After a Car Accident in Missouri: Your Rights, Timeline, and What to Do Next
Not sure what to do after a car accident in Missouri? Start here.
The minutes and hours after a crash are critical — for your health, your insurance claim, and your legal rights. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a serious collision, knowing exactly what steps to take can protect your safety, your finances, and your ability to recover compensation.
At Deputy & Mizell, we’ve helped hundreds of Missouri drivers deal with the chaos that follows a crash. This guide walks you through what to do immediately after a car accident, what Missouri law requires, and how to avoid the common mistakes that can hurt your case later on.
If you’ve been in a crash and don’t know where to start, this is what to do next.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
- Ensure safety first. Move to safety if possible, call 911, and get medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask injuries.
- Call the police. Missouri law requires police reports for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500. Get the report number.
- Document everything. Take photos of vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions, and visible injuries. Get contact information for all drivers and witnesses.
- Don’t admit fault. Be polite but don’t apologize or speculate about what happened. Stick to facts when talking to police and insurance companies.
- Seek medical attention. Some injuries like concussions or soft tissue damage don’t show symptoms immediately. Early medical documentation is crucial.
- Keep detailed records. Save all medical bills, repair estimates, and documentation of missed work. These prove your damages.
What Types of Car Accident Claims Are There?
Missouri car accident cases generally fall into several categories:
Property damage only claims – No injuries, just vehicle damage. These typically resolve quickly through insurance companies.
Minor injury claims – Soft tissue injuries, minor cuts, or brief treatment periods. Most settle within 3-6 months without litigation.
Serious injury claims – Broken bones, surgeries, extended treatment, or permanent impairment. These cases often require litigation and can take 12-18 months.
Catastrophic injury claims – Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death. These complex cases may take 2+ years but involve substantial compensation.
Each type has its own timeline and legal considerations, but all require proper documentation and quick action.
How Long Do Car Accident Claims Usually Take in Missouri?
Here’s what Missouri accident victims can generally expect:
- Simple property damage – 2 to 4 weeks for resolution.
- Minor injury settlements – 3 to 6 months after treatment ends.
- Serious injury cases – 12 to 18 months, often requiring litigation
- Complex cases with trials – 18 to 36 months from accident to resolution
Missouri has a 5-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but waiting hurts your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies become less cooperative over time.
Quick Action Tip: Contact an attorney within days of your accident, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries don’t show symptoms immediately, and early legal guidance prevents costly mistakes.
What Factors Affect Your Car Accident Case Timeline?
Several key factors determine how long your case will take:
Clear liability – Rear-end collisions or drunk driving cases typically resolve faster than complex intersection accidents with disputed fault.
Injury severity – You can’t settle until you know the full extent of your injuries and recovery. Serious injuries require more time to evaluate.
Insurance company cooperation – Some insurers handle claims professionally. Others use delay tactics and lowball offers to pressure quick settlements.
Medical treatment duration – Your case can’t fully resolve until treatment is complete or you reach maximum medical improvement.
Available insurance coverage – Cases involving high policy limits or multiple insurance companies take longer to coordinate.
Understanding Missouri’s Car Accident Laws
Missouri follows several important legal principles that affect your case:
Comparative fault rule – Missouri uses “pure comparative fault,” meaning you can recover damages even if you’re partially at fault, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
No-fault insurance is NOT required – Unlike some states, Missouri doesn’t require no-fault coverage. You typically pursue the at-fault driver’s insurance for compensation.
Minimum insurance requirements – Missouri requires $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury coverage and $25,000 property damage coverage. Many drivers carry only these minimums.
Statute of limitations – You have 5 years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri, but don’t wait. Evidence and witness memories fade quickly.
What to Expect Month by Month: A General Timeline
Month 1: Accident occurs, initial medical treatment, police report filed, insurance claims opened.
Months 2-3: Ongoing medical treatment, vehicle repairs completed, initial insurance contact.
Months 3-6: Treatment continues, medical records gathered, demand letter prepared once treatment is complete.
Months 6-9: Settlement negotiations begin, insurance company investigation completed.
Months 9-12: Continued negotiations, lawsuit filed if necessary, discovery process begins.
Months 12-18+: Depositions, expert witnesses, mediation attempts, trial preparation.
This timeline varies significantly based on injury severity and case complexity, but it gives you a general framework for expectations.
Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Case
Delaying medical treatment – Insurance companies argue that gaps in treatment mean you weren’t really injured.
Giving recorded statements – Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
Accepting quick settlement offers – Early offers are usually far below your case’s true value. You may not know the full extent of your injuries for weeks or months.
Posting on social media – Insurance companies monitor social media for evidence that contradicts your injury claims. Avoid posting photos or activities.
Common Questions About Missouri Car Accident Cases
What if I were partially at fault for the accident?
You can still recover damages under Missouri’s comparative fault system, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Almost never. Initial offers are typically far below fair value. Get your case properly evaluated first.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply. If you don’t have this coverage, you may need to pursue the driver personally.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor accident?
Even “minor” accidents can result in significant injuries and insurance complications. At minimum, get a free consultation to understand your rights.
What if I feel fine after the accident?
See a doctor anyway. Some injuries, like concussions, herniated discs, and soft tissue injuries, don’t show symptoms immediately.
Why Choose Deputy & Mizell for Your Car Accident Case
At Deputy & Mizell, we understand that car accidents disrupt every aspect of your life. While you’re focused on recovery, insurance companies are working to minimize what they pay you. You need someone fighting for your interests.
We’ve successfully handled car accident cases throughout central Missouri from our offices in Camdenton and Lebanon. We know the local courts, understand how different insurance companies operate, and have relationships with medical experts who can properly evaluate your injuries.
In Summary
Most car accident cases in Missouri resolve within 6 to 12 months, but having proper legal representation from the start can make the difference between a fair settlement and a frustrating battle with insurance companies.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t try to handle it alone. Contact Deputy & Mizell today for a free consultation about your case. We’ll review the details, explain your rights, and help you understand what your case may be worth.
Time matters in car accident cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and insurance companies become less cooperative as time passes. Don’t let that happen to you — call us today.
We are prepared to represent you in any motor vehicle accident claim, including the following:
- Car accidents
- Truck crashes
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Accidents caused by distracted drivers
- Accidents involving cell phone usage or texting
- Mass transit accidents
- Accidents involving taxis or limousines
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
No matter what type of vehicle accident you were in or how it happened, it is important that you understand your rights and options under the law. Our knowledgeable attorneys in central Missouri are available during regular business hours and by appointment evenings and weekends and we offer a free initial consultation to all new clients. Don’t wait to see if we can help, contact us today. To see all our tips and legal information, be sure to follow us on social media. The links to our channels are below.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC to schedule your private (FREE) consultation today.
Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region
Lebanon: 417-532-2191
Camdenton: 573-346-9990
