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Every year, thousands of St. Louis drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are caught in crashes that change their lives in an instant. The road to recovery, physical and financial, depends on understanding the car accident types most common in Missouri and knowing what legal options are available after each one.
From the cause of the crash to the insurance coverage at play, every detail determines what a victim can recover. At Goldblatt + Singer, we can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, and pursue the compensation you deserve under the law.
The data from Missouri’s roadways reveals a troubling reality. According to the recent data from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 991 persons killed in traffic crashes statewide in a recent year, representing a six percent decrease from the prior year. Total crashes also declined by roughly one percent compared to the previous year, but the volume of serious collisions on Missouri roads remains significant.
Speed and alcohol continue to drive the deadliest outcomes. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that 39% of all fatal crashes involved speed, while 22.5% involved alcohol or drugs. Together, these two factors account for the majority of preventable deaths on roads each year, and they point directly to the behaviors most likely to cause a serious collision on St. Louis highways and city streets.
Most car accidents in St. Louis do not happen by chance; they result from specific, preventable behaviors.
The most frequent causes can include:
Understanding the cause of a crash matters legally. Fault, liability, and, in some cases, punitive damages may depend on the at-fault driver’s conduct.
Not all collisions are alike. The type of crash affects the severity of injuries, the complexity of the liability analysis, and the damages a victim may recover. The most common car accident types can include:
Each collision type carries its own injury profile and fault analysis. Our car accident attorneys will identify what occurred, gather the evidence needed to establish liability, and build a case accordingly.
Missouri law requires all motor vehicle owners to carry liability insurance. According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, the minimum required coverage is $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage. Despite that requirement, thousands of Missouri drivers remain uninsured every year.
When an uninsured driver causes a crash, injured victims are not without options. If the injured party carries uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on their own policy, that coverage steps in to compensate for injuries the at-fault driver cannot pay. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage serves a similar purpose when the at-fault driver’s policy limits fall short of actual damages.
Filing a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver is also possible, though collecting on a judgment against someone with no assets or coverage can be difficult in practice.
The injuries resulting from different types of car accidents vary widely, and so do the damages available to injured victims. A successful claim in Missouri can recover compensation across two broad categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses tied directly to the crash. These may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages during recovery, reduced earning capacity if injuries affect long-term employment, rehabilitation costs, and out-of-pocket expenses such as transportation to medical appointments or in-home care.
Non-economic damages address the human toll of a serious collision. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium are all recoverable under Missouri law. In cases involving egregious recklessness, such as driving while intoxicated, courts may also award punitive damages. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning a victim’s compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault, but recovery is not barred unless they bear full responsibility.
After any car accident on St. Louis roads, time matters. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to reach, and insurance companies move quickly to protect their own interests. Do not navigate that process alone.
Our attorneys at Goldblatt + Singer can review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your options based on the specific car accident type involved. Contact us today at (314) 231-4100 for a free consultation.
Jeff Singer, Managing Partner at Goldblatt + Singer for over a decade, is a seasoned personal injury attorney known for his compassionate yet tough advocacy. He has resolved hundreds of cases and recovered millions for clients. Recognized as a Missouri Super Lawyer and Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, Jeff also serves on the Missouri Bar’s Chief Disciplinary Committee and the Board of Governors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys.
This page has been created, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our thorough editorial guidelines. It was approved by our Founding Partner, Jeffrey Singer, who has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.
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