{"id":374449,"date":"2016-12-07T14:20:53","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T19:20:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html"},"modified":"2025-10-28T13:09:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T18:09:40","slug":"missouri-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/missouri-law\/missouri-car-accident-settlement-process-and-timeline.html","title":{"rendered":"Missouri Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Missouri Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Getting compensation for damages in a car accident<\/span> includes filing an insurance claim<\/span>, negotiating a settlement amount<\/span>, and filing a lawsuit if an agreement can’t be reached. Since Missouri<\/span> uses a pure comparative fault rule, your final compensation will depend on proving the other driver’s fault and may be reduced by your own percentage of blame.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

A car accident<\/span> in St. Louis<\/span>, Kansas City<\/span>, or anywhere else can be scary. While relieved when it\u2019s over, injuries or other damage are often just the beginning of your stress. Understanding what to expect from the Missouri<\/span> car accident<\/span> settlement<\/span> process<\/span><\/a>, however, can make this time a little less overwhelming. It can also help you get the fair compensation<\/span> you deserve.<\/p>\n

If you or a loved one<\/span> has been in a crash in Missouri<\/span>, connect with a qualified car accident<\/span> attorney<\/span><\/a> as soon as possible. Doing so doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re suing anyone, but it can protect you when dealing with insurers <\/a>who strive for minimal payouts<\/span> with each car accident<\/span> case<\/span>.<\/p>\n

In this article, we review how the insurance settlement process works after a Missouri<\/span> wreck. We\u2019ll also help you understand how to protect yourself along the way.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with some tips for the accident scene<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Right After the Collision<\/h2>\n

Everyone\u2019s safety is the top priority after a crash. Call 911 for anyone needing medical attention<\/span>. Be sure to request law enforcement. They will come and create a police report<\/span><\/a>, which can be an important piece of evidence for your claims. It includes facts, diagrams, and witness statements<\/span> that may support your car accident<\/span> claim<\/span> later.<\/p>\n

While you’re at the scene:<\/p>\n