Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough, but learning that the other driver doesn't have insurance can make the situation even more overwhelming. You may be wondering who will pay for your medical bills, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and other expenses. Fortunately, an uninsured driver does not necessarily mean you are left without options.
Missouri law requires drivers to carry minimum amounts of liability insurance, but not everyone follows the law. According to the Insurance Research Council, millions of drivers across the country operate uninsured vehicles every year. If one of those drivers causes an accident, recovering compensation can become more complicated, but it is often still possible.
At Bert Fulk Law, we help accident victims understand their legal rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Knowing what to do immediately after discovering the other driver is uninsured can help protect both your health and your claim.
No matter who caused the accident or whether the other driver has insurance, you should contact law enforcement as soon as possible.
A police report serves as an important piece of evidence because it may document:
While the police report may not determine fault, it can provide valuable documentation that supports your insurance claim or personal injury case.
Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Many injuries, including whiplash, concussions, soft tissue damage, and internal injuries, do not always produce immediate symptoms. Delaying treatment can not only affect your recovery but may also give insurance companies an opportunity to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the accident.
Medical records also provide important evidence regarding:
Following your doctor's recommendations helps establish the full extent of your damages.
If you are physically able, collect as much information at the accident scene as possible.
Helpful evidence includes:
The more evidence you preserve immediately after the accident, the easier it may be to establish liability later.
You should report the accident to your own insurance company promptly, even if the other driver was at fault.
Many Missouri drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage, commonly referred to as UM coverage. This coverage is designed to protect you when an at-fault driver has no insurance.
Depending on your policy, uninsured motorist coverage may help pay for:
Your insurance company will likely begin investigating the accident after you report the claim.
Missouri requires every automobile insurance policy issued in the state to include uninsured motorist coverage unless very limited exceptions apply.
This coverage exists specifically because uninsured drivers continue to cause accidents despite state insurance requirements.
However, insurance companies do not automatically pay every claim. Disputes may still arise regarding:
Even when dealing with your own insurance company, protecting your legal rights remains important.
Yes. If an uninsured driver causes your accident, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
However, obtaining a judgment and collecting compensation are two different issues.
Many uninsured drivers lack sufficient assets to satisfy a judgment, which is one reason uninsured motorist coverage is so valuable. Even so, every situation is unique, and an attorney can evaluate whether pursuing legal action against the at-fault driver is appropriate.
Potential sources of compensation may include:
Identifying every available source of recovery is an important part of maximizing compensation.
After an accident, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly to discuss the claim.
While they may seem helpful, it is important to remember that their goal is often to minimize the amount the insurance company pays.
Before providing a recorded statement or accepting any settlement offer, consider speaking with an attorney.
Insurance companies may attempt to argue that:
An attorney can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf and help protect your interests throughout the claims process.
Some uninsured motorist claims involve disputes over who caused the accident.
Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the collision, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20 percent responsible for the accident, your damages may be reduced by that same percentage.
Because fault can significantly affect the value of a claim, preserving evidence and conducting a thorough investigation are critical.
Accidents involving uninsured drivers are often more complex than traditional insurance claims. Instead of simply negotiating with the other driver's insurer, your attorney may need to evaluate multiple insurance policies, investigate additional sources of compensation, and challenge attempts to undervalue your injuries.
Our attorneys routinely help clients involved in serious motor vehicle collisions understand their legal options and pursue fair compensation. If you have questions about your rights after an uninsured driver causes an accident, our Missouri auto accident attorneys can provide experienced guidance tailored to your situation.
Discovering that the at-fault driver does not have insurance can make an already difficult situation even more stressful. Fortunately, you may still have options for recovering compensation through your own insurance coverage or other available legal avenues. Acting quickly, preserving evidence, and understanding your rights can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.
If you were injured by an uninsured driver, our attorneys are here to help. Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation.
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