A car accident in Missouri can turn a normal afternoon into a stressful mix of adrenaline, paperwork and phone calls. What you do in the minutes, days and weeks after the crash can shape whether you receive fair compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage or end up fighting an insurance company that is looking for reasons to pay you less.
This guide walks through the steps Missouri drivers should take after a collision, from immediate safety and documentation to understanding the state’s comparative fault rules. Whether your accident happened on I-70 in Columbia or a back road in Boone County, knowing these steps now can protect your health, your claim and your rights.
Already dealing with an accident claim? Contact Eng & Woods today for a free consultation with our auto accident attorneys.
The First Steps at the Scene
Your safety comes first. Missouri’s Steer It, Clear It law requires drivers to move a vehicle out of traffic once it is safe to do so, as long as there are no serious injuries. Staying in a live traffic lane puts you and everyone else at risk of a second collision, so if your car is drivable, move it to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot before doing anything else.
Once everyone is safe, check yourself and any passengers for injuries and call 911 if anyone needs medical attention. Missouri law requires you to report a crash to police if it involves an injury, a death or more than $500 in property damage, and modern repair estimates hit that threshold quickly. If an uninsured motorist is involved, a report must also be filed with the Missouri Department of Revenue. Even when accidents are minor, it’s a good idea to call non-emergency police for insurance purposes. When in doubt, call it in.
- Call 911 for injuries or if the crash blocks traffic
- Move your vehicle to a safe location if it is drivable
- Exchange names, insurance and contact information with the other driver
- Avoid discussing fault or apologizing at the scene
Documenting the Accident
Strong documentation is often what separates a fair settlement from a lowball offer. Use your phone to photograph vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene, skid marks, road conditions and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers before they leave. Witnesses tend to be much harder to track down once the scene clears.
If a police officer responds, get the responding officer’s name and badge number and ask how to request a copy of the official crash report once it is filed. That report becomes a key piece of evidence for your insurance claim and, if needed, a future personal injury case.
Dealing With Insurance Companies and Missouri’s Comparative Fault Law
Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible, and the first phone call you get is often an attempt to lock in a low-value recorded statement before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Give the adjuster the basic facts, but avoid speculating about fault, injuries or a settlement amount until you have had time to see a doctor and, ideally, talk to an attorney.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the crash. Your compensation is simply reduced by your percentage of fault, so a driver found 20 percent at fault on a $50,000 claim can still recover $40,000.
Insurance companies know this and will often try to shift as much fault onto you as possible to shrink their payout. This is one of the biggest reasons documentation and an experienced attorney matter so much in the days after a wreck.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
See a doctor promptly, even if you feel fine at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain from soft tissue injuries, whiplash and concussions for hours or days. Beyond your health, a documented gap between the accident and your first medical visit gives insurance companies an opening to argue your injuries were not caused by the crash.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim
Some of the most damaging mistakes happen with good intentions. Apologizing at the scene, posting about the accident on social media and giving a recorded statement without preparation can all be used against you later. Accepting a fast settlement offer before you know the full extent of your medical treatment and impending costs can eliminate your chances to gain the compensation you need.
When to Hire an Attorney and Protect Your Rights
Minor fender benders with no injuries and clear fault can sometimes be resolved directly with insurance. Once injuries, disputed fault or a denied claim enter the picture, having an attorney review your case levels the playing field. An experienced lawyer can handle communication with insurers, gather evidence, calculate the full value of your claim and make sure Missouri’s comparative fault rules work in your favor rather than against you.
In most situations, Missouri law allows for five years from the date of the accident to file a car accident lawsuit under the state’s statute of limitations. However, there are different time limits for accidents involving minor children, or if you are bringing a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who died in an accident. You should consult with an attorney to ensure any lawsuit you need to bring is timely. It’s important to note that evidence and witness memories fade fast. Acting early protects your case even if you are not ready to settle right away.
- Talk to a doctor as soon as possible, even for minor symptoms
- Keep copies of medical bills, repair estimates and time missed from work
- Avoid recorded statements or settlement offers before speaking with an attorney
- Reach out to a personal injury attorney if fault is disputed or injuries are involved
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri Car Accidents
Do I have to report a car accident to the police in Missouri?
Yes, if the crash involves an injury, a death or more than $500 in property damage, Missouri law requires you to report it to local police, the county sheriff or the Missouri State Highway Patrol. If law enforcement does not respond to the scene, you may be required to file your own report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days.
How does Missouri’s comparative fault law affect my case if I was partly to blame?
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system, so you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your total damages are reduced by your percentage of fault rather than being eliminated entirely, which makes Missouri more favorable to injured drivers than many other states.
What is the biggest mistake people make when dealing with insurance after a wreck?
Giving a recorded statement or accepting an early settlement offer before understanding the full extent of injuries is one of the most common and costly mistakes. Insurance adjusters often use these early statements to minimize what they eventually pay, so it helps to speak with an attorney before agreeing to anything in writing or on the phone.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Missouri?
Missouri’s statute of limitations generally gives you five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Different time limits apply to minor children or cases involving the death of a loved one. That said, evidence is easiest to gather and preserve soon after the crash, so waiting until the deadline approaches can weaken an otherwise strong case.
When should I contact a car accident attorney instead of handling the claim myself?
If you were injured, if fault is disputed or if the insurance company is offering less than your medical bills and lost wages, it is time to talk to an attorney. The team at Eng & Woods offers a free consultation to help you understand your options before you sign anything with an insurance company.
Ready to Protect Your Claim? Eng & Woods Can Help.
Recovering from a car accident is hard enough without having to fight an insurance company on your own. The attorneys at Eng & Woods have spent years helping Missouri drivers hold negligent drivers accountable and secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages and property damage.
Our personal injury practice and auto accident attorneys are ready to review your case and explain your options in plain language. You can also read what past clients have said in our client reviews or check our FAQ page for more answers to common questions.
Contact Eng & Woods today for a free consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights after a Missouri car accident.