A car accident can turn your day upside down in a matter of seconds. From dealing with injuries and vehicle damage to navigating insurance claims, the process can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been in a crash in Missouri, knowing how to handle the insurance process can help protect your rights, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Below is a step-by-step guide to handling insurance after a car accident in Missouri.
1. Ensure Safety and Call the Police
Before you think about insurance, your first priority should be safety. Move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe to do so, check for injuries, and call 911. Missouri law requires you to report an accident to law enforcement if it results in injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage.
A police report is a crucial piece of evidence for your insurance claim—it documents the facts of the accident and can help resolve disputes later.
2. Gather Information at the Scene
Insurance companies rely on accurate and detailed information to process your claim. At the accident scene, collect the following:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers and passengers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Insurance policy numbers and carrier names
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, and road conditions
The more evidence you have, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
3. Understand Missouri’s “Fault” Insurance System
Missouri follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for the damages. As an accident victim, you have three main options:
- File a claim with your own insurance company (if you have coverage like collision or medical payments)
- File a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- File a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver
Because Missouri’s system can be complex—especially if fault is disputed—it’s important to be cautious when speaking to insurance adjusters.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company Promptly
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you should still notify your own insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies require prompt notice, and failing to report the accident could jeopardize your coverage.
When you call, stick to the basic facts: where the accident happened, who was involved, and what damages or injuries occurred. Avoid speculating about fault or providing recorded statements until you understand your legal rights.
5. Be Cautious with the Other Driver’s Insurance Adjuster
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, remember that their goal is to minimize what they pay. Be polite but avoid admitting fault, speculating about what happened, or discussing your injuries in detail.
Before giving a recorded statement or signing any documents, consider speaking with a Missouri car accident attorney. Once you accept a settlement, you generally cannot go back and request more money—even if your medical bills increase later.
6. Track All Damages and Expenses
To maximize your insurance recovery, keep thorough records of your accident-related losses. This includes:
- Medical bills and treatment records
- Prescription receipts
- Proof of lost wages or income
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
- Rental car receipts
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses
Documenting your damages creates a clear paper trail for your claim.
7. Know the Deadlines
In Missouri, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is five years from the date of the accident. However, insurance claims typically need to be filed much sooner—sometimes within days or weeks. Delaying can make it harder to gather evidence and may give the insurance company grounds to deny your claim.
8. Consider Legal Help
If your injuries are serious, fault is disputed, or the insurance company offers less than you deserve, an experienced Springfield car accident lawyer can help. At Bishop & Hayes P.C., we know how stressful and overwhelming the aftermath of a car accident can be.
Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible, but we’re here to stand up for your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Our team will handle every step of the claims process—gathering evidence, negotiating with adjusters, and, if necessary, taking your case to court—so you can focus on your recovery. Let us put our experience, dedication, and resources to work for you.
Call (417) 304-3228 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our team.