Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but it can be even more challenging when the other driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage. When you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it can be a complicated journey to get the compensation you deserve.
Dealing with uninsured motorist coverage
Missouri law mandates that all car insurance policies include uninsured motorist coverage, which can help in these situations. Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in if the at-fault driver has no insurance. This exclusively covers bodily injury only, not damage to the vehicle.
Handling underinsured motorists
When an at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover all your damages, you’re dealing with an underinsured motorist. In these cases, your underinsured motorist coverage may come into play to cover the gap between the other driver’s insurance and your actual costs. Understanding the limits of your own policy and working closely with your insurance company is crucial to ensuring that you receive adequate compensation.
Getting compensation from uninsured and underinsured drivers
Pursuing compensation from an uninsured or underinsured driver often involves dealing with your own insurance company. This can lead to disputes over the amount you’re owed because Missouri operates under a “comparative fault” system.
If the court finds you partially at fault, they’ll reduce your compensation by the percentage of your fault. You must prove that the other driver is at fault to avoid this. But if there are no witnesses or clear evidence, this can be very difficult.
The importance of compensation
Understanding your insurance coverage and the legal hurdles is essential to ensuring you receive fair compensation after an auto accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. Compensation can greatly help you recover from the accident.
