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Posted on November 13, 2018 by

Missouri is a “Pure Comparative Fault” State – What Does That Mean for Car Accident Lawsuits?

There are a lot of legal terms that you may not understand once you have been in a car accident. One of these is the term, “Pure Comparative Fault,” and Missouri abides by this law, as do other states. But what does it mean for you and your case? We’d like to help you understand so that you are well-informed.

What is Pure Comparative Fault?

When you hear this term, it means that if you shared some blame in the accident, your level of fault will reduce the amount that you are compensated by the other driver’s insurance company.

This is an excellent example: Perhaps a jury decided that compensation for your injuries and damages should total $200,000. But, they also believe that the accident was 10% your fault. In that case, your compensation would be $180,000 instead.

What About Cases When Both Drivers are at Fault Equally?

If both drivers share 50% of the fault, they will both be compensated 50% of what they would have otherwise received. It is still important to file a lawsuit in this case because otherwise, you would not get anything to help pay for your medical bills and car repair bills.

It’s always best to consult with St. Louis auto accident attorneys after you have been in an accident. They can provide you with the guidance you need.

Please contact your St. Louis auto accident attorneys for assistance.