VictimsGuide

A Citizen’s Guide to Auto Insurance and Crash Law

Start Here

MISSOURI GUIDE 16

Missouri Government Vehicle Crashes & Public Entity Claims

Missouri generally preserves sovereign immunity for public entities but expressly waives it in specified circumstances. Effective August 28, 2026, RSMo § 537.600 continues to waive immunity for injuries directly resulting from negligent acts or omissions of public employees, and certain Missouri Department of Transportation agents, arising from operation of motor vehicles or motorized vehicles within the course of employment.

  • Identify the public entity, driver or agent, and whether the vehicle was being operated within the course of employment.
  • Review § 537.600 together with § 537.610 for liability limits and insurance-related issues.
  • Determine whether additional entity-specific notice or procedural requirements apply.
  • Preserve agency records, dispatch, vehicle data, video and maintenance evidence immediately.

Primary Missouri Sources

Current-law review: September 16, 2026. Missouri amended § 537.600 effective August 28, 2026; government claims require prompt entity-specific review.