouri
Understanding why accidents occur is the first step toward promoting safer driving habits. Data from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol consistently highlights several primary factors contributing to crashes across the state.
Speeding and aggressive driving
Speeding is frequently cited as the leading contributing factor in Missouri traffic fatalities. Excessive speed leaves less time to react to hazards and dramatically increases injury severity for occupants, pedestrians, and bicyclists alike.
Distracted driving
Despite the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law prohibiting handheld device use, many collisions still stem from drivers looking away from the road, whether from phones, vehicle controls, or passengers. This challenge spans drivers of all ages.
Impaired driving
Alcohol and drug impairment remains a major contributor to fatal crashes. Impairment slows cognitive function, decreases reaction time, and impairs coordination, and even prescription medications can affect a driver's abilities.
Failure to use occupant protection
A startling number of Missouri traffic fatalities involve occupants who were not wearing seat belts. Unbelted motorists are significantly overrepresented in fatal crash statistics, particularly in rural areas.
Improper lane usage and traffic violations
Improper lane changes, failure to yield, and running stop signs or signals cause thousands of preventable accidents, often in heavy traffic areas where lane changes and impatience create dangerous conditions.
Fatigued driving
Drowsy driving slows reaction time and impairs judgment in ways similar to alcohol impairment. Long highway stretches and irregular work schedules make fatigue a persistent risk for Missouri drivers.
Understanding Missouri Crash Statistics
The Missouri Department of Transportation and the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintain comprehensive dashboards and reports, such as the Missouri Crash Analysis Reporting System (MOCARS), to track these incidents. By analyzing data on crash locations, times, and contributing circumstances, safety officials can identify high-risk zones and implement engineering, enforcement, and educational strategies aimed at the goal of "Show-Me Zero," a statewide plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri?
If you have been involved in a car accident in Missouri, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Beyond the physical pain, you may be facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and complex insurance negotiations.
1
Prioritize safety
Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 to report the accident.
2
Seek medical attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries have delayed symptoms. A medical evaluation is essential for your health and your legal claim.
3
Document everything
If it is safe to do so, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
4
Avoid discussing fault
Do not admit fault or provide detailed statements to insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney.
5
Contact experienced counsel
You don't have to navigate the recovery process alone.
At Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers, we have extensive experience representing victims of car accidents across Missouri. We are committed to standing up for your rights and fighting to secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case investigation.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Missouri Car Accident?
Car accident victims may be entitled to compensation for various losses incurred due to the accident. Generally, these losses fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Types of Damages Available to Car Accident Victims
Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from the accident. Non-economic damages address intangible losses that are harder to measure but equally significant.
Economic damages
Medical expenses Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medication, and any future medical treatments required.
Lost income Wages lost during recovery, plus future earning capacity if injuries impact long-term ability to work.
Property damage Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of property damaged in the accident, including vehicles.
Cost of services Additional household or caregiving services made necessary by the injuries.
Non-economic damages
Pain and suffering Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish endured due to the accident and resulting injuries.
Loss of enjoyment of life Compensation when injuries prevent the victim from enjoying activities or hobbies they previously engaged in.
Loss of consortium Addresses the negative effects injuries can have on the victim's relationship with a spouse or family members.
Disfigurement or scarring Compensation for any permanent physical changes or scars resulting from the accident.
In cases where the at-fault party's actions are particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may also be awarded. These damages aim to punish the responsible party and discourage similar behavior in the future.
Understanding Your Rights
The availability and amount of these damages depend on several factors, such as the severity of injuries, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and local laws. Consulting with a qualified attorney can help determine what types of damages you may be eligible for and guide you in pursuing fair compensation.
If you've been involved in a car accident, the Missouri car accident lawyers at the Mutrux Firm can assist you in navigating the legal process and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for My Car Accident in Missouri?
When a car accident occurs in Missouri, there are quite a few parties that could be held liable for your injuries and property damage. In the case where your injuries far exceed the limits on your insurance policy, you will likely have to file suit.
