If you’ve been a car accident victim in Springfield, Missouri, it is important to understand that auto insurance does not always cover as much as you might expect. Many car accident victims are surprised to learn that common assumptions about coverage, vehicle value, and fair treatment from insurance companies are often wrong.
- The at-fault driver may not have enough insurance, or any insurance at all, leaving you exposed to major out-of-pocket costs.
- Insurance companies do not pay what you originally paid for your vehicle. They pay actual cash value, which may be much lower than expected.
- Basic liability coverage does not pay for damage to your own vehicle in many situations, including weather damage, theft, or accidents you cause.
- Missouri’s minimum insurance limits are often far too low to cover serious injuries, lost wages, and ongoing medical care.
- Insurance companies are focused on limiting payouts, not necessarily protecting your best interests after a crash.
- A Springfield car accident law firm like The Krebs Law Firm can help investigate coverage, deal with adjusters, challenge low offers, and pursue full compensation.
- Getting legal guidance early can make a major difference in protecting your rights and understanding your options.
Let’s take a closer look at each these main points in more detail.
Top 5 Auto Insurance Myths That Hurt Car Accident Victims in Springfield, Missouri
If you’ve been in a car accident in Springfield, Missouri, you may assume that insurance will “take care of everything”.
But unfortunately, many Springfield drivers don’t realize until it’s too late that insurance coverage often falls far short of what’s really needed after a serious crash.
At our Springfield, MO personal injury law firm, we regularly see car accident victims misled by common insurance myths. Understanding the truth can make a significant difference in how much compensation you ultimately receive.
Myth #1: The Other Driver Has Insurance
Missouri law requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. However, not all Springfield and Southwest Missouri drivers comply with the law.
In Greene County and throughout Southwest Missouri, uninsured and underinsured drivers are more common than most people realize. If the at-fault driver has no insurance — or only minimum coverage — their policy may not cover your medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Why this matters for Springfield drivers:
Without uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you may be left paying expenses yourself even when the crash wasn’t your fault.
Myth #2: Your Car Is Still Worth What You Paid for It
After a serious car accident in Springfield, many drivers are shocked by how little the insurance company offers for a totaled vehicle.
Insurance companies pay the current actual cash value, not the original purchase price.
Depreciation applies immediately — even for newer vehicles — and settlement offers are often based on limited market comparisons that undervalue Springfield-area vehicles.
Important to know:
Insurance companies do not rely on Kelley Blue Book when calculating payouts. Their valuation methods can often be challenged with proper documentation and legal advocacy.
Myth #3: Your Insurance Pays for Damage No Matter What
In Missouri, basic liability insurance does not pay for damage to your own vehicle.
If you only carry minimum coverage, your insurer will not pay for damage caused by:
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Storms or flooding
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Fire or theft
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Falling objects
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Accidents you caused yourself
These losses are only covered if you purchased comprehensive and collision coverage, which are optional under Missouri law but often critical for Springfield drivers.
Myth #4: Minimum Insurance Coverage Is Enough
Missouri’s minimum insurance limits may satisfy the law, but they are often dangerously low.
A single emergency room visit at a Springfield hospital can easily exceed $25,000. When injuries involve surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care, damages can quickly rise into the six figures or more.
When coverage runs out, accident victims may be left with:
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Unpaid medical bills
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Lost income
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Ongoing treatment expenses
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Little or no compensation for pain and suffering
Carrying higher coverage limits and UM/UIM protection is often one of the most affordable ways to protect yourself and your family.
Myth #5: Your Insurance Company Is on Your Side
Even though you pay premiums every month, insurance companies are businesses focused on limiting payouts.
After a Springfield car accident, insurance companies often:
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Question the seriousness of injuries
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Delay or deny medical treatment
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Pressure victims into quick settlements
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Offer far less than the claim is worth
This is especially common with back injuries, neck injuries, and other conditions that don’t show clearly on imaging studies.
Once a claim is filed, you are no longer just a customer. You are a financial risk.
How a Springfield, Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A skilled Springfield MO car accident attorney can:
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Investigate all available insurance coverage
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Handle communications with insurance adjusters
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Challenge low vehicle valuations
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Document the full extent of your injuries
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Fight for maximum compensation
Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers working against you. You deserve experienced legal representation protecting your rights.
Talk to a Springfield, Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured in a car accident in Springfield or Greene County, you don’t have to face the insurance process alone. An experienced Springfield personal injury lawyer can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Springfield, MO office today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
The Krebs Law Firm has a lot of experience with auto accidents, so if you’re ever involved in a vehicle accident through no fault of your own and you want a knowledgeable Missouri car accident lawyer on your side to make sure you’re treated fairly by the insurance company, give our office a call at (417) 883-5886 or toll free at (800) 345-0535.
Get Help To Fight For Your Rights
If you’re ever involved in a serious car crash, you’ll want to know what your legal options for compensation are regardless of whether the other driver was texting while driving. Don’t hesitate to reach out to get the compensation you are entitled to.
An experienced Missouri car accident lawyer can fight for your rights. Call The Krebs Law Firm at (417) 883-5886 or toll free at (800) 345-0535 for a free consultation.
If you want more information about what you should do after a Missouri car accident and learn more about common missteps (and how to avoid them) order your copy of our free book.
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The situations where a victim would benefit from legal representation for a Missouri car crash far outnumber situations in which having an attorney isn’t necessary. We are here to provide you with the assistance you need after a car, truck or motorcycle crash. When you are ready to take the next steps, contact us at (417) 883-5886 for a free, no-obligation consultation.