Proving Liability in a Missouri Car Accident

If you’ve recently been in a car accident in Missouri, determining who is at fault is often one of the most critical aspects of your case. Proving liability can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and other expenses. At Cooper Law, our experienced team understands how challenging this process can be, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

This guide will explain how fault is determined in Missouri car accidents, the role of evidence, and how an attorney can help you build a strong case to secure the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Missouri’s Fault Laws

Missouri is an “at-fault” state, meaning that the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. To determine liability, the state follows comparative fault rules. Under these laws, fault can be divided among multiple parties, and your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault for the accident, you would only recover 75% of the total damages awarded.

Comparative Fault in Missouri

Comparative fault becomes important when both drivers share some responsibility for the accident. Insurance companies and courts will evaluate the actions of each party to determine their level of fault. This often involves analyzing driving behavior, road conditions, and other external factors.

How Insurance Companies Determine Fault

Insurance companies play a significant role in assigning fault after a Missouri car accident. Adjusters review evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and property damage to support their findings. However, their ultimate goal is to minimize payouts, which is why having a skilled attorney on your side is invaluable during this process.

Key Evidence for Establishing Liability

Building a strong car accident claim requires compelling evidence that highlights who was at fault. Below are some of the most critical pieces of evidence that can strengthen your case.

Police Reports and Accident Documentation

Police reports often provide the foundation for proving liability. Officers at the scene document details like road conditions, weather, potential violations, and statements from involved parties. These reports are influential when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.

Witness Statements and Testimonies

Eyewitnesses can offer valuable accounts of what occurred during the accident. Their unbiased observations can corroborate your version of events and help establish fault.

Video Footage and Photos of the Accident Scene

Photographs or video footage from traffic cameras, security cameras, or witnesses’ smartphones can vividly depict how the accident unfolded. These visuals may capture key evidence such as reckless driving, improper maneuvers, or hazardous road conditions.

Accident Reconstruction Reports

For complex cases, accident reconstruction experts can use physics, engineering, and crash data to create a detailed analysis of what caused the accident. These reports often serve as powerful evidence in disputes over liability.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Missouri

Understanding what led to your accident is vital in proving liability. Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Missouri include the following:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers who are texting, using their phones, or otherwise distracted often miss critical hazards, leading to collisions.
• Speeding or Aggressive Driving: Failure to follow speed limits or driving aggressively—such as tailgating or weaving between lanes—can result in severe accidents.
• Driving Under the Influence: Alcohol and drug-impaired drivers not only break the law but also endanger everyone on the road.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Rain, fog, or icy roads contribute to many accidents in Missouri. However, drivers are still responsible for adjusting their speed and behavior to match the conditions, meaning liability may still fall on them.

What to Do After a Car Accident to Protect Your Claim

Your actions immediately following a car accident can significantly impact your ability to prove liability.

Steps to take immediately after the accident:

1. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention if needed.
2. Document the scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries.
3. Gather contact information from the other driver(s) and any witnesses.

Even if you do not feel hurt immediately, seeing a doctor is vital. Injuries like whiplash or internal damage may not show symptoms right away but could become serious later. Documentation of your medical evaluation also serves as evidence of your injuries.

An experienced attorney will coordinate a thorough investigation to collect every possible piece of evidence, giving your personal injury claim the best chance of success.

How an Attorney Can Help Prove Liability

Navigating car accident claims can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies determined to avoid large payouts. An attorney experienced in Missouri car accident cases will ensure your rights are protected and fight for fair compensation.

• Handling Communication with Insurance Companies: Your attorney will manage all communications with insurance adjusters to prevent you from saying something that could harm your case.
• Building a Strong Case Through Investigation and Expert Testimony: From reconstructing the accident to consulting medical or engineering experts, a skilled lawyer will build the strongest possible case to prove liability and damages.
• Pursuing Fair Compensation for Your Damages: Whether negotiating a settlement or taking your case to court, your attorney’s priority is maximizing the compensation you receive for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact Cooper Law for Help

Proving liability in a Missouri car accident is essential for recovering the compensation you need to move forward. At Cooper Law, our Cape Girardeau car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims build strong claims and hold negligent parties accountable.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation and see how we can help. 

By working with Cooper Law, you’ll have trusted legal advocates by your side throughout the entire process, fighting to secure the recovery you deserve.