The state's insurance companies have at least 30 days to recognize a claim and decide whether to pay it or not. However, Missouri does not have a specific time frame in which the final payment must be made and only requires that it be made quickly. Missouri follows a traditional fault system when it comes to car insurance and who is struggling financially because of injuries and other losses after an accident. That means that the driver who causes an accident must compensate those who were harmed as a result.
In practical terms, that compensation will come from the at-fault driver's insurance company. In most states, injured car accident victims have a two-year period to file a claim or file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Missouri has instituted a five-year statute of limitations, which provides more breathing space for people who have been seriously injured. Waiting beyond that period prevents injured parties from recovering damages for expenses such as hospital bills or damage to the vehicle.
To compare quotes from different auto insurance companies, enter your zip code on this page to use the free quote tool. When you file a claim after a car accident, the insurance company will assign an appraiser to your case. This can slow down the process, lead to additional investigations, and ultimately leave you with a pending auto insurance claim. Yes, the driving record of any licensed driver in your household will affect the insurance company's decision to insure your vehicle (s).
The more information and evidence you gather after a car accident, the easier the insurance adjuster's job will be. In addition, poor communication between the driver, the insurance company, and the insurance adjuster can slow down the process. Educating yourself about Missouri car accident laws is one thing, but if you were injured in a car accident, you may need more than just information. Those are all the details your lawyer needs when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your car accident case to a jury.
In typical no-fault states, drivers must have personal injury protection (PIP) insurance to pay for their own medical expenses after a car accident, regardless of fault. Insurance companies will also use appraisers and accident reconstruction experts to determine fault in car accidents. If you disagree with the insurer's assessment of fault, you should ask the courts to rule on the matter or pursue your claim under your own insurance policy. If you suffer a loss, you have the right, as the policyholder, to file a claim under the contractual agreement to notify your auto insurance of the accident as soon as possible.
Before making any final decisions about your insurance company, it's important that you learn everything you can about your local insurance providers and the coverages they offer. For more information, see WalletHub's guides on no-fault insurance and the cheapest auto insurance in Missouri. The comparative negligence rule is mandatory for Missouri judges and juries (if your car accident case goes to court) and will also serve as a guide to the auto insurance claim adjuster when evaluating your case.
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