See injury payouts made to actual Missouri car accident victims. Find cases similar to yours.

Nearly 49,000 people are injured or killed on Missouri roadways in a year.¹

Missouri is a traditional fault state. This means when you or a family member are injured in a car accident, you have the right to pursue compensation from the negligent driver and other at-fault parties. This may include the vehicle owner (if different from the driver) and the at-fault driver’s employer, if on the job when the crash occurred.

The average car accident settlement in Missouri for a moderate injury claim is $22,398. Average payouts range from $3,051 for minor injuries to $209,391 for severe injuries.

Average Missouri Car Accident Settlement Amounts

We analyzed a sample group of Missouri lawsuits filed by plaintiffs injured in vehicle accidents. Most lawsuits were against the at-fault driver, and some were bad-faith cases against the victim’s own insurance company. All plaintiffs received a payout, either from a jury award or a settlement before trial.

This group includes two severe injury cases with payouts of $1,100,000 and $2,100,000. These payouts were excluded from the averages to avoid skewing the results unrealistically high.

Average Payout by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$3,051
Moderate Injury	$22,398
Severe Injury	$209,391
Payout Range by Severity of Injury
Minor Injury	$500 - $6,400
Moderate Injury	$7,126 - $50,000
Severe Injury	$83,300 - $2,100,000

Types of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Side-impact collisions are the most common type of traffic accident throughout the United States, followed by rear-end crashes.²

Average Side-Impact Collision Settlements
Minor Injury	$3,136
Moderate Injury	$24,164
Severe Injury	$245,714
Average Rear-End Accident Settlements
Minor Injury	$2,994
Moderate Injury	$20,380
Severe Injury	$136,100

Types of Car Accident Injuries

Neck and back injuries are the most common injuries in all kinds of motor vehicle accidents, followed by head injuries.

Victims injured in serious crashes usually suffer more than one type of injury. Car accident payouts in Missouri are intended to cover all the victim’s damages, including the pain and pain and emotional distress arising from physical injuries.

Average Neck and Back Injury Settlements
Minor Injury	$3,051
Moderate Injury	$21,586
Severe Injury	$146,038
Average Head Injury Settlements
Minor Injury	$3,336
Moderate Injury	$20,388
Severe Injury	$148,325

How Car Accident Settlements Are Calculated

The amount paid to settle a car accident claim mostly depends on the scope and severity of the victim’s physical injuries. Lawyers and insurance companies evaluate the victim’s medical costs, then evaluate lost wages, out-of-pocket expenses, and an amount for pain and suffering.

Missouri is a traditional fault or “tort” state, so you can seek payment for all your damages from the at-fault driver. Typically, you’ll start by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto insurance. In Missouri, you can seek full injury compensation, even for mild to moderate claims.

An easy way to estimate the value of a minor to moderate injury claim is the “multiple method.”

The multiple method starts by adding up your economic damages, like medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs. Then add one to three times the total of your economic damages to account for your non-economic damages, commonly called pain and suffering.

A multiple of one is reasonable when you spent a few days on the couch with a heating pad on your sprained back after the accident. A multiple of two or three is justified when your injuries interfered with your normal activities for several weeks or months. For example, when a herniated disc kept you from picking up your toddler or tending to your garden all summer.

For severe injury claims you need a personal injury attorney to get the payout you deserve. An experienced attorney will gather expert evidence of the scope of your injuries, future medical costs, loss of earning capacity, and the extraordinary physical and emotional suffering caused by severe and permanent injuries.

Other factors that influence injury payouts in Missouri:

• Shared Fault – Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. This means you can make a claim against the other party, even when you are mostly to blame. Your compensation will be reduced according to your share of fault.
• Auto Policy Limits – Vehicle owners in Missouri must carry insurance liability limits of at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
• Multiple Claimants – When multiple people are injured in the same accident, there may not be enough liability coverage to fully compensate all injured parties.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage – Insurers are required to sell policies in Missouri with uninsured motorist coverage (UM) equal to the policy’s liability limits.
• Commercial Policies – Insurance policies for commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and buses typically carry higher liability limits than personal auto policies. This can mean much higher payouts for serious injuries.
• Punitive Damages – Missouri only allows punitive damages to be sought, with permission of the court, when there is proof the defendant intentionally caused harm or acted with a deliberate and flagrant disregard for the safety of others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Minor Injury Case Examples

Minor car accident injuries are usually limited to soft-tissue injuries, like cuts, bruises, and muscle sprains and strains. Minor injuries may keep you off your feet for a few days if you are stiff and sore, but should fully heal within a month.

