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Missouri Car Accident Laws
If you’ve been rear-ended, struck by a distracted driver, or involved in any other type of car accident, you deserve legal guidance you can trust.
At Denning Law Firm, LLC, we know how confusing and overwhelming a car accident can feel.
Recovering from the physical and emotional trauma and trying to piece together what happens next—between medical bills, insurance claims, and understanding the legal process—can put you in a tough spot. That’s where we come in.
Founded by the father-daughter team, William and Paeten, our firm has years of hands-on experience and a reputation for providing compassionate care paired with aggressive legal representation.
What sets us apart? We are willing to stand by your side and prepared to take your case to trial when necessary while making sure your voice is heard.
We serve clients in Missouri—Kansas City, Overland Park, Olathe, Shawnee, Leawood, and Lenexa—and in Kansas City, Kansas.
Let's look at the laws governing car accident laws in Missouri and Kansas and how having an attorney on your side makes all the difference.
Car Accident Laws in Missouri
Missouri is a fault-based state, so the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering damages. This can include medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, or even pain and suffering.
But what happens next depends on how liability is determined and what steps you take after the accident.
Here’s a quick breakdown of key car accident laws in Missouri:
Statute of Limitations
Under Missouri law, you have five years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your claim involves wrongful death, the time limit drops to three years. Missing this deadline could take away your ability to recover damages in court.
Comparative Fault Laws
Missouri has a pure comparative fault rule, which allows you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your degree of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you would only collect 80% of the awarded damages.
Insurance Minimums
Missouri drivers must carry minimum liability insurance:
$25,000 per person for bodily injury.
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
$10,000 for property damage.
Missouri also requires coverage for uninsured motorists to protect victims of accidents caused by uninsured drivers. This includes a minimum of:
$25,000 per person for bodily injury.
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Reporting Requirements
If the car accident results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500, drivers must file a Motor Vehicle Accident Report with the Missouri Department of Revenue within 30 days.
Working through insurance adjusters and state laws after a crash can be challenging. An attorney can guide you through this process so you can get the compensation you need to move forward.
Car Accident Laws in Kansas
While some similarities exist, Kansas car accident laws differ in noteworthy ways. Unlike Missouri, Kansas is a no-fault state. This means that after an accident, your insurance will cover medical expenses and certain damages regardless of who caused the crash.
Here’s what to know when handling car accidents in Kansas:
Statute of Limitations
Kansas has stricter deadlines than Missouri. You must file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit within two years of the accident date. The deadline for wrongful death claims is also two years.
No-Fault Insurance Laws
Kansas drivers must carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage as part of their auto insurance. PIP covers medical bills, lost income, and other accident-related expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
However, you can only pursue additional compensation through the at-fault driver’s insurance if your injuries meet Kansas’ serious injury threshold (e.g., permanent injury, disfigurement, or exceeding $2,000 in medical expenses).
Minimum required auto insurance policies in Kansas include:
$25,000 per person for bodily injury.
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
$25,000 for property damage.
PIP coverage of at least $4,500 per person for medical expenses.
Comparative Negligence
Like Missouri, Kansas has a comparative fault rule, but with a slight difference. Kansas follows a modified comparative fault system, which means you can only recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident—being deemed equally or more at fault bars you from recovering compensation.
Reporting Requirements
Kansas drivers must file an accident report with law enforcement if the crash results in injury, death, or damage exceeding $1,000.
While the no-fault system provides immediate benefits (like quick access to medical payments through PIP), complying with Kansas’ thresholds and legal nuances can get complicated—especially when fault is contested.
Why You Should Legal Help After a Car Accident
Dealing with the insurance process after a car accident can be tedious and frustrating. Insurance companies often look out for their bottom line, which may not align with the compensation you deserve. Here’s where an attorney can make a significant difference:
Maximize your compensation: We can calculate the full scope of your damages, including intangible losses like pain and suffering.
Handle the paperwork: Filing claims, gathering evidence, and dealing with deadlines can be complicated. We handle these details while you focus on recovery.
Negotiate fearlessly: We have worked with countless insurance adjusters and know how to counter lowball offers effectively.
Represent you in court: If settlement talks fail, we will take your case to trial to fight for what you deserve.
Whether your accident occurred in at-fault Missouri or no-fault Kansas, Denning Law Firm, LLC will guide you every step of the way.
Car Accident Attorneys Serving Missouri and Kansas
At Denning Law Firm, LLC, our father-daughter team, William and Paeten, represents clients throughout Missouri and Kansas. Backed by years of hands-on legal experience, we will stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome. Whether it’s negotiating with insurers or going to trial, we are here for you.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, call to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.