After a car accident in Missouri, you have up to five years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit, but to claim an injury, most insurance policies require you to file a claim “within a reasonable time.” Filing an insurance claim promptly gives you better chances of recovering compensation even if you wait longer to file a lawsuit.
Insurance companies rely on delays to challenge the severity of your injuries and limit their liability. If you’ve been injured in a crash, speaking with a Kansas City car accident lawyer early in the process is one of the most important steps you can take.
Your legal rights may still be protected even if symptoms take time to appear, but proving your case becomes more difficult the longer you wait. Understanding Missouri’s deadlines and how they apply to your situation is essential to preserving your claim.
Helping You Understand Injury Claim Deadlines in Missouri
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers in Kansas City, we help car accident victims understand how long they have to file an injury claim. In most cases, Missouri law gives you five years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. That deadline applies to cases involving bodily harm, such as:
- Broken bones or soft tissue damage
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries or herniated discs
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Permanent disability or loss of function
Although Missouri’s statute of limitations allows up to five years, we recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as possible. The earlier you begin building your case, the easier it is to secure medical records, gather evidence, and document your injuries.
Why Prompt Action Matters After a Crash
The strength of your injury claim often depends on what happens in the first few days and weeks after the accident. While you technically have time to file a lawsuit, there are other deadlines and practical concerns that can impact your ability to recover compensation.
Here’s why acting quickly works in your favor:
- Medical evidence is strongest early on. Waiting to seek treatment can give insurers an excuse to question whether your injuries are real or related to the accident.
- Witnesses become harder to locate. Testimony is more credible when it’s recorded soon after the event.
- Insurance deadlines may come first. Many insurance policies have internal reporting deadlines that fall well before Missouri’s five-year legal limit.
- Insurance companies watch for gaps. If you delay treatment, the opposing side may argue that your injuries were pre-existing or not serious.
As your car accident attorneys, we act fast to document the full scope of your injuries, gather supporting evidence, and protect your right to compensation—whether through negotiation or litigation.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
What if You Didn’t Realize You Were Injured Right Away?
It’s common for people involved in accidents to feel fine initially, only to experience pain or symptoms days later. Adrenaline, stress, or delayed-onset injuries can make it difficult to recognize the full extent of harm right away.
We frequently work with clients who develop:
- Neck or back pain from whiplash
- Headaches or dizziness from concussions
- Abdominal pain related to internal injuries
- Numbness, tingling, or mobility issues caused by nerve damage
In Missouri, your claim is still valid even if symptoms appear later, as long as you are within the five-year statute of limitations. But the key is prompt medical attention once symptoms appear and a clear timeline connecting the injury to the accident.
At Foster Wallace, we guide you through the process of documenting late-appearing injuries and securing the evidence needed to support your claim.
What Happens if the Statute of Limitations Expires?
If you miss the five-year deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Missouri, your case is likely to be dismissed. The court will not hear your case, and insurance companies will have no obligation to negotiate or settle. Unfortunately, this means you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation entirely—even if your injuries are severe and clearly caused by the crash.
As your legal team, we make sure that never happens. From the moment you contact our office, we track key deadlines, file required paperwork, and preserve your right to hold the at-fault driver accountable.
How Our Firm Supports Your Recovery
At Foster Wallace, we understand how stressful the aftermath of a car accident can be. You’re dealing with pain, vehicle repairs, lost income, and constant calls from insurance adjusters. We take over the legal side of your case so that you can focus on your health and recovery.
When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- A clear explanation of Missouri’s legal timelines
- Strategic planning to avoid delays or denials
- Direct communication with your medical providers
- Accurate valuation of your damages, including future care needs
- Negotiation with insurers and legal action when necessary
Our team has over 45 years of combined experience and has helped clients recover more than $1 billion in verdicts and settlements. We know how to build strong cases that insurance companies take seriously, and we’re prepared to fight for what you deserve.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are unsure how long you have to file a claim, don’t wait to get the answers you need. Missouri’s five-year statute of limitations may seem generous, but delay works against you when it comes to building a successful case.
At Foster Wallace, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and protect your right to compensation. Contact our team today to speak with a car accident lawyer who will take your case seriously from day one.