Passenger Soft-Tissue Injury Award for Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Head, neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $500
Case Summary: Plaintiff said he was driving his vehicle with his wife as a passenger when they were struck from behind by defendant. Plaintiffs alleged that they both suffered permanent and progressive head, neck, and back injuries as a result of the collision. Plaintiffs filed a complaint against defendant alleging defendant was negligent in operating his vehicle at excessive speed under the conditions, failing to keep proper lookout, following too closely, and failing to yield. Defendant denied negligence and made the affirmative defense of proportional fault. A jury awarded $500 to plaintiff-passenger. The panel made no award to plaintiff-driver.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Batchelor v. Alverson, 022-1372

Small Plaintiff Award for Neck and Back Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,050
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was driving when defendant collided with her vehicle. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered injuries in the accident, including those to the neck, shoulders, back and spine. Plaintiff filed a complaint against defendant alleging negligence, specifically failure to yield right of way. Plaintiff prayed judgment for damages including great physical pain and mental anguish, unspecified medical expenses, and property losses of $5,000 for her vehicle. Defendant denied negligence and liability, and offered the affirmative defense of contributory negligence. The case went to trial on plaintiff’s claim of failure to yield and defense’s response of failure to keep careful lookout. The panel found for plaintiff.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Knecht v. Noonan, 03CC-5100

Plaintiff Blames Phantom Vehicle for Injuries

Type of Injury: Back injuries-cervical and lumbar strain; Shoulder injury; Knee Injury.
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured phantom vehicle. The Plaintiff alleged that she suffered a knee injury, requiring a knee replacement; cervical, lumbar and shoulder strains as a result of the collision. The plaintiff contended that the defendant issued a policy of insurance under which she was entitled to uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage, and that it failed to honor the provisions of that policy. The defendant denied liability and disputed the nature and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries. The jury returned a verdict in favour of the Plaintiff.
Location: St. Charles County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Cherry v. State Farm, 194-4229CC

Rear-Ended By Truck at Red Light

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed she stopped her van at a red traffic signal in the southbound lanes when defendant, driving a truck, rear-ended her. Plaintiff claimed she suffered neck and back injuries in the collision. Plaintiff brought a negligence action against defendant. Plaintiff said that defendant was the sole cause of the accident in that he failed to maintain a proper lookout, failed to keep his truck under proper control and failed stop his truck in time so as to not collide with her vehicle. Defendant denied all the allegations in the plaintiff’s petition. Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff for $1,500.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Reed v. Voss, 012-9270

Plaintiff Verdict for Unspecified Damages

Type of Injury: Back and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,700
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was driving north, approaching an intersection when she was struck from behind by defendant. The Plaintiff claimed that the collision caused her vehicle to lurch and spin violently, resulting in progressive back and neck injuries. Plaintiff sued defendant asserting that defendant was negligent in operating his vehicle at excessive speed under the conditions, failing to keep proper lookout, following too closely, and failing to yield. Defendant denied negligence and made the affirmative defense of comparative fault. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, but awarded only $1,700 in unspecified damages. Costs were taxed to the Defendant.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Kirgan v. Basso, 020-04253

Neck and Back Sprain from Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff said she was traveling northbound while defendant was also operating a motor vehicle northbound at the same time and place. Plaintiff alleged that defendant’s vehicle collided with hers, causing an accident. Plaintiff claimed that she sustained injuries to her neck and back as a result. Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant alleging that defendant operated his vehicle negligently by failing to keep a proper lookout to the front and sides. Defendant answered and admitted his involvement in a motor vehicle accident. However, defendant denied all other allegation against him. A jury returned a verdict for plaintiff. The jury awarded her $2,000 for her personal injuries.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Jellineck v. Kilo, 04CC-004191

Passenger Suffers Soft-Tissue Injuries from Rear-End Accident

Type of Injury: Head, neck, back, shoulders and hips injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident while riding in a motor vehicle as a passenger. Plaintiff alleged that another vehicle, operated by defendant collided with the rear of the vehicle plaintiff rode in while the vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal. Plaintiff claimed she suffered injuries to her head, neck, back, shoulders and hips due to the collision. Plaintiff brought a lawsuit against defendant, seeking to recover damages from the collision. Defendant answered, denying any negligence. Defendant asserted plaintiff’s own carelessness and negligence caused any damages. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, and awarded her $2,500 in monetary damages.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Barager v. Ross, 04CC-004562

