April 1, 2026 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury
Note: The data provided in this article are from the referenced sources most recent data provided.
Car accidents are a common occurrence in any city, state, or country. Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent a car accident from happening, and that is just one of the downsides to the extremely convenient transportation system we, as humans, have created.
Fortunately, the roads are getting safer. Car manufacturers are doing more to prevent fatalities to drivers when they are operating their vehicles, and drivers are doing more research on finding the safest cars to drive before they make any purchases.
Like every region in every country across the world, the state of Missouri has to deal with the unfortunately common event of car accidents. With a population of over 6 million people and densely populated cities such as St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia, Missourians know all too well the frequent manner in which car accidents can occur.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates people in Missouri drove nearly 90,000,000 miles in 2023 (their most recent data).
With that many miles driven, car accidents are bound to happen on a daily basis. As car accident attorneys in St. Louis, we have represented our fair share of car accident cases. We have spent time analyzing our cases along with statistics from both local and national car accident databases.
This article will provide insight into the State of Missouri’s car accident statistics and how you can avoid getting into a car accident yourself.
The 2023 statewide crash report and 2024 MoDOT communications continue to identify the same top factors in deadly wrecks. While there a seemingly infinite number of things that can ultimately cause a car accident, some of the most common factors behind car accidents in Missouri include:
For more information, you can read our article on The Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Missouri.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the state saw a small decline in overall crashes from 2022 to 2023. The 2022 Traffic Crashes report notes that total crashes decreased by about 5% compared to 2021, and the 2023 report shows another 1% decrease in total crashes compared to 2022. Even with that progress, Missouri still experiences well over 100,000 reported crashes in a typical year, with thousands of those classified as injury crashes.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that Missouri saw a decrease in total crashes of about 5% from 2021 to 2022, followed by another 1% decrease in 2023, bringing the statewide total to just over 120,000 reported traffic crashes in 2023. While fewer crashes is a positive sign, it is important to remember that driving patterns and traffic volumes have changed since the pandemic years, so year‑to‑year comparisons do not always tell the full story.
MSHP’s 2023 traffic crash data show that 47,894 people were injured in Missouri traffic crashes in 2020 and that tens of thousands of people continue to be injured in crashes every year, even as total crash counts edge downward.
Missouri records more than 136,839 reporated car accidents in 2023; an increase from the 127485 in 2022.
MSHP’s 2023 car accident data for Missouri reported 50,369 people were injured in car accidents.
Poor weather played a role in nearly 21,000 Missouri car accidents with rain being involved in 14,776 while snow, sleet, and hail were involved in another 4,194.
The Missouri Department of Transportation says its preliminary findings estimate that over 2,200 accidents in 2021 in the State of Missouri involved a driver being distracted by a cell phone.
That number is almost certainly higher due to the fact that many are not truthful with authorities about cell phone usage and other distractions after they are involved in a car accident.
MoDOT’s 2024 tracker also notes that, even with improved numbers, there were still more than 190 deaths in the first quarter of 2024 alone. This reinforces that everyday driving conditions continue to produce many serious crashes.
Statewide and local data show an alarming rise in pedestrian deaths even as overall fatalities fall.
Many of these deaths involved pedestrians who had exited their vehicles after a crash or breakdown, standing on or near the roadway when they were struck. These statistics support strong negligence claims when drivers fail to slow down, move over, or pay attention near disabled vehicles.
General data relating to car accidents that resulted in serious injuries in Missouri according to Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.
The Missouri Department of Transportation reported a 12% increase in traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2020, and unfortunately those numbers continued to climb through 2022. According to MoDOT, there were 1,057 people killed on Missouri roadways in 2022, the highest total since 2006.
The trend has finally started to reverse. MoDOT announced that 989 people died in Missouri traffic crashes in 2023, a 6% decrease compared to 2022 and the first year‑over‑year decline since 2019. Preliminary data then show 954 fatalities on Missouri roadways in 2024, another 4% reduction compared to 2023 and a 10% decrease compared to 2022. Early 2025 figures suggest the downward trend may continue, with 911 fatalities reported for 2025, marking three consecutive years of declining roadway deaths.
