After a car accident in Missouri, you may wonder whether you were at fault. In these situations, many people wonder whether they can still receive compensation to help you pay for medical expenses and other costs related to the crash. How does Missouri law work in these situations?
Does fault matter after a car accident in a Missouri?
In Missouri, the law uses a comparative negligence system. This means if more than one person caused the accident, each person gets a percentage of the blame. How much money you can get depends on how much of the accident was your fault.
Imagine you were in a crash where the other driver was speeding, but you did not yield when you should have. In Missouri, your compensation would decrease based on your percentage of fault. In this situation, if your total damages were $10,000 but you were 40 percent at fault, you would be able to recover 60 percent of that amount, or $6,000.
How can an attorney help?
Dealing with what happens after a crash can be tricky, especially when both drivers share some blame. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can fight for what you deserve. They can look at all the evidence to figure out who was really at fault. They can also ensure that you do not take on too much of the blame.
Lawyers are also skilled negotiators. Your attorney can work with insurance companies to make sure you get a fair amount of money, considering your part in the accident.
Even if you were partially at fault for in a crash in Missouri, you may still be able to receive financial support. Understanding your rights can be an important step on the path toward getting the compensation you deserve.