Legal Question in Personal Injury in Missouri

Re: 17 yr. old sued for injuries in traffic accident

I assume she had insurance?

If she had insurance, then it is likely that the insurance company will provide her a defense and help her through this time.

If she did not have an insurance policy that covered her at the time, she could face a real problem. She could be held liable for the injuries and damages. This is liability under civil law.

If she was not charged with a ticket or otherwise charged with a crime, she should not face criminal liability. However, if she did not have insurance, she might well face suspension of her license under Chapter 303, RSMo.

Also, under Chapter 303, a judgment can be sent to the Department of Revenue and the driving privileges are suspended until the judgment is paid or the creditor (person holding the judgment) permits it to be reinstated. Thus, if the person suing wins $15,000, and your niece cannot pay that amount, she will lose her driving privileges until the judgment is paid.

If she has not already contacted an attorney to represent her in the lawsuit, she should do so immediately.