If you were a passenger in a car accident in Missouri, you may wonder whether you can bring a personal injury claim — even if you had no control over the vehicle. The short answer is yes: as a passenger, you generally have the right to seek compensation when someone else’s negligent driving injures you.
Understanding Passenger Rights in Missouri
As a passenger, you are often considered an “innocent party” in a crash, because you typically did not contribute to the accident. That means you may be eligible to hold the at‑fault driver — or drivers — liable for your injuries, through their liability insurance.
Under Missouri’s “at-fault” insurance system, the driver responsible for the crash is generally legally liable for injuries suffered by others. You may also have options to file claims through other relevant policies, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
As a passenger, you may be able to recover a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: current and future costs of treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost wages: if your injuries affect your ability to work.
- Pain and suffering: compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Other losses: such as long-term impairment, disability, or loss of enjoyment of life.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney by your side — such as one from NGK Law Firm — can help ensure that you identify and pursue the full scope of damages available to you.
Statute of Limitations in Missouri
Timing is critical. Under Missouri law, you generally have five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, significant changes are coming: as of August 28, 2025, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents will be reduced to just two years.
If you were injured before the law changes, you may still have up to five years, but acting sooner is almost always better — evidence can fade, witnesses can be harder to locate, and insurance companies may become less cooperative over time.
Comparative Fault and Your Claim
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, meaning even if you had some degree of responsibility (for example, not wearing a seatbelt), you could still recover compensation — though the amount may be reduced proportionally.
An experienced lawyer from NGK Law Firm can help assess how comparative fault may apply in your case and fight to minimize any percentage assigned to you, improving your recovery.
Next Steps After an Accident
If you were injured as a passenger, here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor.
- Document everything — get a copy of the police report, take photos, record your injuries, and keep track of medical treatment.
- Notify insurance companies, but be careful: don’t accept quick settlement offers without consulting an attorney. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney, such as the team at NGK Law Firm. They can evaluate your case, help preserve evidence, negotiate with insurers, and — if necessary — take your claim to trial.
St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in a car accident as a passenger, you have rights — and you don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The seasoned trial attorneys at NGK Law Firm in Missouri are ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today at (314) 350-1900 to discuss your case and learn how we can advocate for you every step of the way.