Defendant Failed to Yield Right-of-Way

Type of Injury: Head, neck and back injuries-intervertebral discs; soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,764
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that he was traveling eastbound in his motor vehicle when his vehicle was struck by a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff claimed he sustained injuries to his head, back and neck, including the intervertebral discs and soft tissue. Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant, claiming she was negligent, specifically that defendant failed to take proper steps to avoid the accident and failed to yield the right of way. Defendant admitted her involvement in a motor vehicle accident, but denied any liability or wrongdoing. A jury returned a verdict for plaintiff awarding him $2,764 in damages.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Stoppelmann v. Sargent, 04CC-002921

Plaintiff Injured in Chain Reaction Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Neck, upper back, lower back, right shoulder, chest and rib cage injuries-soft tissue
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident while operating her vehicle. Plaintiff’s vehicle was allegedly struck in the rear by another vehicle operated by defendant, pushing plaintiff’s vehicle into a third vehicle. Due to the collision, plaintiff said she sustained injuries to her neck, back, and right shoulder, as well as aggravating pre-existing multiple sclerosis. Plaintiff filed suit against defendant claiming that defendant operated her vehicle negligently, by failing to keep a proper lookout and driving at an excessive speed. The defendant denied any wrongdoing. A jury, after deliberations, found for plaintiff, and awarded her $3,000 in monetary damages.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Large v. Heyden, 04CC-002385

Plaintiff Award Reduced for Shared Fault

Type of Injury: Head, neck, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident caused by defendant. Plaintiff alleged that he suffered painful, permanent, and progressive personal injuries including bruises and lacerations to his head, neck, and back, and lost wages of $5,091. Plaintiff sued defendant for driving with excessive speed, failure to exercise the highest degree of care, and failure to sound a warning, swerve, stop, and yield right of way. Defendant denied negligence, denied implicitly that bruises and lacerations could be permanent and progressive. The jury found damages of $5,000 but also sided at least partially with defendant, reduced the award to $3,500 after apportionment.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Crowder v. Brant, 012-9851

Bus Passengers Hurt in Side-Impact Collision

Type of Injury: Back injuries-Multiple bruises, contusions, sprains and strains of muscles, tendons, ligaments and body tissue
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $3,600
Case Summary: Plaintiffs reportedly were passengers on a bus traveling eastbound. Upon reaching an intersection, defendant allegedly attempted to make a right turn against a red light, resulting in a collision. Plaintiffs claimed they suffered Multiple bruises, contusions, sprains and strains of muscles, tendons, ligaments and body tissue as a result of the accident. Plaintiffs sued defendant, claiming he was negligent in the operation of his vehicle. Defendant denied any negligence and argued that any damages or injuries sustained by the plaintiffs were caused by their own negligence. Jury returned verdict in favor of plaintiff 1 in the amount of $3,600 and Plaintiff 2 in the amount of $3,500.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Lovelace v. Prozorowski, 002-7250

Defendant Admits Collison Happened but Denies Fault

Type of Injury: Shoulders, neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was operating her vehicle when she was involved in a motor vehicle collision with a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff claimed she suffered injuries as a result of the collision, including injuries to her upper extremities, shoulders, neck and back. Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant, claiming defendant operated her vehicle negligently, drove at an excessive speed and followed too closely. Due to her injuries, plaintiff said she incurred medical expenses and sought to recover damages for them. Defendant admitted the collision took place, but denied she was negligent. The jury found for plaintiff in their verdict and awarded her $5,000 in monetary damages.
Location: Cass County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Wright v. Johnson, CV103-1466CC

Award Cut in Half for Comparative Negligence

Type of Injury: Head, neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was involved in motor vehicle accident with defendant. The accident reportedly occurred near an intersection when defendant’s vehicle struck Plaintiff’s vehicle from behind. Plaintiff claimed that she sustained head, neck and back, aggravation of pre-existing conditions, medical expenses of $4,300 and lost wages. Plaintiff sued defendant and alleged negligent and excessive speed. Defendant however claimed plaintiff caused the accident when she suddenly and without warning swerved into his path. Defendant denied negligence. Jury found both parties equally negligent in the collision. The panel awarded the plaintiff $10,000, which Judge reduced to $5,000 after accounting for the plaintiff’s comparative negligence.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Richards v. Purley, 03CC-2043

Bad-Faith Lawsuit After Insurer Denied Claim

Type of Injury: Head, neck, shoulder, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $5,750
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant reportedly were involved in a motor vehicle accident. According to plaintiff, the accident occurred at an intersection when an uninsured motorist struck plaintiff’s vehicle from behind. Plaintiff contended that she sustained injuries to her head, neck, back, left shoulder, and left arm as a result of the accident. Plaintiff sued her Insurer, after the Insurance Company refused to honor a claim under her uninsured motorist coverage. Plaintiff further argued that her uninsured motorist claim was denied without just cause. Defendant admitted that plaintiff had uninsured motorist coverage, but denied that non-party driver was negligent. Jury returned a plaintiff verdict.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Terrell v. Allstate Insurance, 022-00572