In Missouri, you can file against any party who might share some of the fault in your car accident, such as:
Drivers of other passenger vehicles
The driver of your car
Your own passenger
Truck drivers
Trucking companies
Motorcyclists
Bicyclists
Pedestrians
Bus drivers
Public transportation companies
Employers of negligent parties
Vehicle manufacturers
Company or private mechanics
Uber/Lyft drivers
Cab companies
Government entities
As you can see, there are quite a few parties that could be at fault for your accident. Therefore, it is important to seek legal counsel from a Columbia car accident lawyer to fully investigate your case, and get you the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Common Car Crash Injuries
There are quite a few different types of injuries you could sustain from a car accident in Columbia. Some of these include:
Broken bones
Concussions
Whiplash
Traumatic brain injury
Catastrophic injuries
Internal injuries
Burns
Limb loss
Knee injuries
Crush injuries
Soft tissue injuries
Wrongful death
These types of injuries can be extremely traumatic and life-altering. This is why it is critical to have a dedicated lawyer by your side throughout the process, to ensure that you are compensated. Furthermore, having a lawyer handle the legal process and dealing with insurance companies means you can focus on recovery. If you are looking for a Columbia Auto Accident Lawyer, then contact us!
Cost of Hiring a Lawyer for Your Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit
At the Mutrux Firm, we work on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t pay us a cent unless we win your case. This approach reflects our belief that every car accident victim deserves legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. Once we successfully settle your case, we keep a percentage of the award for our firm, allowing you to use the remaining funds to rebuild your life.
In this video, lawyer Tyson explains in detail what happens once your settlement check arrives at our office.
Car Crash Lawsuit Blogs
What Happens When There Are Multiple Defendants in a Missouri Car Accident Case?
If you have been injured in a multi-vehicle accident, you may find yourself facing a complex legal landscape. When multiple parties contribute to a crash, such as in chain-reaction collisions or pile-ups, determining who is financially responsible for your damages requires a strategic approach. In Missouri, navigating a case with multiple defendants demands an understanding of how liability and compensation are distributed.
Missouri’s Liability Laws: How Defendants Pay
Under Missouri Statute § 537.067, the law determines how defendants pay based on their percentage of fault. This statute creates a critical distinction in financial responsibility:
51% or more at fault: If a defendant is found to be 51 percent or more responsible for the accident, they are jointly and severally liable. This means they can be required to pay the full judgment amount, even if other defendants share some of the blame. This rule is designed to protect you, ensuring you can collect compensation even if one at-fault party lacks insurance or personal assets.
Less than 51% at fault: Defendants who bear less than 51 percent of the fault are typically only responsible for the percentage of the judgment specifically attributed to their negligence.
How Multiple Defendants May Impact Your Case?
When several parties are involved, the dynamics of your case can shift:
Blame shifting: Defendants often try to redirect blame toward one another to keep their individual fault percentages below the 51 percent threshold. While this may seem like an internal dispute, it can complicate the trial process.
Competing insurers: With multiple insurance companies involved, each one works to minimize its own payout. A skilled attorney evaluates every defendant’s coverage and assets to pursue your full recovery.
Comparative Negligence in a Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that if you share some responsibility for the accident, your total compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovering damages, even if you are significantly at fault.
For example, if you are 20 percent at fault for a $100,000 loss, you can still recover $80,000. Our job is to defend your actions and make sure any accusations of fault against you are minimized.
The Importance of Official Documentation
Following any Missouri car accident, filing a police report is a critical step. Documentation from the Missouri State Highway Patrol or local law enforcement serves as foundational evidence for your claim, detailing:
- The date, time, and location of the crash
- Statements from all drivers and witnesses
- Preliminary observations regarding negligence or traffic violations, such as speeding or failure to yield
If an officer issues a traffic citation to a defendant, it may support your case for negligence per se, a legal principle where the violation of a safety law helps establish liability.
Why You Need One of the Best Missouri Car Accident Lawyers?
Some crashes involve just two drivers and one insurance company. Many serious ones do not. When a commercial truck, a rideshare vehicle, a government vehicle, a negligent mechanic, or a dangerous stretch of road is part of the story, you are suddenly dealing with several at-fault parties and several insurers, each one pointing the finger at the others and hoping you settle for less in the confusion.
Multiple-defendant cases are not standard accident claims. They are complex litigation matters that require expert analysis. From hiring an accident reconstruction professional to applying the fault rules described above, we make sure your case is built on solid evidence. In a case with several defendants and limited insurance to go around, how fault is proven and divided can decide whether you are made whole or left with a fraction of what your injuries cost. Getting that allocation right takes evidence, not guesswork, and it is exactly where experience pays off.
