How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Missouri? 2024

By Zane T. Cagle | August 11, 2024 | Car Accidents

If you have been injured in a car accident, you may have grounds for legal recourse if another driver is to blame. But how long does it take to settle a car accident claim in Missouri? Your accident may have caused painful injuries that incurred expensive medical bills, and you may be unable to work during your recovery. It is natural to wonder how long it could take to recover compensation for your losses

Building a Car Accident Claim

One of the most important steps to building a car accident claim in Missouri is obtaining the police report from the accident. This report will include responding officers’ findings from the scene of the accident and is often essential for establishing fault. The state’s fault rule for car accidents requires a driver to prove fault before they can recover any compensation for their damages.

While receiving medical care for your injuries and obtaining the police report from your accident, it’s important to talk to a reliable car accident attorney before attempting to recover compensation. While medical bills and inability to work due to your injuries may create a difficult financial situation, rushing to accept the first settlement offer you receive from an insurer could mean settling for far less compensation than an attorney could obtain for you.

Every driver is required by law to have auto insurance that meets the state’s minimum coverage requirements. When a driver causes an accident, their insurance carrier is liable for the resulting damages up to the coverage limits of the policy. However, insurance companies always argue against injury claims for compensation in whatever way they can. An injured driver should never assume that an insurance company has their interest in mind.

Benefits of Working With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

An experienced car accident attorney can help you resolve your car accident case more quickly and with much better results than you could hope to manage on your own. You can recover from your injuries with peace of mind as your attorney leads you through the recovery process, gathering the evidence needed to establish fault for the accident, and fight the insurance carrier for you.

Insurance companies in Missouri are required to process claims in a timely manner, but they will often attempt to delay this process as much as they can. Some will even engage in unethical tactics in their efforts to minimize financial liability, hoping that injured victims’ desperation compels them to accept their first lowball offer. Negotiating with insurance companies can sometimes take several weeks to several months.

When it comes to how long it takes to settle a car accident claim, it can vary based on many factors, such as whether the fault for the accident is clear, whether the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier handles the claim in good faith, and the extent and severity of the victim’s damages. Ultimately, having an experienced attorney represent you is one of the most effective ways to streamline your recovery and secure the optimal outcome for your accident case

FAQs

Is Missouri a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

No, it is not a no-fault state for car accidents. The fault rule applies, so it will be crucial to prove fault for your accident before you can claim any compensation for your damages. It is possible for more than one party to bear fault for an accident, including the plaintiff. Your attorney can explain how the state’s pure comparative fault rule could apply to your car accident case.

How Do I Prove Fault for a Car Accident?

You can prove fault for a car accident in Missouri by gathering evidence that proves who caused your accident and how they caused it. Some of the most important evidence you may need in your case will be the police report from the accident, eyewitness testimony from those who saw it happen, and digital evidence like cell phone records and traffic camera footage. An attorney can help you build a solid case against. The at-fault driver’s insurance company.

How Much Is a Car Accident Case Worth?

The potential value of a car accident case in Missouri will depend on the severity of your damages. If you are able to prove another driver caused your accident, you can hold them accountable for the cost of your injuries. Your recovery may include compensation for your medical bills, lost income if you cannot work during recovery, and the pain and suffering you have experienced.

What Happens if I Was Not at Fault But I Do Not Have Insurance?

If you were not at fault but do not have insurance, your recovery may be limited due to the state’s no pay, no play rule for auto insurance. If you do not have auto insurance as required by Missouri law and another driver causes an accident with you, you may only be able to claim compensation for your medical expenses. The purpose of this rule is to encourage all drivers to meet their auto insurance obligations.

Why Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident?

You need to hire a lawyer after a car accident in Missouri because recovering from the accident is likely to be more challenging than you may initially expect. You could have trouble proving fault for the accident, identifying all the damages you are eligible to claim, and fighting the auto insurance carrier in your efforts to secure compensation. Having an attorney makes all aspects of your case much easier to manage and more likely to yield positive results.

The Cagle Law Firm offers compassionate and responsive legal representation for all types of injuries from vehicle accident cases. If you believe another driver is at fault for your recent accident, we can help you hold their insurance carrier accountable for your damages. You have a limited time in which to build your case, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation with our team to learn how we can help.

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard.Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death.Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin IslandsEducation: Washington University School of Law.Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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