Injury Award Reduced to Account for Shared Fault

Type of Injury: Neck, back, body and limbs injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $6,400
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was driving his vehicle when another vehicle, operated by defendant was making a left turn and collided with the front end of his vehicle. Plaintiff said he suffered injuries to his neck, back, body and limbs as a result of the collision. Plaintiff filed a lawsuit against defendant, claiming she operated her vehicle negligently. Defendant denied liability. However, defendant denied that she was negligent. Jury found defendant 67% at fault and plaintiff 33% at fault. Jury awarded Plaintiff $6,400, including $4,500 for damages and $1,900 for pain and suffering. Judge reduced Plaintiff’s total award to $4,288 based on his percentage of fault.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Gianopulos v. Fried, 044CC-001852

Moderate Injury Case Examples

Moderate car accident injuries can include more extensive soft-tissue injuries, lacerations that require stitches, slipped or herniated discs, whiplash, simple fractures, and moderate concussions. Moderate injuries may have residual effects. Victims may not be able to work for weeks or months, depending on the physical requirement of their job.

Case Settled On Behalf of Injured Underage Girl

Type of Injury: Back injuries-Cervical / Lumbar Strain
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $7,126
Case Summary: The Plaintiff, a minor female claimed through guardianship that the vehicle in which she was a passenger, and operated by the defendant, was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff reportedly suffered cervical and lumbar strains as a result of the collision. The Plaintiff through her mother as next friend filed a complaint against the defendant contending that the defendant was negligent for failing to keep a careful lookout and failing to maintain proper control of the vehicle thereby causing the accident. The defendant reportedly settled with the plaintiff before trial.
Location: Jackson County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Russell v. Zurawski, 98CV6286

Defendant Liable for Improper Left Turn Collison

Type of Injury: Neck, lower back and thoracic spine injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $8,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff allegedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident which occurred when defendant attempted a left turn in front of plaintiff’s vehicle, near an intersection. Plaintiff contended she suffered injuries to her neck, lower back and thoracic spine, causing her to incur medical expenses. Plaintiff filed suit against defendant seeking damages from the collision. In her petition, plaintiff claimed defendant was negligent in that he failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and failed to keep a proper lookout. Defendant denied any liability. A jury found for plaintiff and assessed her damages at $8,000. Judgment was entered for the plaintiff, costs were assessed against defendant
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Hobson v. Seelig, 04CC-001098

Soft Tissue Injuries and Blurred Vision From Rear-End Crash

Type of Injury: Head injury-headaches and blurred vision; Neck and shoulder injuries-soft tissue
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was exiting a highway when a vehicle driven by defendant struck his vehicle in the rear. Plaintiff reportedly suffered soft-tissue injuries to his neck and shoulder, headaches, and blurred vision as the result of the accident. Plaintiff filed a complaint against defendant, He claimed that he suffered permanent injuries as the result of the accident and $4,329.10 in medical expenses. Defendant denied fault for the accident and alleged that Plaintiff’s own negligence contributed to the accident. The case proceeded to jury trial. The jury found for the plaintiff, awarding damages of $10,000. The Court entered judgment against the defendant for $10,000 plus costs.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Robinson v. Campbell, 022-11372

Jury Verdict Within High-Low Range Agreement

Type of Injury: Back injuries-spine; head and neck injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $10,400
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged he was traveling north near an intersection when defendant allegedly struck the plaintiff’s vehicle from behind. Plaintiff claimed she suffered serious and permanent injuries to her head, neck, back, shoulders, wrists and hands as a result of the accident. Plaintiff sued defendant for failure to keep careful lookout, and following too closely in violation of state laws. Defendant denied liability. The parties then entered into a “high-low” agreement. Jury verdict notwithstanding, plaintiff was guaranteed a minimum recovery of $8,500, and defendant a maximum award of $50,000. This mutual “hedge” was made moot however by a verdict within the prescribed range, $10,400 to plaintiff for personal injuries.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Bresnan v. Schuler, 002-7071

Side-Impact Collison Victim Sues Insurer for Bad Faith

Type of Injury: Head injuries; soft tissue, lacerations to the forehead and nose and headaches; back injuries; fractured left hand
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $13,184
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured motorist. The Plaintiff alleged that she suffered soft tissue injuries to the head, left thigh, right and left knee, back, and lacerations to the forehead and nose, headaches and a fractured left hand as a result of the collision. The brought suit against her insurance company for uninsured benefits contending that the defendant issued a policy of insurance under which she was entitled to uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage, and that it failed to honor the provisions of that policy. The defendant settled with the plaintiff.
Location: Jackson County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Johnson v. American Standard, CV96-26912

