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Getting into a car accident can turn life upside down, especially when it comes to figuring out who’s on the hook for the bills. So, who pays for a car accident in Missouri? The answer isn’t always cut and dry. Since Missouri is an “at-fault” state, the person who caused the accident typically has to cover the costs.
But this can get difficult depending on the details of the accident. Understanding how insurance company policies work and when to involve our car accident attorney in St Louis is crucial. This article will break down what happens after a collision and how car accident settlements work in Missouri.
How Responsibility is Determined in Missouri Car Accidents
In Missouri, car accidents are handled under an “at-fault” system. This means the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for paying for the damages. Now, this can include medical bills, property damage, and even lost wages if there are car accident injuries involved.
So, how is fault determined? It usually starts with an investigation by the insurance provider. They’ll look at the police report, witness statements, and photos from the scene. The car accident settlement process begins once they figure out who’s to blame.
An experienced car accident attorney can help gather evidence and negotiate with the insurance company to get a fair car accident settlement. If the claim doesn’t settle, a car accident lawsuit might be needed. This process can get complicated, which is why having an attorney can make a big difference in the outcome of a car accident case. Our attorneys can also assist with explaining who pays for a slip and fall in Missouri.
Understanding Liability Insurance Requirements in Missouri
Missouri requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to cover costs when they’re the at-fault driver in a car accident. This insurance helps pay for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage for the other party involved.
Under Missouri law, the minimum liability coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 for total injuries per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Without this coverage, the at-fault driver is personally responsible for these costs, which can lead to big financial problems. Not having enough insurance can also make the car accident settlement process more complicated.
It’s common for an experienced car accident lawyer to get involved to help resolve these issues. So, having the right amount of liability insurance is crucial in case of a collision. This insurance protects the driver financially and keeps the car accident claim process from turning into a legal nightmare.
What to Expect When Not at Fault in a Missouri Car Accident
If someone else caused the car accident, the insurance provider of the at-fault driver is usually responsible for covering the damages. This can include medical bills, property damage, and other expenses.
Individuals can file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Things can get challenging if the driver is uninsured or lacks enough coverage.
In this case, Missouri drivers can rely on their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of policy helps pay for costs such as medical treatment and repairs when the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough. Normally, this coverage is mandatory in Missouri, so it’s a good safety net for drivers.
Auto accident attorneys can be a big help in these situations, especially if the insurance company doesn’t want to pay. Legal experts know how to handle the process and get fair compensation.
Victims of car accidents don’t have to handle the back-and-forth with insurance alone. An experienced accident attorney can take care of it and make sure they aren’t left with bills that aren’t theirs to pay. They can also determine who pays for a dog bite in Missouri.
Does Comparative Fault in Missouri Exist?
Missouri uses a “comparative fault” system to decide how much each person is responsible for in a car accident. This means that even if someone is partially at fault, they can still get compensation. But, it’s reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example, if a driver is found to be 30% at fault in an auto accident and their total damages amount to $10,000, their payout would be reduced by 30%, leaving them with $7,000.
It’s not uncommon for auto accident attorneys to argue over these percentages to get the best result for their clients. If there’s disagreement, a Missouri car accident attorney might negotiate with the insurance companies or even take it to court.
Having an experienced attorney makes it easier to handle these auto accident claims. They can make sure the assigned fault percentage is fair and that clients get the compensation they deserve, even when some blame is shared.
When Hiring a Missouri Car Accident Attorney Makes Sense
There are times when getting a Missouri car accident attorney is a smart move. If the fault in the accident is disputed or if the injuries are serious, a lawyer can really help. They know how to deal with difficult insurance providers, negotiate better settlements, and even take things to court if needed.
When medical bills and damages are high, or if there’s a chance for a large settlement, having an auto accident attorney can make a big difference. Car accident attorneys can handle the complicated legal aspects, such as filing lawsuits and gathering evidence, so the person involved in the incident doesn’t have to worry about it.
They know how to get the best outcome and make sure everything goes smoothly. Consulting with an experienced accident attorney is often the best way to protect financial interests and handle the aftermath of a car crash, especially when things get complicated.
Wrapping Up: Everyone Needs a Car Accident Lawyer
Understanding who pays for a car incident in Missouri can be challenging. Missouri’s “at-fault” system means the person responsible for causing the accident, or their insurance provider, usually has to cover the costs.
However, it’s not always straightforward, especially if there’s a shared fault or the responsible driver is uninsured. That’s why it's so important for everyone to have a good understanding of insurance coverage and know their rights.
If things get confusing or a fair settlement isn’t offered, it’s smart to reach out for legal help. Personal injury claims can involve lots of back-and-forth with insurance companies. An experienced attorney can be a big help in handling these situations.
Powell Law Firm offers free consultations for those in St. Louis, Missouri. Our experienced team is ready to help answer questions or take on tough car accident claims. Victims can give us a call or fill out the contact form on our website to get started today.
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