A car wreck can be a life-changing event that comes with damage that follows you for a long period of time, whether that’s damaged or destroyed property, physical injuries, pain, suffering, emotional distress, or lost wages. When it comes to seeking compensation for your loss and suffering, understanding the legal framework is crucial.
In Missouri, there are specific time limitations for you to file a claim after an accident. Being aware of these can help you protect your rights.
Statute of Limitations in Missouri
The statute of limitations is a legal time limit within which you must file a claim after a car accident. This time limit applies to car accidents in the form of personal injury claims and property damage claims. Filing after this time limit has expired may mean that you do not receive compensation for injuries or damages resulting from the accident.
Timeframe for Car Accident Claims
In Missouri, you are entitled to file claims seeking compensation for your losses following a car accident. There are the timeframes to keep in mind:
- Personal Injury Claims: Claim for personal injury lawsuits must be filed within 5 years from the date of the car accident.
- Property Damage Claims: Claim for vehicle or other property damage must be filed within 5 years from the date of the accident.
- Wrongful Death Claims: Claim for auto accidents that result in someone’s death must be filed within 3 years from the date of the wrongful death.
There can be circumstances where you may be given more time. For example:
- If the claim involves minors.
- If the claim individuals who are mentally incapacitated.
- If the defendant leaves the state.
Types of Damages Covered
If you’re involved in a car accident case in Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation to cover various types of damages. These include:
- Medical expenses: The cost of recovery can be steep after a car accident. Your claim may help cover the cost of medical expenses like treatment, rehabilitation, prescription drugs, and future expenses resulting from the accident.
- Property damage: You may be able to receive compensation for damage to your vehicle and any other property damaged as a result of the accident.
- Lost wages: If you were unable to work as a result of the accident, you may be entitled to any compensation related to lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: If you were injured, you may be able to recover for non-economic damage such as past and future pain and suffering.
Maximum Accident Injury Compensation
Generally, Missouri does not have a limit on the amount of compensation you may receive in a car accident case. In some instances, such as claims against state and municipal governments, Missouri limits the amount of non-economic damages you may recover.
Our team at DiPasquale Moore has a track record of success. We’ve covered up to millions for clients who have been victims of car accidents. Here are a few of our results:
- $4,600,000- client sustained traumatic brain injury and multiple broken bones after being ejected from the passenger seat of a car that was hit.
- $1,500,000- client sustained fractured pelvis, broken back, and broken hip after being crushed under neighbor’s vehicle.
- $1,250,000 client sustained head, rib, and leg injuries needing surgical repair after being hit head-on by intoxicated, speeding driver.1
Take a look at our results for more details on what we’ve been able to achieve for our clients.
Is Missouri A No Fault State?
No. Missouri follows an at-fault system when it comes to insurance. The state requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage.
Missouri Comparative Negligence Rules
In addition to being an at-fault state, Missouri also follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means that even if you are partially at fault, you may still recover compensation for the accident.
For example, if your damages valued at $100,000 and you are found to be 10 percent at fault, the maximum compensation you would receive is $90,000.
Why Contact DiPasquale Moore
Navigating the rules and limitations of car accident claims can be complex. DiPasquale Moore can be your trusted partner in seeking compensation that you deserve before you reach legal deadlines that could prevent you from recovering anything. Our experienced motor vehicle accident attorneys understand Missouri’s laws and are dedicated to protecting your rights whether that’s negotiating with insurance companies or seeking compensation in court. Request a free consultation with our injury attorneys today to get started and to retain DiPasquale Moore and have your particular statute of limitations situation analyzed.2
- Past results obtained on behalf of clients afford no guarantee of future results and every case is different and must be judged on its own merits. ↩︎
- The information herein is general and time limitations are determined by the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and should not be taken as legal advice about your particular case. ↩︎