Missouri is known as a "no pay, no play" state, which means that uninsured drivers face excessive limitations when trying to seek compensation for injuries incurred. This is true even if the other driver was 100% at-fault for the accident. However, if you were in an auto accident with an uninsured driver, you may be wondering how you will be able to recover damages for medical bills, physical therapy, pain and suffering, and so forth.
In car accident cases, you may need the help of an esteemed Kansas City auto accident attorney. If this is the case, make sure to call the lawyers at the Popham Law Firm as soon as possible. We boast decades of experience in these cases, including cases that involve uninsured drivers. Call our law firm for a free consultation, and in the meantime, you can learn more about recovering damages from uninsured drivers below.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage
Although Missouri law requires that all drivers carry insurance, there are many drivers throughout the state who fail to acquire such coverage, whether due to an inability to afford coverage or simply failing to comply with the law. For this reason, it's important for Missouri drivers to have uninsured motorist insurance coverage so that they are covered when involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.Uninsured motorist insurance coverage provides two essential functions, including:
- Covering the costs of property damage and personal injuries (without causing an increase in your insurance premiums)
- Making up the difference in coverage for property damage and personal injuries (specifically in cases involving an underinsured driver)
Filing a Claim With Insurance Companies
Missouri law also states that drivers must have uninsured motorist coverage as a part of their liability insurance coverage. The limit for uninsured motorist coverage must be at least $25,000 per person. Despite this, insurance companies have very specific rules regarding when they'll cover damages and what, exactly, damages they will cover.For instance, an insurance company might not provide uninsured motorist coverage if the uninsured motorist was not at-fault for the accident. Additionally, insurance companies in Missouri often deny legitimate claims (where the uninsured driver was at-fault) for things like simple paperwork mistakes or other mistakes. If the insurance company is providing coverage, it may try to settle the claim as quickly as possible for less than the driver may be entitled to.
Compensation for Injuries Sustained from an Uninsured Driver
By filing a claim for bodily injuries suffered due to the negligence or recklessness of an uninsured driver, you are seeking compensation for financial losses that the other driver caused. Compensation in these cases may include coverage for the following:
- Medical bills
- Prescriptions, physical therapy, and other medical-related costs
- Loss of income from work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Make sure to consult an experienced attorney before negotiating a settlement with insurance companies. You don't want to settle for a low amount that won't cover some of these damages.
Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Claim
In Missouri, there is a time limit regarding when you can file a civil lawsuit for an accident with an uninsured driver. Keep in mind that the statute of limitations is different for personal injury claims and wrongful death claims.For personal injury from an uninsured motorist accident, injured parties have a statute of limitations of 10 years following the actual accident. If wrongful death occured, the statute of limitations is three years.
Call the Popham Law Firm in Kansas City
If you were in an accident with an uninsured driver, then you'll need to file a lawsuit for compensation. However, the other driver might not have insurance because he/she cannot afford it, which is why a beneficial solution may be to file a claim with your own insurance company. If you were in an accident with an uninsured driver, call the Kansas City auto accident attorneys at Popham Law as soon as possible. For a free, no-obligation consultation, call our Kansas City law firm today at (816) 221-2288.
