Write Up:

Keeping employees and the public safe is at the core of everything we do at MoDOT. Controlling damage to vehicles and reducing personal injury in work zones, on the right of way, and in other areas under the department’s responsibility helps MoDOT achieve this goal.

Compared to the first three quarters of 2025, there was a 41% decrease in general liability claims in the first three quarters of 2026 and a 6% decrease in the amount paid. Most claims filed against the department are attributed to pavement defects, which account for 43% of all claims.

In the third quarter of 2026, payments were made on 271 claims against the department, totaling $3,107,790.73. The three claims below accounted for 71% of these payments:
• The first claim involved a crash where a vehicle hydroplaned due to water pooling on the road and struck two other vehicles, causing serious injuries. This claim settled for $650,000.
• The second claim involved a fatal crash at an intersection identified as an area of concern. Inadequate signing and obstructed vision were alleged. This claim, involving one fatality and passenger injuries, settled for $825,000.
• The third claim involved a crash where a vehicle hydroplaned and struck a tree. Numerous other crashes have occurred at this location. The driver and passengers were injured. This claim settled for $700,000.

To improve results, the department continues focusing on the most common general liability claim types. Historically, the five most frequent claims involve pavement defects, debris on the roadway, chip seal, mowing, and striping operations.

Purpose of the Measure:

This measure tracks the number of general liability claims, and the amount paid.

Measurement and Data Collection:

General liability claims arise from allegations of injuries or damages caused by dangerous conditions on MoDOT property and claims that directly resulted from the condition. In addition, an employee must be negligent and create the dangerous condition or MoDOT must have actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition in sufficient time before the injury or damage to have taken measures to protect the public. Claims data is collected from Riskmaster, the department’s risk management claims administration software.

The target for this measure is updated annually and is calculated by determining a 5-year average and subtracting 10%. Exceptionally high or low years are excluded from the 5-year average calculation to determine a practical target.