Defendant Liable for Head, Brain and Spine Injuries

Type of Injury: Head-brain and spine injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $15,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with defendant. Plaintiff contented that accident occurred at an intersection when defendant failed to yield at a stop sign. Plaintiff reportedly suffered painful, permanent and progressive personal injuries to her head, brain, trunk, spinal column, vertebra, intervertebral discs, and limbs. Plaintiff filed suit against defendant alleging negligence in running the stop sign, failure to keep vigilant lookout, failure to yield, and excessive speed. Plaintiff prayed judgment for damages including $6,907.17 in medical expenses. Defendant denied negligence. The jury assigned fault to defendant, awarding plaintiff $15,000 for personal injuries.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Zeni v. Schellert, 03CC-000726

Jury Award Despite Defendant Denial of Plaintiff Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck, shoulders, arms, head, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $17,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff contended that she was traveling west on when a vehicle driven by defendant struck her vehicle from behind. Plaintiff claimed she experienced nausea after the collision and suffered injuries to her neck, shoulders, arms, head, and back. Plaintiff filed a personal injury suit against defendant alleging that defendant’s negligence caused the accident. Specifically, plaintiff alleged defendant was negligent because she failed to keep a proper lookout while driving, followed her vehicle too closely, and was traveling too fast. Defendant denied plaintiff had been injured in the collision. A jury found in favor of plaintiff and awarded her $17,500 in damages.
Location: Jackson County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Claiborn v. Nguyen, 03CV210863

Rear-End Crash Award to Two Plaintiffs

Type of Injury: Neck and lower back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $18,500
Case Summary: Plaintiffs alleged that they were traveling north and were stopped at a yield sign on, when defendant allegedly struck them from behind. Plaintiff 1 claimed he sustained lower back injuries as a result of the accident. Plaintiffs sued defendant, alleging excessive speed, failure to keep careful lookout, and negligent violations of state laws. Defendant denied the allegations. The case went to trial on stipulated liability. The jury, asked to consider only damages, returned verdicts for both Plaintiffs. They received $6,000 and $18,500, respectively, with costs, as ordered by the Judge.
Location: Clay County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Reeve v. Mallinger, CV102-1010CC

Passenger Injured When Car Rear-Ended by Drunk Driver

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $22,500
Case Summary: Plaintiff 1 said she was a passenger in her own car, driven by Plaintiff 2. The two were headed south when defendant rear-ended them. Defendant was allegedly intoxicated at the time. Plaintiff 1 sued defendant alleging negligence and claiming personal injuries to her neck and back, lost earnings, and loss of household contributions. Plaintiff claimed her insurer paid $11,500 and requested that amount be credited against any award she received. The insurer admitted defendant’s negligence and that plaintiff suffered injuries. Jury returned a verdict for plaintiff, finding damages of $22,500. Judge ordered judgment of $10,500 after the $12,000 setoff, with costs taxed to the defendant.
Location: Greene County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Cormier v. Wagganer, 103CC2148

Insurer Settles Bad Faith Case for Uninsured Motorist Claim

Type of Injury: Back injury-Multiple Back Strain
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $25,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured motorist. The plaintiff reportedly was struck by the uninsured motorist in a private driveway. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered multiple back strains, soft tissue injuries to the head, eyes, arms and legs and emotional as a result of the accident. The plaintiff brought suit against her insurance company for uninsured benefits contending that the defendant issued a policy of insurance under which she was entitled to uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage, and that it failed to honor the provisions of that policy. The defendant reportedly settled with the plaintiff.
Location: Buchanan County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Ami v. Traders Insurance, CV396-215CC

Plaintiff Wins Bad Faith Case Arising from Rear-End Collision

Type of Injury: Head, neck, shoulder-contusion and scapula “winging,” ; back-pain, and left hand injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was operating his vehicle and was stopped at an intersection, when defendant hit him with her vehicle. Plaintiff reportedly suffered injuries including a shoulder contusion, scapula “winging,” head, neck, and back pain, and unspecified injuries to his left hand. Plaintiff filed suit against his insurer claiming coverage under his uninsured motorist policy. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was negligent in failing to maintain proper lookout, failing to yield, driving on the wrong side of the road, and violating a red traffic signal. Defendant denied liability. Jury found defendant was liable and awarded plaintiff $30,000 for his personal injuries.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Davis v. American Family, 022-01386

