Stephen Schultz | May 6, 2026 | Car Accidents
Car accidents happen in every corner of Missouri, but certain cities consistently report far more crashes than others. Traffic volume is the most important factor that contributes to these statistics; after all, more people on the road generally means a greater likelihood of an accident.
Knowing which areas carry the highest risk can help drivers stay alert and make safer decisions behind the wheel. Read on for a closer look at the cities with the highest crash numbers in the Show-Me State.
Missouri Cities With the Highest Crash Rates
Perhaps unsurprisingly, data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol shows that urban areas account for the bulk of collisions on an annual basis.
The following cities were at the top of the list in the most recent report for fatal crashes, which is based on the year 2023:
- Kansas City: 96 fatalities
- St. Louis: 52 fatalities
- Springfield: 33 fatalities
- Independence: 23 fatalities
- Columbia: 15 fatalities
These rankings can sometimes shift from year to year, but the same cities tend to be at the top in some form or another.
Why Do Crashes Happen More Often in These Areas?
Sheer population is the most obvious consideration, but several factors tend to drive up accident numbers in Missouri’s larger cities.
Some of the most common include:
- Heavy congestion during morning and evening rush hours
- High-speed interstates cutting through urban centers
- A mix of local and out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with certain routes
- Construction zones and frequent lane shifts
- Severe weather, including ice storms and sudden downpours
Distracted driving also remains a major contributor statewide. Per Missouri law, texting while driving is prohibited for all drivers, yet it continues to be a leading cause of serious crashes across the state.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Missouri
The steps you take right after a crash can have a lasting impact on your health and any future insurance claim.
Keep the following in mind if you can:
- Call 911 so that law enforcement can respond and create an official report
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver involved
- Take photos of the vehicles, the roadway, and any visible injuries if it’s safe to do so
- Avoid apologizing or admitting fault, even casually, because it could affect your claim later on
- Seek medical attention promptly, as some injuries don’t show symptoms right away
- Set up a free consultation with a car accident lawyer to learn about your best course of action
It’s best to proceed with caution when dealing with any insurance company after an accident, whether it’s your own or the other driver’s. These corporations just want to protect their profits at the end of the day and do not have your best interests in mind. Ideally, your lawyer will handle all of the correspondence on your behalf, though note that you may need to initially notify your insurer to comply with the terms of your policy.
Contact a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers to Schedule a Free Consultation
Missouri’s busiest cities also tend to be its most dangerous when it comes to traffic accidents. If you were involved in a crash anywhere in the state, you may be entitled to compensation from the responsible party.
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
