Liability in Missouri Car Accidents

If you were injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s carelessness, you may be wondering how you get compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses caused by the accident. An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer from Miller & Hine can meet with you to discuss your legal rights and options during your free case review. We have over 50 years of combined experience, so we know all the parties who may be responsible for the accident and how to secure the compensation you deserve.

Missouri’s Fault-Based System

Missouri uses an at-fault system for car accidents. The party responsible for the accident is responsible for paying the victim for the damages or losses they experience because of the accident. This is usually through filing an insurance claim with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider.

Damages in a Missouri Car Accident Case

Car accident victims have the right to be put in the position they were in before the accident. They are not responsible for the accident and should not have to bear the financial burden. Missouri law allows car accident victims to recover compensation for the following economic and non-economic damages:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Cost to repair or replace your damaged vehicle
• Permanent disability, scarring, or disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Lost quality of life

An experienced car accident attorney can review your claim and determine the parties responsible for your injuries and the amount of compensation to which you are entitled.

Who Is Responsible for a Missouri Car Accident?

Possible parties who might be responsible for a Missouri car accident include:

Another Motorist

Most car accidents are due to driver error. Accidents may be caused by factors such as:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Drowsy driving
• Impaired driving
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Running a red light or stop sign

Some accidents are due to the actions of multiple negligent drivers. In such cases, you may be able to file a claim with multiple insurers to maximize your recovery.

A Bicyclist or Pedestrian

Other road users may be responsible for an accident, such as a bicyclist or pedestrian.

Bars or Clubs

Commercial establishments that serve a drunk driver can be held responsible for damages under Missouri’s dram shop law.

A Product Manufacturer

Product manufacturers can be held responsible for accidents caused by their defective parts or vehicles.

The Government

Some accidents are due to dangerous road design, defective traffic signals, or unmaintained roads. The government agency responsible for maintaining the roadway may be held responsible in these cases.

You

Under Missouri’s pure comparative negligence system, you can still seek compensation for an accident even if you contributed to the accident and even if you were mostly at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your own degree of fault.

Call an Experienced Missouri Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today

If you were injured in a car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer from Miller & Hine can help. We can review your case, investigate who was at fault, and pursue maximum compensation from all available sources. Call us at (314) 408-5708 or contact us online for a free consultation.