What To Do After A Car Accident in Kansas City, Missouri

Car accidents in Kansas City, Missouri are governed by a number of statutes and laws, which are important to understand if you are involved in an accident. Here are some key legal questions and considerations related to car accidents in Missouri:

1. Is Missouri a no-fault state?

Missouri is not a no-fault state. This means that if you are involved in a car accident in Missouri, fault will be determined based on the evidence and facts of the case. The person who is found to be at fault for the accident will be responsible for paying for the damages and injuries caused.

2. What is the statute of limitations for car accident claims in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is five years from the date of the accident. This means that you have five years to file a lawsuit seeking damages for injuries and other losses sustained in the accident. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to do so.

3. What is the minimum insurance requirement in Missouri?

In Missouri, drivers are required to carry liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage. This coverage is designed to protect other drivers and individuals who may be injured or suffer damages in an accident caused by the insured driver.

4. What if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured?

If you are involved in a car accident in Missouri with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance policy. Underinsured motorist coverage is an optional coverage that can be added to your insurance policy, and can provide additional protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance to cover your damages.

5. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

If you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages, but your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Missouri follows a comparative fault system, which means that damages are apportioned based on each party’s degree of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your damages would be reduced by 20%.

6. What if I was injured in a hit-and-run accident?

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident in Missouri, you may still be able to recover damages through your own insurance policy. Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional coverage that can be added to your insurance policy, and can provide protection if you are involved in an accident with a driver who leaves the scene.

7. Can I still recover damages if I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident?

In Missouri, failure to wear a seatbelt is not considered to be contributory negligence, and as such, it cannot be used to reduce your recovery for damages. However, failure to wear a seatbelt can be used to show that your injuries were more severe than they would have been if you had been wearing a seatbelt, and as a result, your damages may be reduced accordingly.

8. What if the accident was caused by a defective part or product?

If the accident was caused by a defective part or product, you may be able to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the defective part or product. Product liability claims can be complex, and it’s important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who has experience handling these types of claims.

9. What if the accident involved a government vehicle or employee?

If the accident involved a government vehicle or employee, there may be special rules and procedures that apply to your claim. For example, there may be shorter deadlines for filing a claim, and you may be required to follow specific procedures when pursuing your claim. It’s important to work with a car accident lawyer who has experience handling claims against the government.

10. What if the accident occurred on private property?

If the accident occurred on private property, different rules may apply depending on the circumstances of the accident. For example, if the accident occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may be liable if they failed to maintain the property in a safe condition. If the accident occurred in a parking lot, fault may be determined based on the rules of the parking lot, such as who had the right of way.

Understanding the legalities and laws related to car accidents in Kansas City, Missouri is important if you have been involved in an accident. It’s important to work with an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you understand your legal rights and options, and guide you through the legal process. With the help of a skilled lawyer, you can maximize your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.