88Usually, if you get into a car accident in Missouri, you will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay for your injuries. Missouri requires drivers to carry insurance, but about 16 percent of drivers in Missouri don’t have insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. So, what happens if you get into a wreck with an uninsured motorist in Missouri?
The good news is that you may still be able to recover compensation after an uninsured motorist accident, but you’ll need an experienced attorney on your side for the best chance of success. An uninsured motorist accident can throw your life into chaos, but you don’t have to manage the consequences alone.
The attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, are ready to assess your claim and outline the best course of action to pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses. If you need legal help for an uninsured driver accident in St. Louis, contact us now to schedule a free case consultation.
Reasons to Work with Us After a Crash with an Uninsured Motorist
The attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, have over 50 years of collective experience providing personal injury representation to people hurt in car crashes. Our team has recovered millions for our clients and is skilled in representing victims in uninsured motorist claims. Our firm’s attorneys have forged a reputation for our fierce advocacy for the injured.
Most importantly, we put our clients first in everything we do. We intentionally keep a small caseload to ensure that our clients get the time and attention they deserve, and we are always available to discuss the details of your claim. We also offer free case consultations, so there is no downside to calling us to talk.
Here is what one satisfied client had to say about working with us:
“Brent handled my personal injury case and I was extremely happy with the outcome! He and Marie were so great on communicating with me about everything going on and Brent even gave me his personal cell phone number! Thanks, Sumner Law Group, LLC for taking care of me!” – Chad C.
Legal Options for Seeking Compensation When the Driver Has No Insurance
Car accident victims have three main options for pursuing compensation for an uninsured motorist accident.
The first is to file a claim through the uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your car insurance policy. Missouri law requires all drivers to carry UM coverage precisely for such situations. Uninsured motorist coverage is essentially a safety net that kicks in in case the at-fault driver doesn’t have the means to pay for the harm and damage they cause.
The second option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver. With a lawsuit, you can go directly after the uninsured driver and hold them personally responsible for your losses. However, most uninsured motorists also lack the assets necessary to pay a judgment.
Uninsured motorist insurance could be insufficient on its own to cover your injuries. Hence, it is usually in your best interest to work with an attorney to identify other potentially liable parties against whom you could file a lawsuit. For example, you could also file lawsuits against any other party that might share liability for the accident, such as vehicle manufacturers, road crews, local municipalities, or private property owners.
Filing a Claim After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
The first thing to do after an accident is to seek medical treatment. If EMTs check you out at the scene and you’re able to do so, the next thing is to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. Take photos of your injuries and any property damage, and get the contact info of the other driver and any eyewitnesses.
Even if you were examined at the accident scene, schedule a doctor’s appointment. You will need documentation of your injuries when you open a claim with the insurance company. Get copies of any lab reports, diagnostic results, imaging, prescription lists, discharge paperwork, and hospital bills.
Next, contact an attorney at Sumner Law Group, LLC, to file a claim under your uninsured motorist policy. Just because it’s your own insurance company doesn’t mean the UM claims process is easy. Our uninsured motorist attorneys have the experience and resources to assertively negotiate with the insurance company to seek a higher settlement if the insurer tries to undervalue your claim.
How Missouri Law Protects Uninsured Motorist Accident Victims
Missouri requires all drivers to carry the following minimum amounts of uninsured motorist car insurance coverage:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
Uninsured motorist coverage can kick in in cases where the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or is unidentified, such as hit-and-run accidents.
Missouri law also allows a policyholder to stack uninsured motorist coverage from policies they hold on multiple vehicles. If a single policy is insufficient, a driver may be entitled to combine multiple policies to have a higher effective coverage limit.
Why You Need a Lawyer When Pursuing a UM Insurance Claim
Even when handling UM claims, insurance companies are still focused on minimizing payouts to maximize their profits. That is true even when dealing with “your” car insurance company. The insurance adjuster does not have your best interests as a priority. That is why you need an attorney who is on your side and will fight for the full coverage you deserve.
A skilled attorney from Sumner Law Group, LLC, can investigate the accident and build a strong case. We are ready to negotiate with the insurance provider to seek maximum financial compensation for all your losses. We can also explore other potential avenues for recovery, such as a lawsuit against third parties responsible for the crash.
Contact Our Lawyers for Help with Uninsured Motorist Claims
Handling an uninsured motorist car accident claim in St. Louis can be challenging, but you may still have options for recovering your losses, such as a claim under your auto insurance policy’s UM coverage. Our attorneys at Sumner Law Group, LLC, are ready to calculate your total losses and pursue every possible avenue to obtain sufficient compensation.
You shouldn’t have to struggle to receive justice after an accident. Allow us to show you how our attorneys can help.
Contact us online or call today to set up a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in St. Louis.
