When a loved one dies in a motor vehicle accident in Jefferson City, Missouri, because of another person’s negligence, recklessness, or unlawful act, Missouri law classifies it as a “wrongful death.” This means the loss of life was preventable had the other party exercised reasonable care.
In these heartbreaking situations, our experienced Jefferson City wrongful death lawyers help families pursue compensation for both financial and emotional damages resulting from their loss.
We know this is a hard moment, and the legal steps shouldn’t add to it.
Since 1990, our experienced wrongful death attorneys in Jefferson City, Missouri, have helped families by taking on the work they shouldn’t have to. This includes preserving evidence, handling insurers, identifying who can file, and keeping you informed in plain language.
Have you lost a loved one in a fatal motor vehicle accident in Jefferson City, MO? Our compassionate attorneys can help. Call (573) 400-2046 for a free consultation with our legal team at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers today.
Why Hire Our Jefferson City Wrongful Death Lawyers
Losing a family member in a collision leaves more than grief. There are bills to manage, a household to keep running, and insurance carriers pressing for quick answers.
In that moment, it’s common to see low offers or outright denials. You shouldn’t have to navigate that alone.
A wrongful death claim is a civil action that holds a negligent party responsible for a preventable death. In practical terms, that means showing the other driver had a duty to act safely, failed to do so, and that failure caused the loss.
Missouri also sets specific rules about who can file and when (the deadline generally runs from the date of death), so timing and procedure matter.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys help by moving fast on the pieces that make a difference: preserving video and vehicle data before it’s erased, speaking with witnesses while memories are fresh, identifying the right family member(s) to file, and handling the back-and-forth with insurers.
Just as important, counsel can put real numbers to both the financial impact (income, benefits, services lost) and the human loss (guidance, support, companionship) so the claim reflects the full picture.
As a family-run practice, we keep communication clear and personal—one point of contact, regular updates, and plain-language explanations of each step. Most matters resolve without trial, but we prepare every case as though a jury will hear it, so you’re never caught off guard.
Our fees are contingency-based; there is no attorney’s fee unless we obtain a recovery.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident Cases Our Attorneys Handle
We handle all types of fatal vehicle accidents in Jefferson City and throughout Missouri. Every case is different, but they all share one thing in common—a family has lost someone they love because of another driver’s carelessness.
Car Accidents and Truck Crashes
Because of the high forces involved, head-on collisions and T-bone accidents are sometimes fatal. Accidents involving semi-trucks are particularly dangerous because these vehicles may weigh up to 80,000 pounds fully loaded. We look into whether the trucking company properly trained its drivers or maintained their vehicles.
Motorcycle Crashes
Motorcyclists don’t have the protection of metal frames, airbags, or seat belts. When a car strikes a motorcycle, the rider can sustain fatal injuries even at lower speeds. These crashes often occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots or don’t allow enough space for motorcycles on the road.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Fatalities
People walking or riding bikes are completely defenseless against motor vehicles. Pedestrian and bicycle fatalities often happen at crosswalks when drivers run red lights or fail to yield. We also handle cases where cyclists are struck in bike lanes by distracted or impaired drivers.
Uninsured Driver or Hit-and-Run Deaths
Sometimes the driver who caused the fatal crash doesn’t have insurance or flees the scene. Your family may still have options through Uninsured Motorist coverage on your own policy. Our experienced Jefferson City wrongful death attorneys help families navigate these complex claims to get the compensation they deserve.
We also handle car accident cases involving:
- Drunk driving crashes: Criminal charges don’t provide compensation to your family
- Distracted driving deaths: Texting, phone calls, and other distractions behind the wheel
- Speeding-related fatalities: Excessive speed turns survivable crashes into deadly ones
- Work vehicle accidents: Delivery trucks, company cars, and commercial vehicles
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Missouri?
Missouri law is very explicit about who can file a complaint about wrongful death. It establishes a priority system, granting some family members the first right to file a claim.
Unlike personal injury cases—which allow a longer timeframe—wrongful death cases move on a much stricter deadline. If the wrongful death deadline passes, the family loses the right to seek compensation—there are no second chances.
Missouri law also decides who can bring the case. The priority starts with a surviving spouse, children, or parents. If none are living, the right moves to siblings. And if no close relatives are available, the court can appoint a representative to file on behalf of the family.
When more than one person has the right to sue, the law requires them to share any compensation. For example, if both a spouse and children survive, the settlement is divided under Missouri’s distribution rules.
Figuring out who should file—and how to handle division—can be complicated at a time when emotions are already high. Our role at Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers is to guide families through that process and help prevent disputes from adding more stress during an already painful time.
What Compensation Can Your Family Recover?
When a family files a wrongful death claim in Missouri, the law looks at both the financial impact and the personal loss.
First are the financial costs: medical bills from the final injury, funeral and burial expenses, the income and benefits your loved one would have provided, and even the value of the everyday work they did at home—things like cooking, childcare, or repairs.
