Goldblatt & Singer Law Firm Blog

Personal injury protection (PIP) is not required in Missouri, but opting for this kind of insurance is highly advisable. Instead of PIP, Missouri insurance companies refer to this type of coverage as medical payments insurance, or “MedPay.” MedPay coverage can pay for medical treatment after an accident and helps minimize out-of-pocket payments.

If you have been involved in a car accident and have a pre-existing condition, there is a chance that it will affect your car accident claim. Although you are still entitled to compensation if the collision exacerbated your pre-existing condition, the at-fault party’s insurance company will likely try to minimize your payout.

After a car accident, it is the insurance companies that will determine fault. Here is what they will consider when deciding.

The Police Report

A police report doesn’t always have the final say, but the officer will provide an objective opinion on how they believe the accident occurred.

Working in the heat is often overlooked as a potential danger in the workplace. However, the heat can cause serious illnesses, injuries, or even death. If you suffered heat stroke on the job, you may qualify for workers’ compensation as long as you can prove the illness was a result of your work.

Liability for a rear-end accident usually falls on the rear car, but not always. It will depend on which driver’s negligence led to the collision. 

When the Leading Car Is at Fault in a Rear-End Collision

Here are some examples of when actions taken by a leading driver may make them liable if a car rear-ends them: 

• Failing to yield the right of way
• Making an illegal turn 
• Making an abrupt lane change without warning so it is impossible for the rear driver to avoid a collision
• Driving with tail lights that are out or broken
• Backing up or out of a parking spot without looking
• Driving too slow for the current traffic conditions
• Braking suddenly for no valid reason
• Failing to pull over to the side of the road for a mechanical problem with their vehicle
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

A third party can also be liable in some accidents.

When someone is killed as the result of negligence, carelessness, or an intentional wrongful act in Missouri, there are two types of lawsuits that can be brought against the liable party. Those include a survival action and a wrongful death lawsuit.