Filing & Deadlines
Missouri gives you 5 years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under the statute of limitations (RSMo § 516.120). However, waiting is dangerous.
Evidence disappears quickly — surveillance footage gets deleted in 30–90 days, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies use delay against you. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Special rules apply for claims against government entities (90-day notice requirement) and cases involving minors. Contact us for a free evaluation.
Evidence disappears quickly — surveillance footage gets deleted in 30–90 days, witnesses' memories fade, and insurance companies use delay against you. The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Special rules apply for claims against government entities (90-day notice requirement) and cases involving minors. Contact us for a free evaluation.
As soon as possible. Early attorney involvement means:
- Better evidence preservation — surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, witness statements
- Protection from insurance adjuster tactics (recorded statements can hurt your case)
- No risk of missing critical deadlines
Costs & Fees
Nothing upfront. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless you win. The attorney's fee is a percentage of your recovery, typically:
- 33% for pre-litigation settlements
- 40% if the case goes to trial
A contingency fee means your attorney's payment is contingent on winning your case. You pay:
This arrangement means you can afford experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation — and your attorney is motivated to maximize your recovery because their fee depends on it.
- No money upfront
- No hourly fees
- No retainer
This arrangement means you can afford experienced legal representation regardless of your financial situation — and your attorney is motivated to maximize your recovery because their fee depends on it.
Case Process
Timelines vary significantly:
- Simple cases with clear liability and limited injuries: 3–6 months
- Moderate cases with disputed liability or significant injuries: 1–2 years
- Trial cases: 2–4 years
Probably not. Roughly 95% of personal injury cases settle out of court, before or during litigation. Going to trial is expensive and time-consuming for everyone — most insurers prefer to settle.
That said, having an attorney who is willing and prepared to go to trial strengthens your negotiating position. Insurance companies offer more to claimants they know will fight. If a fair settlement isn't possible, we're prepared to take your case to court.
That said, having an attorney who is willing and prepared to go to trial strengthens your negotiating position. Insurance companies offer more to claimants they know will fight. If a fair settlement isn't possible, we're prepared to take your case to court.
Immediately after a Missouri car accident:
- Call 911 — get a police report filed, even for "minor" accidents
- Seek medical attention immediately — even if you feel fine (injuries often surface days later)
- Document the scene — photos and video of damage, skid marks, road conditions, injuries
- Get witness information — names and phone numbers
- Do not admit fault or apologize, even casually
- Notify your insurance company of the accident
- Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance without speaking to an attorney
- Contact a personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation as soon as possible
Even "minor" accidents can involve hidden injuries that surface days or weeks later — whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions are routinely undervalued by insurance adjusters.
Insurance companies have entire teams trained to minimize payouts. Having an attorney review your case costs nothing upfront (contingency fee basis) and ensures you don't accept a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
The consultation is free. There's no downside to getting a professional opinion.
Insurance companies have entire teams trained to minimize payouts. Having an attorney review your case costs nothing upfront (contingency fee basis) and ensures you don't accept a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
The consultation is free. There's no downside to getting a professional opinion.
No. Insurance companies make early, lowball offers hoping you'll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries or before you consult an attorney.
Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot go back for more money — even if you need surgery six months later. Never sign anything without consulting an attorney first.
A free case evaluation costs you nothing and could be worth thousands. Submit your case details here.
Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot go back for more money — even if you need surgery six months later. Never sign anything without consulting an attorney first.
A free case evaluation costs you nothing and could be worth thousands. Submit your case details here.
Proving fault requires establishing that the other driver was negligent. Key evidence includes:
- Police reports (especially if the officer cited the other driver)
- Witness statements
- Photos and video from the scene
- Surveillance footage from nearby cameras or businesses
- Traffic camera footage
- Cell phone records (in distracted driving cases)
- Expert accident reconstruction
Fault & Insurance
Yes. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000.
Do not assume you have no case because of shared fault. Insurance companies routinely exaggerate your percentage of fault to reduce their payout. Let an attorney evaluate the specifics.
Example: If you were 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you can still recover $80,000.
Do not assume you have no case because of shared fault. Insurance companies routinely exaggerate your percentage of fault to reduce their payout. Let an attorney evaluate the specifics.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may have multiple options:
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage — if you carry UM on your own policy, it covers you when the at-fault driver has no insurance
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage — pays the gap when their coverage is insufficient
- Personal assets — we can pursue the at-fault driver's assets directly through a lawsuit
- Additional liable parties — in some cases, employers, vehicle owners, or municipalities may share liability
Compensation
Case values vary widely based on injury severity, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering:
- Minor accidents: $10,000–$25,000
- Moderate injuries: $25,000–$100,000
- Serious or permanent injuries: $100,000–$500,000+
- Truck accidents with catastrophic injuries: $1 million or more
Missouri accident victims can recover:
- Medical expenses — past and future treatment, surgery, therapy, medication
- Lost wages — income lost while recovering
- Loss of earning capacity — if injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress
- Property damage — vehicle repair or replacement
- Loss of consortium — impact on your relationship with a spouse
There is no single "average" — settlements depend heavily on injury severity, medical bills, lost income, and insurance policy limits.
General ranges:
General ranges:
- Minor accidents: $10,000–$25,000
- Moderate injuries: $25,000–$100,000
- Serious or permanent injuries: $100,000–$500,000+
- Truck accidents with catastrophic injuries: $1 million or more