The Discovery Rule in Missouri Car Accident Claims
Missouri’s discovery rule protects car accident victims when injuries don’t appear immediately after a crash. Under this rule, called ‘capable of ascertainment,’ the deadline to file a lawsuit is based on when you become aware of your injury rather than the date of the accident. This protection is crucial because some serious injuries like whiplash, […]
Improper Lane Change Accidents in Missouri
In Missouri, improper lane change accidents occur when a driver switches lanes without signaling, checking blind spots, or ensuring sufficient space, violating state traffic laws and creating dangerous conditions that often lead to serious collisions. Missouri law requires drivers to change lanes only when it’s safe and prudent, and violations can result in both traffic […]
Average Settlement For a Non-Injury Car Accident in Missouri
In Missouri, most non-injury car accident settlements range from $3,000 to $15,000 for property damage alone, with the average falling between $5,000 and $8,000. Settlement amounts for non-injury car accidents can vary widely depending on the specifics of the incident, such as the extent of property damage and the details of your insurance coverage. Property […]
Vehicle Total Loss Laws in Missouri
In Missouri, an insurance company considers your vehicle a total loss if the repair costs plus its salvage value meet or exceed 80% of its actual cash value just before the accident. This calculation generally applies to vehicles under six model years old. For older cars, insurers can decide on their own method to determine […]
Can You Sue for Emotional Distress After a Car Accident in Missouri?
In Missouri, you can sue for emotional distress after a car accident. The law allows compensation for psychological struggles like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress that may follow a serious collision. These damages are usually part of a personal injury case together with things like medical bills, lost income, lost earning capacity, and property damage. […]
Punitive Damages in Missouri Car Accident Claims
In Missouri, punitive damages in car accident claims are awarded to punish the at-fault driver for reckless or malicious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future. These damages are in addition to compensatory damages, which cover the victim’s actual losses. What Exactly Are Punitive Damages Punitive damages have a distinct role compared with standard […]
Missouri Sovereign Immunity Laws for Car Accidents
In Missouri, sovereign immunity generally protects government entities from lawsuits, but this immunity is waived in specific situations, including motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent operation of a car, bus, or truck by a public employee. This means the state can be sued for motor vehicle accidents where a public employee negligently operated a car, […]
Stop Sign Accidents in Missouri
Too often, in Missouri, people treat a stop sign like a suggestion—slowing down, glancing around, then rolling through. That split-second decision is how many intersection crashes start. When one driver assumes it’s safe to go and another has the right of way, the result is usually a hard side impact. These aren’t fender benders. They […]
Settling a Missouri Car Accident Claim vs. Going to Trial
In Missouri, settling a car accident claim early and going to trial each have particular benefits and drawbacks. If you settle, you can avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial — and you can also receive your funds more quickly. Going to trial may lead to greater compensation if you win your case. However, […]
Failure to Yield Accidents in Missouri
In Missouri, failure to yield accidents are a leading cause of car accidents, resulting in injuries, serious property damage, and even death. These accidents happen when a driver doesn’t right-of-way to pedestrians, bike riders, or other drivers. According to data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, failure to yield was the primary cause of car […]