Any accident can be upsetting. However, when an uninsured driver causes your crash, you might wonder whether you have any chance of receiving a fair settlement for your damages by making an insurance claim for uninsured motorist (UM) coverage… our St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyer team can get you answers.
The good news is that you could still recover compensation for your medical expenses, wage losses, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, effective legal guidance and representation can be crucial when dealing with an uninsured driver.
Our St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyers can identify your legal options and move forward with a claim. Contact us today to learn more in a free case review.
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How Common Is Uninsured Driving in St. Louis?
Unfortunately, driving uninsured, while illegal, is relatively common in Missouri.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), a staggering 14%, or roughly one in seven drivers, lacks insurance nationwide. In Missouri, the rate of uninsured drivers is even higher at 16%, meaning one in six drivers in the state is uninsured.
Therefore, the likelihood of getting involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist is relatively high in St. Louis. When an accident happens, working with a St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyer can give you the best chance of recovering what you deserve.
Your Options for Recovering Damages
Getting what you deserve can be challenging when the at-fault driver is uninsured. Knowing your options is crucial in Missouri, where the rate of uninsured drivers is higher than average. Here are your two primary avenues for recovery:
Missouri Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage
According to Missouri law, all motor vehicle drivers and owners must maintain liability insurance coverage. However, as a significant number of drivers remain uninsured, Missouri law requires all car insurance policies to include uninsured motorist coverage of:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your passengers if you’re hit by an uninsured driver or experience a hit-and-run. It pays for damages to your property, vehicle, and medical bills, ensuring you’re not left on the hook for out-of-pocket costs.
However, if you have severe or life-changing injuries, the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage are likely too low to compensate you adequately. This is when a St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyer at Bradley Law can step in and help you get justice.
Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, another option to seek compensation is filing a personal injury lawsuit.
While filing a lawsuit allows you to pursue various economic and non-economic damages, it can be a complex and time-consuming process. It requires gathering evidence, filing legal paperwork, and potentially presenting your case to a judge or jury at trial. Moreover, even if you win your case, collecting compensation from an uninsured driver can be challenging.
If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an accident with an uninsured driver, a St. Louis uninsured motorist can walk you through the legal process for recovering what you deserve.
Compensation You Could Receive
If you’re a victim of an accident caused by an uninsured driver, you could qualify for economic and non-economic damages with an insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Economic Damages:Economic damages are tangible financial losses you incur due to the accident. These include healthcare costs, lost wages, property damage, and other losses.
- Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages can be harder to quantify as they don’t come with receipts or set dollar amounts. They include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In rare cases, you could also recover punitive damages. These are awarded not to compensate you but to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages may be awarded when the uninsured driver acted particularly recklessly in causing your accident, such as driving intoxicated.
Proving Fault in St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Accidents
You might think someone who has already broken the law by driving without insurance is negligent by default. However, to recover compensation, you must prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights and strengthen your case:
- Gather Evidence: If you can, collect as much evidence as possible at the accident scene, including photographs of the vehicles, witness statements, and police reports.
- Seek Medical Help: Even if you feel fine immediately after the crash, see a doctor to rule out or diagnose any underlying injuries. Don’t skip this step, as a medical report can be crucial evidence for your insurance claim or lawsuit.
- Document Your Damages: Keep a detailed record of all accident-related expenses, such as medical bills, wage loss, and car repairs. Also, document any accident-related changes to your lifestyle or work in a journal.
- Consult a St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Lawyer: If you suffered significant injuries in the accident, seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.
While you may think your case is straightforward, an insurance company or at-fault driver could fight your claim vigorously with lawyers. Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers can protect you from attempts to deny you the compensation you are owed.
How a St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Can Help
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist in St. Louis, working with an attorney specializing in this area can improve your chances of winning compensation. Here’s how:
- Legal Expertise: Our attorneys know Missouri’s complex auto insurance laws inside and out. They can identify your options and help you file a lawsuit.
- Accident Investigation: An attorney can conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with experts to establish fault.
- Handle Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially in high-stake claims. A St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, aiming for maximum compensation.
- File a Lawsuit: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver.
An attorney at Bradley Law can be by your side every step of the way. We handle your legal claim from beginning to end, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
FAQs
How long do I have to file a lawsuit against an uninsured driver?
If you’re injured in an accident, Missouri Revised Statutes section 516.120 generally gives you five years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a loved one died in a crash with an uninsured driver, you have only three years to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While there can be some rare exceptions to the statute, you could lose your right to compensation if you file your lawsuit too late.
What should I do if I’m hit by an uninsured driver in St. Louis?
If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, dial 911 immediately and wait for law enforcement and medical help to arrive. Document the scene and gather as much information as possible, including the contact details of the uninsured driver and eyewitnesses.
Contact your insurance company and inform them of the crash. Starting the claims process as soon as possible can help you receive the funds when you need them most. If the accident was serious and you or a loved one suffered injuries, consult with a St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyer for legal advice.
When should I report the crash to my insurance company?
You should report a crash to your insurance company as soon as possible, and ideally within 24 hours. However, before giving a detailed statement or accepting any settlement offers, consult with an attorney. They can ensure that you’re being treated fairly by the insurance company.
Do I need an attorney if I have uninsured motorist coverage?
While it’s not mandatory, working with an experienced attorney can benefit your insurance claim and lawsuit. Insurers often try to minimize or even deny payouts, and an experienced lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Having a lawyer in your corner can be vital in a personal injury lawsuit. They can ensure that all the critical paperwork is completed and filed correctly and on time. Moreover, if it comes to trial, a skilled lawyer can present your case strongly to a judge or jury, giving you the best chance of a favorable outcome.
Can I sue an uninsured driver in Missouri?
Yes, you could sue an uninsured driver if you’ve been injured in an accident they caused. However, recovering compensation may be challenging as an uninsured driver may not have the financial resources to pay. A St. Louis uninsured motorist lawyer at Bradley Law can determine your next best steps, assess your insurance coverage, and explore all other avenues for compensation.
Bradley Law Personal Injury Lawyers Has Your Back – Speak with a St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Today
Getting hurt in an accident and discovering that the driver is uninsured can come as a shock, especially if you have suffered injuries and damages. You might wonder whether you’ll have to shoulder your steep expenses alone. However, if someone else caused your damages, they should pay, not you.
Bradley Law is here to help you understand your rights and determine all potential at-fault parties that may be responsible and owe you compensation. With over 30 years of experience and $70 million recovered in damages, we know how to hold insurance companies and negligent drivers accountable. We won’t charge you attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation consultation.
