Disclaimer: This article provides general information under Missouri law and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Detailed Answer
In Missouri, proving negligence in a collision at a traffic signal or exit requires establishing four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. A driver owes a duty to obey traffic-control signals under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 304.012, which mandates stopping at a red light and proceeding only when the way is clear (https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=304.012). Exiting a roadway also carries a duty to yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
To prove breach, you must show the other motorist violated that duty by, for example, running a red light, failing to yield when exiting an off-ramp, or turning against the signal. Next, you must link that breach to your injury or property damage (causation). Finally, document your damages, such as medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.
Under Missouri’s comparative fault statute, Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.765, your recovery will decrease by any percentage of fault assigned to you (https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=537.765). For example, if you are found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages.
Common types of evidence include:
- Law enforcement reports and any citations issued at the scene
- Traffic camera or nearby surveillance footage showing the signal phase and vehicle movements
- Photographs of the intersection or exit ramp, skid marks, vehicle damage, and signal head orientation
- Eyewitness statements confirming the signal color and driver actions
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) or “black box” data showing speed, braking, and throttle use
- Accident reconstruction analysis by a qualified engineer establishing sequence of events
Helpful Hints
- Obtain a certified copy of the crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol promptly.
- Preserve photographs of the signal, roadway conditions, and damage before cleanup or repairs.
- Request any traffic or business surveillance recordings within 24–48 hours; many systems overwrite data quickly.
- Gather names and contact details of all witnesses at the scene before they disperse.
- Consider hiring an accident reconstruction expert to reinforce your causation and breach evidence.
- Keep all medical records, bills, and repair estimates related to the collision.
- Review any ticket issued to the other driver for running a red light or failing to yield, as this can serve as strong evidence of breach.