Plaintiff Rejects Low Settlement Offer, Wins Court Award

Type of Injury: Back, neck, right shoulder, chest, left arm, and legs injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $30,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff and defendant reportedly were involved in a motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred when defendant turned left from southbound at an intersection. Defendant allegedly failed to yield to plaintiff and the two collided. Plaintiff claimed that she suffered injuries to her neck, back, right shoulder, chest, left arm, knees, and hips. Plaintiff reportedly demanded $18,500 from defendant’s insurer. The insurer offered a lesser amount, hence plaintiff sued defendant. Plaintiff alleged that defendant was negligent in making his turn. Defendant denied allegations of negligence, and offered the affirmative defenses of failure to state a cause and comparative fault. The jury awarded plaintiff $30,000 for personal injury.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Kelley v. Sosik, 022-00959

Driver and Employer Liable for Plaintiff’s Closed Head Injury

Type of Injury: Head injury-closed head injury
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $33,758
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that his vehicle was rear-ended by a motor vehicle driven defendant. Plaintiff contented that she suffered a closed head injury as a result of the collision. The Plaintiff brought a negligence action against defendants to recover damages for her alleged serious personal injuries, medical expenses and lost income. Plaintiff claimed defendant was acting as per his employment with co-defendant when he negligently rear-ended her vehicle. The defendants filed separate but comparable answers. Both denied the allegations and asserted plaintiff’s injuries were the direct and proximate result of her own negligence. Jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Corech v. Lucks, 022-10381

Injury Award Reduced for Plaintiff’s Comparative Negligence

Type of Injury: Neck, chest, back and legs injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $45,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff claimed he was entering an intersection when a truck driven by defendant struck her vehicle. Plaintiff contended that defendant had run a red light while coming from the opposite direction. Plaintiff allegedly suffered from psychological distress and injuries to her neck, chest, back and legs as a result of the collision. Plaintiff filed a personal injury suit against defendants. A jury found that co-defendant was 60% at fault in the incident and plaintiff was 40% at fault. The jury awarded plaintiff damages of $75,000. The court reduced the award by 40% to $45,000 to reflect the plaintiff’s comparative negligence.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Eliadis v. St. Louis Telecommunications, 022-11513

Insurer Liable for Failure to Pay Uninsured Motorist Claim

Type of Injury: Back injuries-Cervical/lumbar strains; Headaches
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $50,000
Case Summary: The Plaintiff allegedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a non-party vehicle. The plaintiff claimed that he suffered headaches and cervical and lumbar strains as a result of the collision. The plaintiff filed a complaint against defendant contending that the defendant issued a policy of insurance under which he was entitled to uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage and that it failed to honor the provisions of that policy. The defendant denied liability, disputed the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, and contended that the negligence of an unknown party resulted in this accident. The jury returned a verdict in favor of the plaintiff.
Location: Jackson County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Brown v. American Standard, 0916-CV08452

Severe Injury Case Examples

Severe car accident injuries can result in permanent physical or cognitive disability. Severe injury victims may sustain multiple injuries, such as brain damage, internal organ damage, spinal cord damage, and amputations. Some victims are never able to return to their pre-accident activities or employment.

Award for Two Separate Rear-End Collisions

Type of Injury: Head, neck, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $83,300
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was rear-ended two times within a month. The first accident reportedly occurred when plaintiff was stopped for traffic at an intersection. Plaintiff allegedly suffered head, neck, and back injuries. Plaintiff sued defendant 1 for negligence. Plaintiff’s second accident allegedly occurred just twenty-two days after the first. This time he was rear-ended by defendant 2. Plaintiff filed a motion to consolidate the two cases, arguing a common question of fact as to which injuries were caused by which defendant. Judge granted the motion. The consolidated case went to trial. The jury found for Plaintiff on both claims, awarding $15,300 from defendant 1 $68,000 from defendant 2.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Hagen v. Boeger, 982-09380

Defendant and Insurer Liable for Wrist, Breast Injuries

Type of Injury: Hand injuries-Broken wrist; necrosis of left breast; soft tissue injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $110,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff reportedly was involved in an automobile accident when defendant failed to yield the right of way and crashed into the car in which plaintiff was a passenger. Plaintiff claimed the accident caused her numerous injuries, specifically to her wrist, ribs and breast. Plaintiff brought a negligence action against defendant. She also sued her Insurer for allegedly breaching her husband’s insurance policy provision regarding uninsured motorists. Insurance Company denied the allegations. A jury returned a verdict in favor of plaintiff. Defendant was ordered to pay $60,000, while the Insurance company was ordered to pay the liability limit of $50,000. The defendants were also ordered to pay costs.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Smith v. American Family, 012-08671

