Car accidents throw your life into uncertainty. You may be dealing with pain, bills, missed work, and unfamiliar legal steps. Many people don’t know their rights after a crash or where to begin. In Missouri, understanding the legal steps early can help you protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need. This guide explains those steps in clear, practical language based on Missouri laws and the way Rah Law handles car accident cases.
Immediate Steps After a Collision
Immediately after a crash, make sure everyone is safe. If you can, move your vehicle out of traffic and call 911. Missouri law requires drivers to stop at the scene of a crash that causes injury, death, or property damage. Do not leave the scene; doing so can lead to criminal charges.
After ensuring safety, share information with the other driver. Get their full name, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license number. Take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any injuries you observe. These details become vital later when insurers and attorneys review your case.
Why Medical Attention Matters?
Seeing a doctor right away is important, even if you feel fine. Many injuries, such as soft‑tissue strains or internal injuries, don’t show pain until hours or days later. Medical records link your injuries to the crash, which supports your claim for compensation. Without these records, insurers may argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident. Rah Law emphasizes early medical documentation to help establish the facts of your case.
Missouri Is an ‘At‑Fault’ State
Missouri follows an “at‑fault” system for car accidents. This means the driver responsible for causing the crash is responsible for covering damages, including injury costs and property damage. You need to show negligence—that someone failed to exercise proper care on the road.
Under this system, you may file a claim with:
- The at‑fault driver’s insurance company
- Your own insurance company if the other driver lacks coverage
- A personal injury lawsuit if insurance doesn’t fairly compensate you
Pure Comparative Fault
Missouri’s comparative negligence rule means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault. Your total award may be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred from recovery, even if you share most of the blame. This can complicate negotiations with insurers. Rah Law handles these situations by carefully documenting fault and advocating for fair results.
Insurance Adjusters and Your Rights
You may be contacted by insurance adjusters shortly after the accident. They might ask you to provide a recorded statement or to sign documents. It’s important to remember:
- You do not need to admit fault.
- You do not need to give a recorded statement without legal advice.
- Early settlement offers may be low and not reflect your full damages.
Rah Law’s approach is to review all offers carefully and advise clients on whether an offer is fair. Protecting your recovery starts with understanding your rights before speaking further with insurance companies.
Serious and Catastrophic Injuries
Some injuries from car accidents are considered serious or catastrophic. Rah Law highlights that not all injuries are treated equally under the law:
- Serious injuries include those that cause long‑lasting impairment, loss of major bodily functions, or permanent disability.
- Catastrophic injuries could involve spinal cord damage, paralysis, loss of limb, traumatic brain injury, or organ damage.
- Whiplash and soft‑tissue injuries, while painful, usually resolve with treatment and are not always classified as serious.
Serious injuries often lead to higher compensation needs because they affect your ability to work, care for yourself, and enjoy life.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims
Missouri drivers are required to carry insurance. However, some drivers either do not carry it or have too little coverage. Rah Law’s car accident practice includes helping clients with uninsured or underinsured motorist claims. This allows you to seek compensation when the at‑fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.
Fatal Crash and Wrongful Death Claims
When a crash results in a loved one’s death, the emotional and financial toll is immense. Rah Law handles wrongful death claims, seeking compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills before death
- Loss of future income
- Loss of companionship
These cases are deeply personal, and the firm provides compassionate representation to families during a difficult time.
Time Limits Matter
Missouri law sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Typically, you have five years from the date of the accident to submit a claim lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from ever seeking compensation through the courts. Early legal review helps ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
How Rah Law Handles Your Case?
Rah Law has extensive experience in personal injury litigation, including car accident claims. Since 1976, the firm has recovered significant verdicts and settlements for clients in serious injury and wrongful death cases. Their lawyers combine trial experience with deep knowledge of Missouri accident law to guide victims through every step of the legal process.
Their car accident practice covers a wide range of situations, including distracted driving, drunk driving collisions, rideshare accidents, road defect claims, and uninsured motorist cases. Attorneys at Rah Law work to document fault, calculate damages, and negotiate with insurers or take your case to court if needed.
What You Need to Do Next?
Understanding your rights after a car accident in Missouri starts with knowing what steps to take and when. From documenting the crash and getting medical care to navigating insurance and possible lawsuits, each decision affects your ability to recover compensation. Missouri’s at‑fault system and comparative fault rules can be complex, especially when serious injuries are involved. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, acting early will protect your rights.
Get Clear Legal Guidance Now
Accidents change lives. You shouldn’t have to go through the legal process by yourself. With a strategic legal partner, you can focus on recovery while your rights and interests are protected. Review your options and understand your next steps with experienced guidance from attorneys who handle serious Missouri car accident cases every day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I’m involved in an Uber or Lyft accident?
Immediately seek medical attention, document the accident, and report it to Uber or Lyft. It’s important to contact Rah Law as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
What is the deadline for filing a claim after a rideshare accident?
In most states, you have 2-3 years to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s always best to file as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Do Uber or Lyft provide insurance for passengers?
Yes, both companies provide insurance for passengers during the ride, depending on the driver’s status. If the driver is online and driving a passenger, their insurance should cover you.
How do I prove the driver was at fault in an Uber or Lyft accident?
Gather evidence like photos, witness statements, and the police report. A personal injury attorney, like those at Rah Law, can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your case is strong.
Am I allowed to sue Uber or Lyft following an accident?
You may be able to sue Uber or Lyft if their driver was at fault and their insurance doesn’t cover your damages. Our team at Rah Law can evaluate your case and help determine the best course of action.
What insurance does the rideshare driver have in case of an accident?
Rideshare drivers typically have a combination of personal and rideshare insurance. If they’re active on the app, Uber or Lyft’s insurance may provide additional coverage.
