Missouri applies the doctrine of comparative fault when assessing injury claims. If you are partly to blame in an accident, any compensation that you receive may be reduced by your degree of fault. Insurance companies investigate a car accident and assign a percentage of fault to each motorist involved in the crash.
An insurance company may make a settlement offer based on its investigation of the accident and assessment of each driver’s fault. For example, if an insurance company estimates that your damages are $100,000 and that you are 25 percent at fault for the accident, then you would be eligible to receive $75,000. If you disagree with an insurance company’s assessment of your fault in an accident, you should consult with a lawyer about your legal options.