Have you been involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist in Richmond Heights, MO? If so, contact us today at (314) 463-4173 Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Let our experienced Richmond Heights uninsured motorist claims lawyers help you pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our team has 21 years of combined experience helping injured victims get the justice they deserve after all types of devastating accidents. With millions of dollars recovered for our clients, we will fight diligently to help you get all the compensation you are entitled to.
How Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Richmond Heights, MO
Our Richmond Heights car accident lawyers can help with your uninsured motorist claim by:
- Investigating your accident and gathering evidence to prove who was at fault
- Assessing all available insurance coverage that may apply
- Reviewing the terms of your insurance policy to understand your legal rights
- Demanding full and fair compensation from the insurance company
- Completing all necessary paperwork for the claims process
- Handling your uninsured motorist settlement negotiations
Recovering after a car accident in Richmond Heights, Missouri, is difficult enough, but things only get worse if the other driver doesn’t have insurance. While securing compensation for your injuries in such scenarios can be difficult, the legal team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers has the experience and resources to handle complex personal injury claims effectively.
Contact our law office today for a free consultation with a Richmond Heights personal injury lawyer.
Missouri Is an At-Fault State for Car Accidents
Missouri is an at-fault state when it comes to auto insurance. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for any damages they cause in a car accident. Under Missouri law, drivers are required to carry liability insurance. After an accident, your liability insurance will cover the damages that you cause.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
However, things get a little tricky when the at-fault driver has no insurance. In that case, you have some options.
Filing a Lawsuit
First, you could sue the at-fault driver in civil court for your damages. However, they likely don’t have the money or assets to pay for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Filing a Claim Under Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Another option is to file a claim with your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Missouri law also requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident in UM coverage. This coverage can be used to pay for your damages after an accident caused by an uninsured motorist.
Keep in mind that your UM coverage may also apply after a hit-and-run accident where the identity of the at-fault driver is unknown.
What Compensation Can I Recover After an Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?
Uninsured motorist coverage will pay for both your economic damages and non-economic damages. This means that you can use an uninsured motorist claim to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced earning capacity
- Permanent disability
Importantly, Missouri’s “No Pay, No Play” law only limits recovery for uninsured drivers. If you were insured at the time of the crash, you’re not subject to these limits — you can seek full compensation, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering and emotional distress.
At Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help you identify all the damages that may be available in your uninsured motorist claim.
How Common Are Uninsured Motorist Claims?
Uninsured motorist claims happen all too frequently. Although states require drivers to carry insurance, many still choose to drive without it, thereby breaking the law. According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than one in seven U.S. drivers is uninsured. Matters are even worse in Missouri.
The same study reveals that more than one in five drivers in Missouri is uninsured. This means that your odds of being in an accident with an uninsured motorist are quite high. Knowing what to do after one of these accidents and how to handle an uninsured motorist claim can help ensure you get all the compensation you are owed.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?
Staying calm and following the correct steps after an accident can be crucial to obtaining the compensation you deserve.
If you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, here’s what to do:
- Seek immediate medical attention. Your health is the top priority. Get treatment for any injuries, even if they seem minor at first.
- Call the police. An officer will create an accident report and may issue a citation to the other driver for failing to carry insurance.
- Document the scene. If you’re able, take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Gather witness information. Get the names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident happen.
- Notify your insurance company. Report the crash promptly, but don’t admit fault. Insurance companies record statements and often use them to deny claims.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer. Legal guidance is crucial when dealing with uninsured motorist claims. Your attorney can handle all communications and negotiate with the insurer on your behalf.
We’ll take care of every detail of your uninsured motorist claim so you can focus on recovery.
Contact Our Richmond Heights Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you are involved in a crash with an uninsured motorist, the experienced team at Eason Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers is here for you. We will help you identify all your legal options after the accident and take care of your uninsured motorist claim from start to finish.
Call us today to schedule your free consultation with a Richmond Heights uninsured motorist claims attorney.