Two Insurance Companies to Pay Injured Minor’s Damages

Type of Injury: Thigh injury-Fractured femur; Back injuries-cervical strain
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $125,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, reportedly was injured in a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff allegedly suffered severe and permanent injuries including fracture of the right femur and cervical strain. Electric Insurance reportedly agreed to settle the minor’s potential personal injury claim for his $25,000 policy limits, and Safeco Insurance reportedly agreed to settle the minor’s potential underinsured motorist claim for its $100,000 policy limits. Through his father as next friend, Plaintiff filed a petition, seeking approval of the settlements. The court approved the settlements, with Electric Insurance to pay $25,000 to settle all claims between the plaintiff with Safeco to pay $100,000. The court ordered the distribution of the proceeds.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Rolf v. Abbington, 1622-CC-10897

Jury Award for U-Turn Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and Back Injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $150,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that he was driving south, when he attempted a U-turn, his vehicle collided with a vehicle driven by defendant, who was driving on the same street in the same direction. As a result of the accident, Plaintiff contended that he suffered neck, shoulder, head, and back injuries. Plaintiff sued defendant claiming that defendant caused the accident through his negligent driving. Plaintiff claimed medical expenses in excess of $17,000 and property damage in excess of $200. Defendant denied liability. The matter proceeded to jury trial. The jury found the defendant liable for the accident. The jury awarded Plaintiff $150,000 for his injuries.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Davis v. Hansen, 022-11215

Passenger Award for T-Bone Crash Injuries

Type of Injury: Head injuries-hearing; neck, and back injuries
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $150,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff reportedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident in a parking lot. Plaintiff was backing out of her parking spot when defendant, traveling at an allegedly high rate of speed, struck the left rear quarter panel of plaintiff’s vehicle. Plaintiff claimed property damage to her vehicle and head, neck, back and hearing injuries. Plaintiff sued defendants and claimed negligence. Defendant denied liability. He argued contributory negligence, alleging plaintiff failed to maintain a careful lookout and failed to yield while backing out of her parking spot. Jury found the defendant 100 percent at fault and awarded plaintiff $150,000 in damages.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Stringer v. Williams, 012-1034

Three Parties Share Liability for Rear-End Collison

Type of Injury: Neck, upper back and lower back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $150,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that an accident occurred at an interchange when an unidentified “phantom vehicle” suddenly and without warning entered defendant’s lane. Defendant swerved to avoid the phantom vehicle, leaving the lane of traffic and hitting plaintiff’s vehicle from behind. Plaintiff contended that she suffered injuries to her neck, upper back, and lower back. Plaintiff sued defendant and her own insurance. Plaintiff accused defendant of negligence. Against her insurer, plaintiff said the phantom vehicle was covered by her uninsured motorist provision. Defendant denied liability. Jury found plaintiff’s damages to be $150,000. Jury assigned 4% fault to phantom vehicle, 83% to defendant and 13% to the plaintiff.
Location: Jackson County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Boyles v. Nathan, 01-CV-216227

Court-Approved Settlement for Injured Teen Girl

Type of Injury: Head injuries-concussion; left clavicle and neck; lacerations to both arms
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $160,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 16-year-old female reportedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Plaintiff reportedly sustained injuries to her left arm, left clavicle and neck, a concussion, and lacerations to her right arm. Plaintiff through her mother, reportedly claimed against defendant. Parties agreed to a $160,000 settlement. Plaintiff’s mother filed petition against defendant seeking approval of the settlement. Judge approved the settlement, ordering $101,655.57 to be deposited in a restricted account for plaintiff’s benefit, $3,569.79 to plaintiff’s mother for out-of-pocket expenses., $53,333.33 to the plaintiff’s attorney as fees, $356.93 to plaintiff’s attorney for expenses related to legal services, and $1,084.38 to State Ambulance for payment of an outstanding medical lien.
Location: St. Charles County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: J.L. v. Davies, 1311AC06875

Rear-End Driver Liable for Head and Neck Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and back injuries
Type of Accident: Rear-end
Award/Settlement Amount: $175,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged that she was operating her vehicle when she was rear-ended by defendant while stopped for a red light. Plaintiff contended that she sustained injuries to her neck and back as a result of the accident. Plaintiff sued defendant alleging negligence, in that defendant failed to keep careful lookout and was following too closely. She also claimed negligence per se, arguing violation of State laws. In her answer, defendant denied she was negligent and raised several defenses. The jury returned a verdict for plaintiff and awarded her $175,000 in damages. Judge entered the $175,000 judgment against defendant, and assessed costs to defendant.
Location: Clay County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Hamm v. Schroeder, CV104-001171 CC

