What car accidents actually means
A car accident case arises when someone is injured in a motor vehicle collision caused by another driver's negligence. This includes rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, highway pile-ups, and single-vehicle incidents caused by road defects or other drivers.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system under RSMo § 537.765 — you may recover damages even if partially at fault, reduced by your percentage. Kansas uses modified comparative fault under KSA § 60-258a — recovery is barred at 50% or more fault.
What it takes to have a case
1. Duty
Every driver owes other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians a duty to operate their vehicle with reasonable care under the circumstances — obeying traffic laws, maintaining safe speeds, and staying attentive.
2. Breach
Running a red light, texting while driving, following too closely, driving under the influence, or failing to yield are all common breaches of the duty of care.
3. Causation
The breach must have directly caused the collision and resulting injuries. If the other driver ran a red light and struck your vehicle, that's direct causation.
4. Damages
You must have suffered actual harm — medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, pain and suffering, or other measurable losses.
What we handle within car accidents
Every situation is different. Here are the most common types we see.
Rear-End Collisions
The most common type. The trailing driver is typically presumed at fault.
Intersection Crashes
Failure to yield, red-light violations, and left-turn accidents.
Highway / Interstate
High-speed collisions often involving multiple vehicles and severe injuries.
Distracted Driving
Texting, phone use, or other distractions that take attention from the road.
Drunk Driving
DUI/DWI collisions — may also involve dram shop liability in Missouri.
Uninsured/Underinsured
When the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage.
Missouri vs. Kansas: the rules that matter
Kansas City straddles the state line. Which state's law applies depends on where the incident occurred.
Missouri
- •Statute of limitations: 5 years — RSMo § 516.120
- •Pure comparative fault — recover even if 99% at fault, reduced proportionately — RSMo § 537.765
- •Minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- •Dram shop liability available — RSMo § 537.053
Kansas
- •Statute of limitations: 2 years — KSA § 60-513
- •Modified comparative fault — 50% bar rule — KSA § 60-258a
- •Minimum liability insurance: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident
- •No dram shop statute
Not sure which state's rules apply? Tell us where it happened →
What an investigation looks like
Initial conversation — Free. No commitment. We listen, review the facts, and give a straight read on your situation.
Evidence collection — Police reports, witness statements, photos, traffic camera footage, insurance policies.
Medical records review — Emergency records, follow-up care, rehabilitation, and future treatment projections.
Demand or filing — Pre-suit demand if the case can settle reasonably; petition filed if it cannot.
Discovery — Depositions, interrogatories, accident reconstruction experts if needed.
Resolution — Settlement, mediation, or trial. Your decision; our preparation.
What it costs
Yonke Law works on a contingency basis. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. The percentage is agreed in writing before any work begins. Your initial consultation is always free. No hourly rates. No retainers. No surprise bills.
What a car accidents case is actually worth
There's no honest one-line answer. Value depends on the facts of your situation.
Economic Damages
- •Medical expenses (past and future)
- •Lost wages and earning capacity
- •Property damage
- •Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
- •Pain and suffering
- •Emotional distress
- •Loss of enjoyment of life
- •Loss of consortium
A consultation gives you a real assessment based on your situation — not a stock answer.
Who You'll Work With
Michael T. Yonke
AV Preeminent rated. 25+ years handling motor vehicle collision cases across Missouri and Kansas.
Mike founded Yonke Law in 2001 after years of seeing how large firms treated the people they were supposed to protect. Every case at Yonke Law is handled directly by Mike and his team — not passed to associates or outsourced to contract attorneys.
When it comes to car accidents, Mike brings decades of focused trial experience, a network of trusted medical and technical experts, and a straightforward approach: understand the facts, build the case, and prepare for trial even if the goal is settlement.
More about Mike and the team →Common questions
How long do I have to file a car accident claim?
In Missouri, you have 5 years from the date of the accident (RSMo § 516.120). In Kansas, you have 2 years (KSA § 60-513). These deadlines are strict.
What if I was partly at fault?
In Missouri, you can still recover damages even if mostly at fault — your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. In Kansas, if you're 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
What does a car accident lawyer cost?
Yonke Law works on contingency. No fee unless we recover compensation for you. The percentage is agreed in writing before any work begins. Consultation is always free.
Should I talk to the other driver's insurance company?
Be cautious. Insurance adjusters work for the other side. Anything you say can be used to reduce your claim. You have no obligation to give a recorded statement without legal counsel.
What if the other driver was uninsured?
Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may apply. Missouri and Kansas both allow UM/UIM claims against your own policy.
How much is my car accident case worth?
There's no honest one-line answer. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, fault allocation, and insurance limits. A consultation gives you a real assessment.
Printable
Personal Injury Checklist
Essential steps to protect your health, your rights, and your claim. Covers what to gather, who to contact, and the deadlines that matter for your car accidents case.
Download the checklist (PDF) ↓Or — Walk Through It Digitally
Start Your Case Review
Answer a few questions about your situation. Your responses are saved and become the start of your case file if you proceed.
Start the digital intake →Ready to talk about your car accidents case?
Free consultation. No fee unless we recover.