MoDOT’s crash data also show that speed and aggressive driving remain the top contributing factors in deadly wrecks. In its 2023 roadway fatalities update, MoDOT reports that “speed and other aggressive driving behaviors remained the top concern, contributing to more than half of the total fatalities”. Impaired driving accounted for about 17% of fatalities in 2023, and distracted driving contributed to more than 100 deaths.
According to IIHS around 57% of people killed in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts.
MoDOT’s safety tracker notes that 2024 saw an 8–9% reduction in fatalities over the first three quarters compared to the same period in 2023, consistent with this downward trend.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, there were 991 people killed in Missouri traffic crashes in 2023, which is 66 fewer deaths (a 6% decrease) than in 2022. Total crashes in 2023 declined by about 1% compared to 2022.
Preliminary data from MoDOT show 954 traffic fatalities on Missouri roadways in 2024, a 4% decrease from 2023 and a 10% decrease compared to 2022. This marks the second straight year of declining fatalities after several years of sharp increases.
The counties in Missouri with the most fatal car accidents according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration..
Car accidents involving driving under the influence of alcohol in Missouri based on Department of Public Safety Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety data in 2023.
Below are some additional statistics to keep in mind involving car accidents in Missouri.
While many accidents could be avoided in some way, there are some that simply cannot.
We are constantly preaching safe driving tips and continue to educate ourselves on new driving technology and ways to stay safer on the roads.
In the unfortunate event that you are in a car accident in St. Louis or one of the surrounding areas, we advise you to contact the St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Ortwerth Law.
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I grew up playing sports with Craig since grade school. Dedication, determination, and commitment lead to his success as an athlete and now leads him to be successful in law. When I was in a accident several years ago I called to ask for his help. He took care of all the legal tasks while I concentrated on physical therapy. I have recommended several of my friends and family to Craig and he has given them the same commitment and assistance. I endorse Craig and his firm for anyone needing legal service.
I’m so grateful that Craig Ortwerth and his office took on my car accident case. Craig was so easy to work with and he quickly replied back to any questions or concerns I had and explained every step to me. I felt such relief knowing I was in good hands and I didn’t have to worry about dealing with the insurance company so I could focus on healing from my accident.
Brian is an outstanding attorney! I had a pretty complicated divorce and it was not an easy time for me. Brian was thoughtful and empathetic to my situation. He wasn’t some cold attorney sitting across from me nodding his head. He was very responsive to any and all concerns I had, and never made me feel like a bother. He knows his profession and does it well. His prices are more than fair.
As the Office Manager at Healthcare Complete, I would highly recommend the legal services from Brian McChesney and Craig Ortwerth. We have routinely referred our personal injury patients in need of legal advice/representation to their firm, and our patients have ALWAYS been well represented and satisfied. On a personal level, I have been represented by their firm for a personal injury case and have been equally satisfied. I have referred family and friends to the firm for similar situations. Our office, Doctor and Staff hold the firm in high regard. Thanks for all you've done for us through the years!
This was the first time I have ever needed a lawyer. And Craig Ortwerth was refered by a friend he made this process easier than I could have ever imagined. All I had to do was sign a few papers and everything else he took care of. I'm so happy with the outcome and working with Craig was great.
Hands down this is the best firm in St.Louis! I have had the BEST experience at McChesney & Orthworth. I have worked with Brian who from day one of me walking into the office has provided the most humble counsel.Very professional. When stepping in this office I felt like they truly wanted to help me get the best care. I can't say enough about his firm. Truly amazing!! I would recommend this firm to others in a heartbeat! To all of you at McChesney & Orthworth law group, a sincere thank you!! Many Thanks! Brooke Hinkle
I had Craig ortwerth represent me for a workmans Comp case and I will say he did an amazing job was very easy to keep in contact with and he handled everything in the best way possible I am extremely happy with the settlement he got me I fully endorse his law firm nothing remotely negative to say
I have worked with Craig Ortwerth on a few different occasions. Each time I was very pleased with the out come. Everyone from the staff to the lawyers are nice, respectful and give excellent customer service.
Brain McChesney has represented and guided us through several legal matters over the past 15 - 20 years. We have found him to be knowledgeable, responsive, aggressive, reasonable, and trustworthy. We would not turn to anyone else in the future. I highly recommend him.
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