Car accident claims: what to do next in Missouri

Missouri is a fault-based (tort) state. Injured parties may sue the at-fault driver directly without any injury threshold or no-fault PIP requirement. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system: a plaintiff may recover even if primarily at fault, with damages reduced by their degree of fault. There is no cap on compensatory damages in MVA cases.

The statute of limitations for personal injury MVA claims in Missouri is five years from the date of the accident (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 516.120). This is among the longest SoL periods for tort claims in the country. Wrongful death claims carry a three-year limitation from the date of death.

Venue is proper in the county where the accident occurred or where the defendant resides (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 508.010). St. Louis City Circuit Court and Jackson County (Kansas City) Circuit Court are plaintiff-friendly venues known for substantial MVA verdicts. Missouri's venue rules were tightened in 2020, limiting the ability to sue corporate defendants in St. Louis City absent a resident defendant or local accident.

Missouri minimum liability limits are 25/50/25. UM coverage is mandatory; UIM coverage must be offered and requires written rejection to waive. Missouri has an uninsured driver rate of approximately 14%. The state allows bad faith claims against insurers who unreasonably deny or delay UM/UIM benefits, creating leverage in coverage disputes.