Key Takeaways
- Minor car accident injuries in Missouri typically settle for $3,000 to $15,000, moderate injuries for $15,000 to $45,000, and severe injuries from $100,000 to over $1 million.
- The severity of your injury is the single biggest factor that determines your settlement amount.
- Insurance policy limits and Missouri's pure comparative fault rule can both affect your final payout.
- Working with a St. Louis car accident lawyer is key to maximizing your settlement.
Settlements for car accidents are influenced by injury severity and insurance limits, among other factors. The average car accident settlement in Missouri for minor injuries ranges between $3,000 and $15,000. Moderate injuries settle for $15,000 to $45,000 while severe injuries that result in hospitalizations, surgeries, and permanent disabilities range from $100,000 to over $1 million.
Factors That Influence Missouri Car Accident Settlements
Car accident victims in Missouri shouldn't focus entirely on averages for car accident settlements because the unique factors in their case will determine the amount. The biggest factor that influences a Missouri car accident settlement is the severity of the injury. If you suffer sprains or strains, these minor injuries will heal quickly and won't have extensive medical costs. However, if you suffer a severe injury such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord damage, those figures could exceed $100,000 or even go beyond $1 million.
There are also lost wages to factor in for those who are unable to work either in the short term or future earnings for those who can no longer work again. Understanding how much is my car accident claim worth will depend on your medical expenses and the other financial losses you've incurred. Learning how to calculate pain and suffering in a settlement may be an additional factor.
Insurance policy limits also provide challenges in auto accident cases, as does the pure comparative fault rule in Missouri, which may reduce your settlement amount. Understanding how hiring a lawyer increases your settlement amount is the key to getting the full amount that you deserve for all that you have endured as a result of a negligent driver.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
The length of time to settle a car accident case in Missouri also depends on factors unique to the incident. In simple cases where liability is clear-cut or injuries aren't profound, it could take 3 to 6 months to settle. In cases that involve severe injuries or when liability is disputed, the process could take 1 to 2 years, or even longer.
Can I Get a Settlement if I Was Partially at Fault?
Yes, you can still get a car accident settlement even if you share fault in a St. Louis crash. The pure comparative fault system allows you to be up to 99% at fault, however, your total settlement amount will be reduced by the percentage of blame you're assigned. Insurers often try to tip the balance here to needlessly put more blame on injured victims to reduce the payout, making the need for The Bruning Law Firm's car accident attorneys imperative. It also helps to understand what are non-economic damages in auto accident cases when evaluating your settlement offer.
What if the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
Missouri law requires drivers to purchase Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage with their policies, and for a hit-and-run driver situation or a driver who turns out to not have coverage, your own policy will step in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average car accident settlement in Missouri?
Minor injuries typically settle for $3,000 to $15,000, moderate injuries for $15,000 to $45,000, and severe injuries from $100,000 to over $1 million. Every case is different and your settlement depends on the specific factors involved.
How long does a car accident settlement take in Missouri?
Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 3 to 6 months. Cases involving severe injuries or disputed liability could take 1 to 2 years or longer to resolve.
Can I get a car accident settlement if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Missouri's pure comparative fault system allows you to recover damages even if you are up to 99% at fault, though your settlement will be reduced by your percentage of blame.
Contact The Bruning Law Firm
When car accidents involve severe injuries that alter your life, you should not try to handle the claims process alone. The Bruning Law Firm helps St. Louis car accident victims understand their rights under Missouri personal injury law, fighting to recover maximum compensation on their behalf. There is no fee unless we win, so call (314) 735-8100 today to schedule a free consultation with our St. Louis car accident settlement attorneys.