Find the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Missouri

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in Missouri?

Most Missouri car accident lawyers work on contingency fees, which typically amount to 33-40% of your settlement. However, the exact percentage can vary based on an attorney’s experience and your case’s specifics, such as whether it goes to trial.

Contingency fees can be highly beneficial to injured individuals. Not only does a contingency agreement make quality legal representation accessible regardless of your financial situation, but your attorney will also be motivated to fight hard. They only get paid when you get paid. In most cases (but make sure to check with the attorney), they will also advance case expenses, like filing costs, expert witness fees, and others.

How to Hire a Missouri Car Accident Attorney

Don’t make the mistake of picking the first law firm you see on a billboard. A little research can pay off. Make sure to hire an attorney who has experience and a track record of successfully handling car accident claims. Look for someone who communicates clearly and has trial experience (even if your case likely settles).

During your free consultation, ask questions about the lawyer’s experience with cases similar to yours and results achieved for past clients. And don’t forget to clarify whether they work on contingency. Listen to your gut feeling, too. You may be spending a lot of time with your lawyer and will want to work with someone who is communicative and empathetic, and who openly answers your questions.

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Missouri?

No two car accident settlements are the same, as payouts depend on the extent of the victim’s injuries and damages. However, the average car accident settlement as of 2025 is around $30,000. That said, for catastrophic injuries, the figure can be much higher, from $500,000 and upward.

Your specific settlement will depend on several factors, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and Missouri’s comparative fault rules. Unfortunately, insurers know that unrepresented victims typically settle for far less than their cases are worth, which is why having a seasoned advocate by your side is crucial for recovering what you need and deserve.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Missouri

Missouri’s legal system has specific requirements and deadlines that can make or break your car accident claim. Here’s what to know:

• Deadline for filing a lawsuit. According to the Missouri statute of limitations, you have 5 years from the accident date to file. But waiting too long could damage your case as evidence disappears.
• Missouri comparative fault rule. Missouri follows a “pure comparative fault” rule, meaning you can recover damages even if you’re 99% responsible. However, your compensation will be reduced by your fault percentage.
• Minimum insurance for car drivers. Missouri requires drivers to carry the following liability insurance: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Police report. You must file a police report of the accident within 30 days if damage exceeds $500, injuries occurred, or someone died.
• Missouri damage caps. Missouri has no caps on economic damages, and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are only capped in medical malpractice cases.

How Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Work in Missouri?

Missouri car accident lawsuits follow a clear sequence. Once your attorney files the petition, the defendant has 30 days to respond. This typically results in a discovery phase where both sides exchange evidence and depose (interview) witnesses, which can take several months.

Most cases settle during this period, but if the parties can’t agree on a resolution, a case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome. Throughout this process, your car accident lawyer handles the legal aspects while you focus on recovery.

Types of Car Accident Cases in Missouri

Missouri roads see various accident scenarios, each with unique legal considerations:

• Rear-end collisions. Rear-end crashes can be common in cities and on congested I-70 and I-44.
• T-bone crashes. T-bone accidents may involve contested liability, requiring witness testimony or traffic camera footage to determine who had the right-of-way.
• Head-on collisions. While not as common as some other accident types, head-on crashes can involve substantial compensation for severe injuries or wrongful death.
• Drunk driving accidents. DUI crashes can involve both criminal charges and civil lawsuits, and could include punitive damages against the intoxicated driver.
• Commercial truck accidents. Crashes with trucks can be complex and involve multiple defendants, like the trucking company or a repair shop. They require specialized attorneys who understand federal regulations.