Missouri’s Car Accident Laws

Missouri’s At-Fault Insurance System

Missouri follows an at-fault insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is legally obligated to pay for damages. This differs from no-fault states, where each party turns to their own insurance regardless of who caused the crash. In Missouri, if you are in an accident, you have a few options: you can file a claim with your own insurance (which may later seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer), file a claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, or take legal action and file a lawsuit.

To successfully receive compensation, you must prove the other driver was responsible for the accident. This is why gathering evidence, including police reports, witness statements, photos, and medical records, is essential. Missouri’s system also means that if an accident results in serious injuries or extensive damage, legal disputes over fault and compensation are more common than in no-fault states.

Minimum Insurance Requirements in Missouri

Every driver in Missouri is required to carry auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The minimum liability coverage required by Missouri law includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

These coverage amounts are designed to ensure that if an accident occurs, the at-fault driver has enough financial protection to cover medical expenses and vehicle repairs. However, these minimums may not be enough to cover all costs in a serious accident. If medical bills and damages exceed the policy limits, the at-fault driver can be held personally responsible for any remaining expenses.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Missouri requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is optional. Uninsured motorist coverage is crucial because it protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance. Missouri law mandates UM coverage at the same $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident minimum as liability insurance.

If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim with your own insurance company under your UM coverage. However, if the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your expenses, your underinsured motorist coverage—if you have it—can help fill in the gaps. While UIM coverage is not required in Missouri, many drivers choose to purchase it to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

Driving without insurance in Missouri carries serious consequences. If you are caught driving without the required coverage, you may face fines, points on your driving record, and even suspension of your driver’s license. A first offense may result in a fine of up to $300, and your license may be suspended until you provide proof of insurance. If you are caught a second time, your license could be suspended for 90 days, and subsequent offenses may lead to a one-year suspension.

To reinstate your driving privileges after a suspension for lack of insurance, you will need to show proof of coverage and may be required to file an SR-22, which is a form of high-risk insurance. This document must be maintained for three years and often comes with significantly higher insurance premiums.

Missouri’s Comparative Fault Law

Missouri follows a modified comparative fault rule when determining financial responsibility for an accident. This means that if you are partially at fault for a crash, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

For example, if you are in an accident and a court determines that you were 20% responsible, and your total damages are $50,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, meaning you would receive $40,000. However, if you were found to be 60% responsible, you would not be eligible for any compensation. This law prevents individuals who are primarily responsible for an accident from collecting damages while still allowing those with minor fault to recover some compensation.

Reporting an Accident in Missouri

Missouri law requires that certain accidents be reported to law enforcement. If a crash results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $500 (for uninsured drivers) or $1,500 (for insured drivers), it must be reported to the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the local police. Failing to report an accident that meets these criteria can lead to fines, license suspension, or other penalties.

If law enforcement is called to the scene, they will complete an official accident report. If officers do not respond, you may need to file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report (Form 1140) with the Missouri Department of Revenue. This document is important for insurance claims and potential legal actions.

Time Limits for Filing a Lawsuit

Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims resulting from car accidents. This means you have five years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, if the accident resulted in a wrongful death, the time limit is shorter—you must file a lawsuit within three years from the date of death.

Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations expires typically results in the case being dismissed. Acting promptly is important, as gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies can take time.

Compensation Available After a Car Accident

If you are injured in a car accident in Missouri, you may be eligible for different types of compensation. These include:

• Economic damages, which cover medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Non-economic damages, which compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages, which may be awarded in cases where the at-fault driver acted with extreme negligence, such as driving under the influence or engaging in reckless behavior

Missouri does not impose caps on compensatory damages in car accident claims, meaning victims can seek full financial recovery for their losses. However, punitive damages are capped at five times the total compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is higher.

Paying Medical Bills After an Accident

In Missouri, the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering medical expenses, but receiving payment can take time. In the meantime, your health insurance may cover your bills, but they may place a lien on any future settlement, requiring reimbursement. If you have MedPay coverage, your own insurance will cover medical expenses regardless of who was at fault. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance, you may have to rely on UM/UIM coverage to cover costs.

Special Considerations for Missouri Drivers

Missouri’s road conditions and weather patterns play a role in accident risks. Snow and ice in winter months lead to hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of multi-car pileups and skidding accidents. Rural areas, especially along highways, experience a high number of deer-related collisions, particularly during fall. Flooding from heavy rains can also make roads dangerous, leading to hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control. Being aware of these risks can help drivers stay safe and avoid preventable accidents.

Legal Resources & Contacts

If you’re involved in a car accident in Missouri, knowing where to turn for legal and insurance-related assistance can make the process smoother. Below are some key state agencies that provide important information, reports, and guidance.

Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) – Driver Licensing & Motor Vehicle Division: https://dor.mo.gov/motor-vehicle/

Handles vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and accident reporting requirements.

Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP): https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/

Provides accident reports, enforces traffic laws, and manages road safety initiatives.

Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration (DIFP): https://insurance.mo.gov/

Oversees auto insurance regulations, ensures compliance, and assists with consumer complaints regarding insurance claims.

If you need personalized legal advice, consulting a personal injury attorney can help you navigate Missouri’s accident laws and ensure you receive fair compensation. Platforms like YourAccident.com connect accident victims with specialized attorneys, making it easier to understand your legal options and take the right steps after a crash.

Final Thoughts

Understanding Missouri’s car accident laws can help drivers navigate the legal and insurance processes after a crash. Knowing how fault is determined, what insurance coverage is required, and what steps to take if you are involved in an accident can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and finances. 

If you find yourself dealing with a complex accident claim, consulting with an experienced attorney can provide valuable guidance and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.