Missouri Car Accident Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Missouri car accident attorneys who can navigate the state’s pure comparative fault rule and lengthy 5-year statute of limitations. Whether your crash happened on I-70 through St. Louis, on I-44, or anywhere from Kansas City to Springfield, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Five years from the date of the crash for personal injury and property damage under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120 — one of the longest in the country. Claims against the State of Missouri or political subdivisions have separate notice and sovereign immunity rules under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.600.

You pursue the at-fault driver and their liability insurer directly. Missouri does not require no-fault PIP. Missouri follows pure comparative fault under Gustafson v. Benda, so you can recover even if you were primarily at fault — your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

You file an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim against your own policy. Missouri requires UM coverage on every auto policy under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 379.203.

No, and you usually shouldn’t. Anything you say can be used to push fault onto you. Refer the adjuster to your attorney or your own insurer.

It depends on medical bills, lost income, future treatment, vehicle damage, and the strength of your liability evidence. Missouri does not cap non-economic damages in standard auto cases (the prior cap on medical malpractice has separate rules).

The same statute of limitations and fault rules apply, but Missouri’s interstates see heavy commercial truck traffic, especially the I-70 corridor between St. Louis and Kansas City. Federal trucking regulations and multiple insurers add complexity.

Missouri car accident attorneys typically work on contingency: no upfront cost, paid a percentage of the recovery if they win. Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40%. If there’s no recovery, you owe no attorney fee.

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Missouri?

Missouri records over 150,000 crashes each year, with serious injuries concentrated along I-70, I-44, and I-435. Missouri follows pure comparative fault (Gustafson v. Benda) — you can recover even if you were primarily at fault — but adjusters still aggressively contest fault. The 5-year statute of limitations is longer than most states, but evidence still degrades quickly.

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Missouri?

Our network includes Missouri car accident attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Car Accident Cases in Missouri

From the moment you connect with a Missouri car accident attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Waiting too long even though the SOL is 5 years — evidence degrades fast

Accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel

Failing to identify Missouri’s narrow Dram Shop liability under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.053

Not preserving evidence of comparative fault to maximize recovery percentage

Missing sovereign immunity notice and limitations for state and local government claims

Waiting too long even though the SOL is 5 years — evidence degrades fast

Accepting a quick settlement before the full extent of injuries is known

Giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer without legal counsel

Failing to identify Missouri’s narrow Dram Shop liability under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.053

Not preserving evidence of comparative fault to maximize recovery percentage

Missing sovereign immunity notice and limitations for state and local government claims

Common Missouri Car Accident Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Missouri Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

33%

Typical starting contingency fee — you pay nothing unless your attorney recovers compensation for you.

Car accident attorneys in Missouri work on a contingency fee basis — typically 33% to 40% of the total recovery. Case costs are typically advanced by the firm and deducted from the final recovery.

What Can Your Missouri Car Accident Compensation Include?

Economic Damages

All medical expenses, lost wages, future care costs, and other quantifiable losses — no statutory cap.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment — no statutory cap in standard auto cases.

Punitive Damages

Available under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 510.265 for willful, wanton, or malicious conduct (e.g., DUI). Capped at the greater of $500,000 or 5x the judgment.

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings. Pursued through the at-fault driver’s property damage coverage.

Wrongful Death

Recovery for loss of services, companionship, and pre-death pain and suffering under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.080.

Dram Shop Damages

Narrow recovery under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.053 against establishments that knowingly served a visibly intoxicated person who then caused injury — generally requires criminal conviction.

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Missouri Car Accident Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Missouri?

When Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Missouri?

Types of Car Accident Cases in Missouri

Common Missouri Car Accident Mistakes

How Much Do Missouri Car Accident Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Missouri Car Accident Compensation Include?

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