In Kansas City, there is no specific dollar limit on how much someone can sue for after a car accident. Instead, the total compensation depends on the severity of the injuries, the financial losses involved, and the available insurance coverage.
Missouri does not place caps on most types of damages in personal injury cases. That means victims can pursue full recovery for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—as long as the damages are documented and legally supported.
While the law allows for substantial compensation, getting the full amount you’re owed depends on how well your case is built. Working with a skilled Kansas City car accident lawyer can help you understand the value of your claim and avoid settling for less than you deserve.
We Help You Maximize the Value of Your Claim
At Foster Wallace Personal Injury Lawyers, we work with car crash victims to calculate every aspect of their losses. There is no universal amount you can sue for after a car accident in Kansas City because every crash, every injury, and every recovery is different.
However, we focus on making sure nothing is left off the table when it comes to building your claim. Our goal is to pursue compensation for all legally recoverable damages, which typically fall into the categories below.
Economic Damages
These are the direct financial losses that result from the accident. In most cases, economic damages form the foundation of the claim. They include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospital bills, surgery, physical therapy, medication, and future treatment costs
- Lost income: Wages lost due to time off work, both short- and long-term
- Reduced earning capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle and personal items lost in the crash
- Out–of–pocket costs: Travel to medical appointments, home modifications, medical equipment, and other accident-related expenses
We work with medical providers, vocational experts, and financial analysts to ensure that these numbers are fully documented and reflect both current and future losses.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are less tangible but just as important. Non-economic losses are meant to compensate you for the human impact of the crash, including:
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and discomfort related to your injuries
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other psychological effects
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
- Loss of companionship or relationship strain: When injuries affect family dynamics or marital relationships
There is no strict formula for calculating these damages in Missouri, but the severity and permanence of your injuries play a major role. We help you present these losses clearly and convincingly to the insurance company or, if necessary, a jury.
Punitive Damages (Rare but Possible)
In cases involving reckless or intentional behavior—such as drunk driving or hit-and-run crashes—punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the at-fault driver and deter similar conduct.
Missouri does place restrictions on when and how punitive damages can be awarded, and the state requires clear and convincing evidence. If your case qualifies, we will discuss whether this is a realistic part of your recovery strategy.
How Much Compensation Is Typical?
Car accident settlements in Missouri can range widely. Minor accidents involving soft-tissue injuries may resolve for a few thousand dollars. Serious crashes involving hospitalization, surgery, or permanent disability can lead to six- or even seven-figure settlements.
Factors that influence the value of your case include:
- The extent and permanence of your injuries
- Whether liability is clear or disputed
- How much insurance coverage is available
- The strength of your documentation and evidence
- Your medical history and any pre-existing conditions
- Whether the case settles or goes to trial
As your Kansas City car accident attorneys, we provide realistic estimates of case value based on experience, evidence, and legal precedent. We never promise inflated numbers, but we always fight for the maximum compensation supported by the facts.
Contact our Kansas city personal injury lawyers now.
How Insurance Coverage Affects Your Recovery
Missouri requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance, but those limits are often not enough to cover serious injuries. In many cases, the at-fault driver’s policy may only provide:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for multiple injured parties
- $10,000 for property damage
If your losses exceed the available coverage, we may explore other options, including:
- Umbrella or excess policies
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage through your own policy
- Third–party liability from vehicle owners, employers, or manufacturers
- Filing a personal judgment if the at-fault party has collectible assets
Our job is to leave no stone unturned in identifying every available source of recovery.
What You Can Do to Strengthen Your Claim
The earlier you act, the better your chances of recovering full damages. To help maximize your case:
- Seek medical care immediately, even if symptoms are mild.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan.
- Document everything, from bills and prescriptions to work absences and symptoms.
- Avoid posting about your accident on social media.
- Speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to insurance.
Our team handles all communication with insurers and builds your case from day one, allowing you to focus on healing.
Talk to a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re wondering how much you can sue for after a car accident in Kansas City, the answer depends on your injuries, your losses, and the strength of your legal strategy. Missouri law gives you the opportunity to pursue full compensation, but you only get one chance to get it right.
At Foster Wallace, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for clients and bring more than 45 years of combined experience to each case we handle. We take the time to understand your story, calculate your damages, and fight for every dollar you’re owed.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City car accident lawyer. We’re here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
