How Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault Affects Multi-Car Pileups on I-64
Multi-car pile-ups are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle accidents, often occurring on highways and interstates. At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, we have helped many people who were injured in multi-car pileup accidents in St. Louis. These types of crashes often involve several vehicles, serious injuries, and complicated legal questions. We understand how difficult it can be for car accident victims to deal with the aftermath of a car wreck, especially when you are hurt and unsure of what to do next.
Our team knows Missouri’s car accident laws inside and out. One of the most important rules is the Missouri pure comparative fault rule. This law affects how much money someone can recover after a crash, even if they were partly responsible. Whether your case ends in a car accident settlement or goes to trial, we stay by your side. Multi-car pileups on I-64 are not simple, and figuring out who is at fault can be tricky. That is why having experienced St. Louis car accident lawyers matters.
Understanding Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault System
Missouri uses a pure comparative fault system. This means that if you are hurt in a crash, you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. Your payment is reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $100,000 and you are found to be 40% responsible, you can still receive $60,000.
This system is different from other states that use modified comparative fault. In those places, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything. Missouri’s rule is more flexible and allows injured parties to seek compensation even when they made a mistake. This is especially important in multi-car crashes where fault is shared among several drivers.
How Fault Is Determined in Multi-Car Pileups on I-64
Multi-car pileups on I-64 often happen because of sudden stops, distracted driving, bad weather, or chain reactions. One car hits another, and then more cars crash into the ones already stopped.
To establish fault, the police officers investigate the accident scene and try to understand how it started. They look at the damage, talk to witnesses, and write a police report. They also assign fault percentages to each driver. However, when there are many vehicles involved, it can be hard to know which crash happened first. That is why accident reconstruction experts are often used. They study the physical evidence and help explain how the crash unfolded. The insurance companies may carry out investigations to determine fault. Fault determination in Missouri car crashes depends on this kind of detailed investigation.
Legal Implications for Drivers in Multi-Car Accidents in St Louis
When several cars are involved in a crash, each driver’s fault percentage matters. It affects how much they can recover and how much they may have to pay. Sometimes, more than one person is responsible for the damages. Insurance companies often argue about fault because they want to pay as little as possible.
Drivers may also file claims against each other. These cross-claims can make the legal process more complicated. It is not just about one person suing another because there can be several lawsuits going on at the same time. Having a car accident attorney who understands Missouri car accident liability is important. We help our clients deal with these issues and make sure they are treated fairly.
Steps to Take After a Multi-Car Pileup on I-64
If you are injured in a car crash, your health comes first. Get medical help right away. Even if you feel okay, some common car accident injuries do not show up right away, such as whiplash. Call the police and report the crash because the police report will be important later.
If you can, take pictures and videos of the accident scene. Try to show the damage to all vehicles and the road conditions. Get contact information from other drivers, passengers, and witnesses. Do not say you were at fault, just tell the truth and stick to the facts when talking to the police or insurance companies. This helps protect your St. Louis car accident claim.
In multi-car crashes, evidence is very important. Witness statements can help explain what happened and who caused the crash. People who saw the accident can describe what they saw and help support your case.
Physical evidence like skid marks, debris, and vehicle damage also helps. Experts use this information to understand how the crash happened. Dashcam footage is especially useful, but it can be lost if not saved quickly.
Legal Strategies Used by Hipskind & McAninch, LLC
We do not rely only on insurance companies to investigate crashes. Our law firm does its own research. We can use the help of experts to determine the exact order of collisions in a multi-car pileup, which helps us understand who caused what and how the crash happened.
We also collect evidence, including video footage from traffic cameras, dashcams, and nearby businesses. These videos can show what happened before and during the crash. Our legal understanding of Missouri pure comparative fault allows us to help our clients recover maximum compensation, even if they were partly to blame.
After a car crash, you may be able to get compensation for different types of damages. Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your car. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and how the crash affected your life.
How An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help In These Complex Cases
Multi-car crashes on I-64 are complicated. There are often many insurance companies involved, and they do not always want to pay what they should. A car accident lawyer can help you deal with them and make sure you are not pressured into a bad settlement. Our team of St. Louis car accident attorneys has handled many cases like this. We know what to do and how to win.
If you were injured in a car crash on I-64 or anywhere in St. Louis, contact our law firm for a free consultation. We are here to help you understand your rights and start your car accident lawsuit. Whether you suffered minor car accidents or catastrophic injuries, we are ready to fight for you. Allow our St. Louis car accident lawyers to help you recover compensation for your car accident case and help you move forward.
Category: