Legal Question in Personal Injury in Missouri

A friend was recently in a car accident and they were not insured. They rear-ended a car that rear-ended another car:

1. are they responsible for both of the cars damages?

2. are they liable for the damages paid for the car if there policy has coverage for being hit by an uninsured driver?


Asked on 7/20/10, 3:43 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Harvath Harvath Law Offices-INJURY case representation

Hi. I am a Missouri personal injury attorney that focuses my practice highly on auto accident claims, as well as cases involving work injuries.

In large part, the result of the liability determinations in this accident will be based on what the police report indicates, as well as statements by any witnesses to the accident. One question that is very important here is whether your friend received any tickets, such as a ticket for following too closely, or violating any other traffic ordinances. If he/she recevied a ticket, it may be more difficult for him/her to not be held accountable for damages to either or both of the other vehicles. Also, in order to provide a more accurate answer, a review of the police report would be necessary.

Furthermore, answers to the following questions would be needed to make a determination of what the likely outcome of this accident would be:

1) Do you know if the driver of the car that your friend hit the back of had insurance?

2) Was the driver of the car that your friend hit the rear of injured at all, to the best of your knowledge?

3) Do you know if the driver of the car that your friend hit the rear of received any traffic tickets?

4) Was your friend's car totaled, or was the damage minor? What type of vehicle was it?

5) Was your friend injured at all? Were the injuries minor or more serious?

In conclusion, it may be possible for your friend to recover compensation for the full cost of any damages to his/her vehicle and more. On the other hand, your friend could be held accountable for paying all costs for damages to the other cars, and any medical expenses for the other drivers. If he/she was without insurance, this could have a serious financial impact. The insurance companies will move to resolve these liability issues quickly, so your friend should speak to an attorney without any delay.

In any event, I can be reached by e-mail at [email protected], or phone at (314) 471-5585. Thank you.

NOTE: This answer is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship or privilege between the user and the attorney responding.

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Answered on 7/22/10, 2:47 am


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