Here is what we take off your shoulders in a complex, multi-party case:
- Identifying every party who may share responsibility, not just the obvious one
- Working with accident reconstruction and other experts to prove how the crash happened
- Preserving the evidence, from crash data to maintenance records, before it disappears
- Dealing with multiple insurance companies and their teams of lawyers, so you do not have to
- Positioning the case to hold the right defendants accountable under Missouri’s liability rules
If you have been injured in a complex accident, you don’t have to face multiple insurance companies alone. Contact Mutrux Firm Injury Lawyers today for a free case investigation. We handle the legal battle so you can focus on your recovery.
Leading Car Accident Lawyers in Missouri for Your Legal Needs
Have you been injured because of a car crash, truck crash, motorcycle crash or by other negligent acts of another? Our Missouri and Illinois Injury Lawyers can help you!
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Missouri Car Accident Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about car accident settlements
Do I need a lawyer after a car accident in Missouri?
Not for every fender bender, but it is worth talking to a lawyer when anyone was hurt, fault is disputed or the insurer is pushing you to settle quickly. A lawyer preserves evidence, handles the insurance companies and makes sure future medical costs are counted. Most injury lawyers, including Mutrux Firm, offer free consultations, so getting advice early costs you nothing.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Missouri?
Call 911 so police create a crash report, and get medical care the same day, even if you feel fine. Photograph the vehicles, the road and your injuries, exchange insurance information with every driver, and collect witness names. Do not admit fault at the scene, and keep every medical bill, receipt and record from the start.
Is Missouri a no-fault state, and what insurance is required?
Missouri is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the crash and their insurer pay for the damage. Every Missouri policy must include at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, $25,000 in property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist and medical payments coverage are optional but often make a big difference after a serious crash.
How do I prove the other driver was at fault in Missouri?
You show the other driver was careless, such as by speeding, texting, running a red light or failing to yield, and that this caused the crash. Evidence includes the police report, witness statements, photos, vehicle damage, traffic camera and dashcam footage, phone records and, in serious cases, accident reconstruction. The sooner this evidence is collected, the stronger your claim.
What happens if I was partly at fault for the crash?
Missouri follows pure comparative fault, so you can still recover even if you share some of the blame. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $200,000 and you are found 25 percent at fault, you recover $150,000. Insurers often try to inflate your share of the blame, so the evidence matters.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Missouri?
Most car accident injury lawsuits in Missouri must be filed within five years of the crash. If someone was killed, the wrongful death deadline is generally three years. Crashes involving a city, county or state vehicle can have much shorter notice rules. Waiting is risky even with time left, because footage gets overwritten and witnesses become hard to find.
Should I talk to the insurance company or accept their first offer?
Give your own insurer the basic facts your policy requires, but do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer before talking to a lawyer. First offers often come before you know how serious your injuries are, and once you sign a release, you cannot ask for more later. Have any offer reviewed before you accept it.
What if I was hit by an uninsured driver or in a hit and run?
Because Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage on every auto policy, your own insurance can pay for your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or cannot be identified. If the driver has some insurance but not enough, underinsured motorist coverage may cover the gap. Report a hit and run to police quickly, since policies often require prompt reporting.
What compensation can I recover after a car accident in Missouri?
You can seek compensation for medical bills, including emergency care, surgery and physical therapy, future treatment, lost wages and reduced earning capacity, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. Serious injuries may also justify long-term care costs. If the other driver was drunk or acted with extreme recklessness, punitive damages may be available, and families of people killed can bring a wrongful death claim.
How long does a car accident settlement take in Missouri?
Simple claims with clear fault and minor injuries can settle within a few months. Claims involving serious injuries, disputed fault or several drivers often take a year or longer, especially if a lawsuit is filed. Most claims should wait until your treatment is complete or stable, so the settlement covers the full cost of your injuries rather than an early estimate.
How do contingency fees work in a Missouri car accident case?
With a contingency fee, there are no upfront fees. Our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you through a settlement or verdict, and if we do not recover anything, you do not pay a fee. The exact percentage and how case costs are handled are explained in writing before you sign, so you know exactly how the money will be divided.