Stephen Schultz | March 18, 2026 | Personal Injury
Missouri is not a no-fault state. After a car accident, questions about insurance and legal responsibility often arise, especially regarding how medical bills are paid and whether a lawsuit can be filed.
In Missouri, the system is fault-based, meaning the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for the resulting damages. Understanding the difference between no-fault and fault-based systems can help accident victims know what to expect when pursuing compensation.
Because Missouri follows a fault-based approach, injured individuals may seek compensation from the at-fault party through insurance claims or legal action, and an experienced personal injury lawyer can help guide them through this process.
What Does “No-Fault” Mean in Auto Insurance?
To understand Missouri’s system, it helps to first understand what a no-fault state actually is. In a no-fault insurance system, drivers typically carry a type of coverage called Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
After an accident, each driver’s own insurance policy pays for certain medical expenses and lost wages. This coverage applies regardless of who caused the crash. The goal of a no-fault system is to reduce lawsuits and allow injured people to receive compensation more quickly for basic expenses like medical bills and lost income.
However, no-fault systems also limit when accident victims can file lawsuits. In many states, victims can only sue the at-fault driver if their injuries meet certain thresholds, such as permanent disability or high medical costs.
Missouri Is a Fault-Based State
Unlike no-fault states, Missouri follows a traditional fault-based system for car accidents. This means that the driver who caused the accident is typically responsible for paying the damages that result.
After an accident in Missouri, injured victims generally have three main options for pursuing compensation:
- Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company
- Filing a claim with their own insurance policy (if certain coverages apply)
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible driver
Because Missouri does not follow a no-fault system, accident victims often have broader rights to pursue compensation from the driver whose negligence caused the crash.
This can be important when accidents result in serious injuries, expensive medical treatment, or long-term financial losses.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in Missouri Car Accident Cases?
When another driver’s negligence causes a crash in Missouri, the injured person may be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses: Medical bills are often the first and most immediate concern after an accident. Victims may be able to recover compensation for hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and other treatments.
- Lost wages: If an injury prevents someone from working while they recover, they may seek compensation for lost income. In cases involving long-term injuries, compensation may also include loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Not all damages are financial. Many accident victims experience physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Missouri law allows compensation for these non–economic harms.
- Property damage: Accident victims may also recover compensation for damage to their vehicle and other personal property.
Because Missouri allows injured individuals to pursue claims against the responsible driver, these damages can be significant when accidents cause serious injuries.
Missouri’s Comparative Fault Rule
Although Missouri uses a fault-based system, it also follows a legal rule known as pure comparative fault. Under this rule, more than one party can share liability. Each party’s level of fault is expressed as a percentage.
For example, one driver may be 80% liable for an accident. The injured driver may be 20% liable. The injured driver’s compensation would be reduced by their share of liability. This system allows injured individuals to recover compensation even if they were partially responsible for the accident.
However, insurance companies often try to increase the percentage of fault assigned to victims. This reduces their own payouts. This is one reason why legal representation can be important after a crash.
Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a St. Louis Personal Injury Attorney
Some states follow no-fault insurance rules, but Missouri does not. Missouri’s fault-based system allows victims to pursue compensation from the responsible parties. This approach can provide a path to recover damages for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
If you were injured in a car accident and have questions about your legal options, speaking with an experienced lawyer is a good first step. Contact the team at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a St. Louis personal injury lawyer.
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St.Louis personal injury attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