Pedestrian Dog Walker Shared Fault for Her Injuries

Type of Injury: Neck and lower back injuries
Type of Accident: Pedestrian
Award/Settlement Amount: $175,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff alleged she was walking two dogs and as she was walking, a vehicle operated by defendant struck her and one of the dogs with the left front bumper. Plaintiff claimed she suffered injuries to her neck, lower back and body as whole due to the collision and incurred medical expenses to treat her injuries. Plaintiff and her husband filed a lawsuit against defendant contenting defendant operated his vehicle negligently. Plaintiff’s husband claimed a loss of consortium. Defendant denied he was negligent. Jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, awarding her $175,000 for personal injury. Jury assigned 32.5% of the fault to plaintiff, awarding no damages for her husband.
Location: Jackson County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Shelton v. Knight, 03CV-211514

Settlement Approved for Minor with Traumatic Brain Damage

Type of Injury: Head injuries-traumatic brain damage
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $200,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a minor, reportedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident with a vehicle operated by defendant. Plaintiff reportedly suffered traumatic brain damage as a result of the collision. Plaintiff through guardianship reportedly reached a $100,000 settlement with defendant’s insurer with regard to her personal injury claim, and reached a $100,000 settlement with her mother’s insurer, with regard to her underinsured motorist claim. Plaintiff, by her mother, filed a petition against defendant and her mother’s Insurer, seeking approval of the total $200,000 settlement. The court approved the settlement and ordered the distribution of the proceeds.
Location: St. Charles County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: H.C. v. Ahern, 1911CC01129

Teen Passenger Loses Arm in Side-Impact Crash

Type of Injury: Hand injuries-Above Elbow Amputation; Thigh injuries-fractured femur
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $825,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff, a 14-year-old male reportedly was a passenger in an uninsured motorist vehicle when a phantom vehicle caused the host driver to lose control and drive into a ditch. The Plaintiff alleged that he suffered amputation of his right, dominant arm, a fractured femur and emotional distress as a result of the accident. Plaintiff sued his insurance company for uninsured benefits contending that the defendant issued a policy of insurance under which she was entitled to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and that it failed to honor the provisions of that policy. The defendant settled with the plaintiff.
Location: Boone County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Homer v. Taylor, 95C-654322

Supplemental Needs Trust Approved for Underage Crash Victim

Type of Injury: Back injuries-Spinal stenosis, right-sided disc bulge at L2 and L3, a central disc protrusion at L3 and L4, and a left posterolateral disc protrusion at L5 and S1
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $1,100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff reportedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident with defendant. Plaintiff reportedly suffered Spinal stenosis and a right-sided disc bulge at L2 and L3, a central disc protrusion at L3 and L4, and a left posteriolateral disc protrusion at L5 and S1. Plaintiff, through his father, sued defendant. Plaintiff sought damages in excess of $25,000. The defendant denied the allegations. Parties reached a settlement agreement under which the defendant agreed to pay $1,100,000. Judge approved the settlement agreement and ordered the creation of plaintiff’s Irrevocable Supplemental Needs Trust. In addition, the court ordered $366,666.66 be disbursed to plaintiff’s Attorney for attorney fees and $5,293.37 for costs.
Location: St. Charles County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Wagner v. Landers, 0811-CV08085

Three Defendants Liable for Severely Injured Passenger

Type of Injury: Head, neck and back injuries; fractured left leg and patella
Type of Accident: Side-impact
Award/Settlement Amount: $2,100,000
Case Summary: Plaintiff reportedly was involved in a motor vehicle accident that occurred at an intersection when defendant 1, while driving a vehicle owned by defendant 2, struck a vehicle driven by defendant 3. Plaintiff who was a passenger in defendant 3’s vehicle reportedly suffered injuries to his head, neck, and back, as well as a fractured left leg and patella. Plaintiff filed a four-count petition against defendants alleging negligence. Defendants denied liability and offered the affirmative defense of third-party contributory fault. The jury found damages of $2.1M. They assessed 22% fault to defendant 3, 26% defendant 2 and 52% defendant 1.
Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
Case Name and Docket Number: Butler v. Davidson, 012-01272

Methodology

We analyzed a group of actual lawsuits filed in Missouri courts by injured car accident victims. All plaintiffs in the group received a jury award or settled the case before trial.

Some cases in the group are bad-faith lawsuits against the plaintiff’s own insurance company, filed when the victim’s auto insurance company would not make a fair payment for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Award amounts reflect any reductions made by the court because of the plaintiff’s shared fault for the accident.

In cases with more than one plaintiff, the “Award/Settlement Amount” reflects the highest payout to an individual plaintiff.