Despite state laws, every day in America auto accidents happen that are caused by uninsured drivers. It may even be the case that more wrecks are caused by uninsured drivers than by insured drivers. Some people in Missouri mistakenly believe that they have no recourse if they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, but this is not the case.
In fact, if you have a policy of your own or live with an insured relative, then you have some protection. Under Missouri law, every insurance policy affords uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage exists exclusively for the purpose of reimbursing you for medical expenses and injuries from an accident with an uninsured driver. Basically, for accidents caused by uninsured drivers, you are covered automatically by your insurance company. Under Missouri law, the minimum coverage that every insurance company has to provide is $25,000.00. It would probably be a good idea for you to increase you uninsured motorist coverage to $100,000. Those few extra dollars may be an excellent investment.
Yet, if you are injured due to the negligence of an uninsured motorist, you are not necessarily out of luck if you don't have your own automobile insurance. Section 379.203 of the Revised Missouri Statutes prescribes the scenarios under which insurance companies must provide uninsured motorist coverage. For example, if you are a passenger involved in an auto accident with an uninsured driver, you are covered under the policy of the driver of your vehicle. If you live with a blood relative, then your relative�s policy covers you even if he or she was not in the car at the time of the accident.
Missouri laws also govern how an insurance company is allowed to process your claim under uninsured motorist coverage. Specifically, there are several statutes to provide remedies for their vexatious refusal to pay on your claim. If you are in an accident with another insured driver, there are no such rules governing how the other driver�s insurance company treats you. It does not matter if you are riding in a vehicle other than your own at the time of the accident. You are still covered by uninsured motorist coverage.
Thus, if you are injured in a car accident with an uninsured driver, be aware that a claim can be made with your own insurance company. It is also a very good idea to increase your coverage as high as possible for maximum protection.
St. Louis-based Josh Myers Law is a law firm specializing in workers compensation and personal injury cases. If you are injured in an accident, don�t let yourself be at the mercy of the insurance companies! Don�t sign anything until you speak to a
St. Louis injury lawyer. Visit
www.joshmyerslaw.com to arrange a free consultation.
