When you’re hurt in a car accident, one of the first questions that may come up is who pays for the damages. In some states, drivers turn to their own insurance companies first, even if they aren’t at fault. This is called a “no-fault” system—but not every state follows this rule.
So what about Missouri? Missouri is not a no-fault state. Instead, it follows a traditional fault-based system, along with most states. That means the driver who caused the crash is responsible for the damage, and injured people can seek compensation from that driver’s insurance.
Understanding how Missouri’s system works can help you know what to do after an accident.
What Does It Mean To Be an At-Fault State?
In an at-fault state like Missouri, the person who caused the accident is held responsible. If another driver hits you, you can file a claim against their insurance company or file a lawsuit against them. You can seek to recover all of your economic and non-economic damages through these options.
This system is different from a state like Florida’s, where drivers often use their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits first.
How Is Missouri Different From No-Fault States Like Florida?
In no-fault states such as Florida, your own insurance pays for medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who caused the accident. This is meant to reduce lawsuits and help people get paid quickly.
However, no-fault insurance might not cover all of the victim’s losses, and it generally doesn’t cover non-economic losses like pain and suffering. In accidents involving serious injuries, most no-fault states allow for exceptions so that victims can file claims for full compensation.
Can You Still Use Your Own Insurance in Missouri?
Yes, you can still use certain parts of your own policy after a crash, even though Missouri isn’t a no-fault state. Your own insurance might help with:
- Medical payments coverage (MedPay): Helps pay for medical bills no matter who was at fault.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Helps if the other driver has little or no insurance.
- Collision coverage: Helps repair your car after a crash, even if you were at fault.
These types of coverage can be really helpful, especially in serious accidents. That’s why it’s good to know what your policy includes.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney for Help After a Crash
Missouri is a fault-based or at-fault state, not a no-fault state. If you’re injured in a crash, the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover your damages. This gives you more legal options, but it also means you need strong evidence to prove who was responsible.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, setting up a free consultation with an attorney is one of the best steps you can take. Get started with your claim today.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers Today
While these laws may seem strange, they reflect Missouri’s historical efforts to maintain public order and safety. It’s important to be aware of such laws, even if they’re rarely enforced, to avoid potential legal issues.
For more information, contact the best personal injury lawyer in St. Louis, MO at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers. We proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County, and we have offices in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, and Creve Coeur.
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – St. Louis Office
1010 Market Street, Suite 1605
St. Louis, Missouri
(636) 519-0085
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Chesterfield Office
400 Chesterfield Center Suite 400
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 999-9587
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
11628 Old Ballas Rd, Suite 320
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 557-2869
Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers – Clayton Office
7733 Forsyth Blvd, Suite 1100
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 804-4569
