What Are Missouri Laws on Insurance?
All motorists in Missouri must have insurance on their vehicles. Missouri requires minimum insurance limits, which will pay for another driver’s damages motorist is at fault in an accident. The required minimum amounts are:
- $25,000 for any one person’s injuries
- $50,000 for the total amount of personal injuries in an accident
- $25,000 for property damages
Unfortunately, some drivers don’t follow these rules and don’t buy car insurance. If you sustain get in a wreck with someone that doesn’t have insurance, your chances of recovering against them are slim. Most people that can’t afford insurance don’t have a lot of assets to pay a judgment. But there may be other options available Lawyers from a reputable personal injury law firm in Kansas City can provide legal counsel on your options.
What Are the Effects of an Uninsured Car Accident in Missouri?
If an uninsured driver causes a collision, your life can turn upside down in a split second. Paying for your medical bills, prescriptions, rehabilitation, medical equipment, and therapy can quickly get beyond you. This can be especially true with the person that caused your injuries doesn’t have insurance.
In addition, you may have to grapple with other problems, such as:
- How to pay for the damage to your car or its replacement
- How to receive compensation for missed work
- How to live with a long-term disability if the injuries are severe
- How to recover compensation for wrongful death if a loved one died in the accident
Fortunately, all is not lost, and you can still get compensation for the damages, even if its not from the at-fault driver. Car accident lawyers in Kansas City can guide you.
How Can I Recover Compensation for an Uninsured Accident?
Missouri requires uninsured motorist coverage as part of drivers’ car insurance policy. This coverage pays for your damages if an uninsured driver is responsible for your injuries in an accident. The minimum uninsured motorist coverage is $25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident. However, you can purchase higher limits if need be.
Skilled car accident lawyers in Kansas City can help you make a claim against your own insurance company for compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and property damage.
MedPay Coverage
You can also buy MedPay (or Medical Payments) coverage in Missouri to protect yourself further from the damage caused by uninsured drivers. MepPay insurance ranges from $1,000 to $10,000 and pays for all eligible medical treatments for your accident. You can strengthen your coverage by getting a collision policy that covers vehicle repairs.
Missouri has a lot of uninsured drivers. It’s best to arm yourself with uninsured motorist and MedPay coverage in case you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. Consult skilled car accident attorneys in Kansas City for more legal advice.
Can I Sue an Uninsured Motorist After a Missouri Car Accident?
You have the right to sue an uninsured motorist without limitations or caps on settlement amounts. Like with any other Missouri accident, you can seek medical expenses for your injuries, loss of earnings, and any pain and suffering you endured because of the accident.
Punitive damages are also available in a Missouri car accident case to punish the negligent driver for egregious conduct. Filing a lawsuit can help you move forward financially after a car accident with an uninsured motorist in Missouri and can offer some solace after the crash.
Experienced Kansas City car accident attorneys can assess your case and help you determine the value of your claim. They can also prove negligence and the amount of your damages to help you recover full compensation. But remember, an uninsured driver may not be able to pay a hefty settlement without insurance coverage.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Missouri?
You must observe the statute of limitations when filing a lawsuit after a Missouri accident. According to the law, you have five years from the date of the car accident to file a lawsuit if there are damages to your property or injuries to your body. If death occurred, you have three years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim against the other driver.
Before filing a lawsuit, it’s imperative to consult experienced Missouri car accident lawyers to determine if you have a solid case against the other driver.
Should I Report a Car Accident if the Other Driver Doesn’t Have Auto Insurance?
The law in Missouri requires that all car accidents be reported, even if the drivers have no car insurance. You must call the police to file a report. Alternatively, you can use the official form and send it to the Missouri Department of Revenue.
You have 30 days from the accident date to file the report with the relevant authorities. Failing to file a report risks a citation and a fine in addition to the expenses you will incur because of the crash.
Seek the Help of an Aggressive Attorney to Aid in Recovering Damages
Getting in a crash with an uninsured driver can make it difficult to recover compensation for your injuries. They have no insurance coverage and may be unable to cover the costs out of their pocket. You will want to talk to skilled Missouri car accident attorneys for legal counsel on your rights and the best way to obtain payment.
Our Kansas City personal injury lawyers can help you. We can guide you in navigating the legal system and walk you through the court process when filing a lawsuit against an uninsured driver. Call Mohlman Gurney Injury Law at (816) 648-6000 to schedule a FREE in-depth case assessment.