Missouri is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents, meaning that the driver responsible for causing an accident must pay for damages. Under the state's “pure comparative fault” system, several parties may be at fault, and their degree of liability determines how claims are resolved. To protect all motorists on the road, Missouri requires its residents to have a minimum amount of liability coverage in their auto policies. This coverage should pay for medical expenses and related damages if you're injured in an accident caused by another driver.
Unlike no-fault states, drivers in Missouri can file lawsuits seeking compensation for even basic medical expenses after an accident. No-fault insurance offers the benefit of receiving coverage soon after an accident, but it also has its drawbacks. For example, you cannot recover non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, through a no-fault claim. If you are at fault for the accident, your auto insurance company will pay for the resulting damage.
If the other party is at fault, your insurance company will absorb all the losses. You can file a claim with the at-fault driver's insurance company, but you only have a limited amount of time to do so. A study conducted by the Consumer Federation of America found that most drivers who have filed no-fault accident claims experienced fare increases of 8 to 12%. It's important to contact a Missouri car accident lawyer so that they can analyze your case, determine the possible outcome of your case, and provide you with legal advice on how to proceed with your accident claim.
If drivers don't buy or provide car insurance at the scene of the accident, they can face very serious penalties. Rates increase after an accident caused by the at-fault party, both to pay the fees associated with filing a claim and to compensate the insurer for assuming a greater risk. In addition to describing the accident, you should also state frankly how strictly you have met Missouri's insurance requirements. When it comes to car accidents in Missouri, understanding the state's at-fault system is essential for protecting yourself and your finances.
Liability coverage is required by law and should cover medical expenses if you're injured in an accident caused by another driver. You can also file a lawsuit seeking compensation for basic medical expenses after an accident. If you are at fault for an accident, your auto insurance company will pay for the resulting damage. If another party is at fault, your insurance company will absorb all losses.
It's important to contact a Missouri car accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident so that they can analyze your case and provide legal advice on how to proceed with your claim. Drivers who don't buy or provide car insurance at the scene of the accident can face serious penalties. Rates increase after an accident caused by the at-fault party due to fees associated with filing a claim and compensating the insurer for assuming a greater risk.
