After an accident, one of the first questions people ask is: Whose fault was it? But what happens if the answer isn’t so clear-cut—if you share part of the blame?
Missouri law doesn’t take an all-or-nothing approach to personal injury cases. Instead, it uses something called comparative fault—a system that still allows you to seek compensation even if you’re partly responsible. That said, how much you’re eligible to recover depends on the details. And those details matter more than you might think.
Let’s walk through what comparative fault means in Missouri and how it might impact your case.
Missouri’s Take on Comparative Fault
A Fairer Way to Handle Fault
Unlike a handful of states that block compensation the moment you’re even 1% at fault, Missouri uses a more flexible system. It’s called pure comparative fault, and it means you can still recover damages—even if you were mostly responsible.
Let’s say you were 30% at fault in a car accident. If your total damages were $100,000, you'd still be able to recover $70,000. It’s not all-or-nothing, but the percentage assigned to you matters a lot.
Why Percentages Matter
In Missouri, fault is calculated as a percentage. That’s where things get tricky. The insurance company—or a jury, if it comes to that—will weigh all the evidence and decide how much blame each party holds.
Your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. That’s why gathering solid evidence and presenting a strong case from the start is so important. One percent can make a big difference—especially in higher-stakes claims.
When Multiple People Share the Blame
You’re Not Alone—And That Matters
In many cases, more than one person contributes to an accident. If you’re being accused of causing a crash—or if you know you played a part—it doesn’t mean your claim is over. But it does mean the case could get complicated.
The other side may try to shift as much blame onto you as possible. The more fault they can assign to you, the less they have to pay. That’s why you need someone who knows how to fight back and build a narrative that supports your version of what happened.
Building a Strong Case From Day One
Your Evidence Is Your Power
The more you can document after an accident, the better your chances of keeping your fault percentage as low as possible. Take photos, get witness names, save medical records—anything that backs up your side of the story.
Good documentation can be the difference between a fair recovery and a disappointing outcome. The earlier you start gathering these details, the stronger your position will be down the road.
Why Witnesses Can Tip the Scale
Sometimes, what you need is a credible third party to make your case clearer. Expert witnesses—like accident reconstruction specialists or medical professionals—can explain what happened in a way that cuts through the noise.
Their input helps juries and insurers understand the situation more objectively. In many personal injury cases, these voices are what make the difference between a lowball settlement and a successful claim.
Injured in Columbia, MO? Let Us Help You Navigate Fault and Fight for What’s Fair
If you’re facing a personal injury case where fault is being questioned, don’t take chances with your future. At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we understand how Missouri’s comparative fault laws work—and how to use them to your advantage.
We’ve helped people across Columbia protect their rights, push back against unfair accusations, and pursue the compensation they deserve. Don’t go through this alone. Call (888) 287-1046 today to get started with a team that knows how to fight—and win—for you.