The other side of the claim focuses on what can’t be measured in dollars: the loss of companionship, support, and guidance, as well as the grief your family is working through.
If your loved one survived for a time after the crash, their pain and suffering may also be part of the case.
In cases of drunk driving or reckless behavior, courts may impose punitive damages as a consequence. This isn’t financial assistance; it’s a penalty designed to convey a clear message.
Before agreeing to any settlement, it’s important to speak with our skilled Jefferson City wrongful death lawyers and make sure your family’s claim includes every type of compensation the law allows.
How We Prove Fault in Fatal Auto Crashes
To bring a wrongful death claim in Missouri, certain facts have to be shown: that your loved one died in a crash, that the death was caused by another driver’s negligent or reckless actions, that you have the legal right to file the claim, and that your family suffered real losses because of the death.
How do we prove that? By building a strong case around the evidence. Depending on the crash, that can include:
- Video from traffic cameras or dashcams
- Medical records showing the injuries caused by the collision
- Police reports and statements from eyewitnesses
- Analysis from accident reconstruction experts
- Cell phone records that may reveal distracted driving
- Toxicology reports showing alcohol or drug use
- Even text messages or other communications from the at-fault driver
In a wrongful death lawsuit, the burden of proof is lower than in a criminal case. The plaintiff must show by a preponderance of the evidence—meaning it is more likely than not (just over 50%)—that the defendant’s actions caused the death.
How Long Do You Have to File in Missouri?
In Missouri, families generally have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death action. This deadline is firm—if you miss it, the claim is barred.
This period is shorter than the five-year limit that applies to most personal injury claims. The clock starts on the date of death, not the accident date; if the person survived for a time after the crash, the three-year period begins when they passed away.
After a fatal accident, it’s best to involve a lawyer as soon as possible. Early action means a stronger investigation and a stronger case. Waiting too long can cost your family both evidence and the compensation you deserve.
What if Your Loved One Was Partly at Fault?
If the deceased is found even partially at fault, Missouri’s pure comparative fault system still allows for recovery, though it is diminished by their fault percentage. The state’s pure comparative fault system ensures there is a recovery, though it is an amount based on a fault percentage.
For example, if damages are valued at $500,000 and the court finds your loved one 25% at fault, your family could still recover $375,000. Missouri’s system is broader than many states, because recovery is allowed at any percentage of fault, even when the victim carried most of the responsibility.
Because insurance companies often argue that the victim was more at fault than the evidence shows, it’s critical to have a clear presentation of the facts. That ensures fault is assessed fairly and your family receives the compensation you are entitled to under Missouri law.
How Our Jefferson City Wrongful Death Lawyers Will Help You With Your Claim
When you entrust us with your case, we want to alleviate the legal weight off your shoulders so you can focus on your family. A wrongful death claim has numerous moving pieces, and here’s how we handle each stage from beginning to end:
Step 1: Free Case Review
You need straight answers now, not a sales pitch. That is why we are offering a free first consultation. We talk about what happened, what options you may have, and address any concerns you may have. If you decide to use our company, we charge a contingent fee in which you only pay us if we collect money for you.
Step 2: Evidence Preservation
In personal injury claims, time is of the essence since evidence fades and gathering witness testimony becomes harder. For that reason, we send preservation letters at once and secure surveillance footage, vehicle data, scene photos, and other evidence before it’s lost. Acting swiftly keeps key evidence in play.
Step 3: Beneficiaries and Filing Setup
Missouri law specifies who may file a wrongful death claim. We identify the appropriate individual or parties, prepare and file the paperwork, and arrange with other family members as needed. Complex family situations are handled directly and respectfully to keep the case on track.
Step 4: Insurance and UM/UIM Claims
All possible avenues of recovery are considered, including the at-fault driver’s insurance, any applicable commercial coverage, and your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) benefits.
Our team handles the insurers’ requirements, so you don’t have to worry about tactics or delays.
Step 5: Settlement or Trial
We are always prepared. Years of experience have taught us that every case must be trial-ready, even though most resolve without a trial. If a fair offer isn’t made, we go to court and let a jury decide.
Step 6: Distribution and Liens
After recovery, funds are allocated according to Missouri’s distribution rules. We also address medical bills and lien claims tied to the case so the net recovery is maximized for your family.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers
Losing a family member in a Jefferson City car accident leaves more than grief. It often brings immediate questions about how to cover expenses, keep a household running, and deal with insurance companies that are already looking for ways to limit their payout.
Knowing the loss was caused by another driver’s negligence only adds to the frustration.
Our job is to handle the legal and insurance issues that follow a fatal crash. We deal with the deadlines, the evidence, and the insurers so your family doesn’t have to. That way, you can focus on each other while we focus on holding the responsible party accountable under Missouri law.
For over 35+ years our attorneys have assisted families after fatal accidents in cities including St. Louis, O’Fallon, Kansas City,  Independence, Florissant, Springfield, Doniphan, Kirksville, Joplin, Cape Girardeau, and more.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
