What usually happens after an auto accident in Missouri is that the insurance company of the at-fault driver compensates the other driver for damages incurred in the accident. However, not all drivers in the state have enough insurance and some don’t have any insurance at all.
If you are involved in an accident caused by the reckless driving of an uninsured or underinsured motorist, getting compensation can become tricky. Your own insurance company may not be that keen to step in if the driver that caused your accident is uninsured. For this reason, hiring a Missouri car accident attorney that has experience dealing with insurance companies is the only way to get the compensation you deserve.
Call the Granat Law Office at 314-222-7777.
Accidents Where The Negligent Motorist Is Uninsured
An uninsured motorist does not have any insurance. This means that if that motorist causes an accident, the other driver cannot ask for the at-fault driver’s insurance information. In Missouri, all drivers are expected to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UM) to protect them if the negligent driver is uninsured. The insurance coverage required for drivers in Missouri includes:
- $25,000 per person for personal injuries
- $50,000 per person for personal injuries
- $10,000 per accident for property damage
- $25,000 in uninsured coverage for personal injury for each person
- $50,000 in uninsured coverage per accident
Your uninsured motorist coverage will cover your medical care, wage loss, and property damage if you are injured by an uninsured driver or a hit and run driver that cannot be identified. To file an uninsured motorist claim against your insurance company, the following criteria must be established:
- You incurred bodily injuries in the accident
- The at-fault driver was uninsured
- You as the insured driver is legally allowed to collect from the uninsured at-fault driver
- All applicable public policies have been exhausted by payment or settlement
Accidents Where The Negligent Motorist Is Under-insured
In this situation, the at-fault driver has auto insurance but the policy does not provide sufficient to cover damages and losses. You have to approach your insurance company to secure the rest of the funds that you need to cover all your damages. You have the option of carrying underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) to protect you in such a situation, but this is not mandatory. The underinsured coverage pays for your damages if the negligent motorist had insufficient insurance.
Options When The At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured Or Under-insured
There are other sources of compensation that you can pursue in Missouri to receive all the compensation you deserve. Your lawyer can help you get compensation from the following sources:
- Your health insurance
- Medical benefits to help you pay medical bills
- Car towing or rental costs
- Your own health insurance
You can also sue the at-fault driver that is uninsured for compensation, but that driver may not be able to pay you all the compensation you deserve without the auto insurance backing them. You will need a lawyer to guide you on your rights and help you navigate the court process when filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Granat Law Office Practice Areas
Auto Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in a traffic accident, then call The Granat Law Office, LLC – St. Louis Auto Accident Attorney David Granat. We fight to ensure that you and your family will be taken care of after a serious traffic accident injury. Our Personal Injury Lawyers can help you recover any monetary damages that you may be owed by the insurance companies, negligent drivers, or manufacturers.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Attorney David Granat is a Personal Injury Lawyer helping car and motorcycle accident victims in the St. Louis area. In motorcycle accidents involving cars, it is often the motorcyclists that suffer serious injuries. The reason for this is that unlike a car driver, the motorcyclist does not have an entire metal cover protection.
Truck or Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a collision with a large truck or commercial vehicle, then you need to call the St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyers at Granat Law Office, LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I sue an uninsured driver?
In Missouri you can sue the uninsured motorist, but your ability to recover may be limited. Your attorney will discuss multiple other sources of compensation (mentioned in this article).
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What if I get in an accident with an uninsured driver?
Assuming the accident was not your fault, you can sue and attempt to recover from the at-fault driver, or you can seek other compensation listed in this article.
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Is Missouri a No-Fault State?
MO is not a no-fault state. It is an “at-fault” state for car accidents, meaning, you can recover damages from the at-fault driver.
