It doesn’t matter how cautious you are or how experienced. Anyone can get into a car accident.
In fact, many drivers will get in at least one collision during their lifetime. It’s often a matter of “when” more than “if” an accident will happen. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared for this scenario.
Unfortunately, a lot of drivers aren’t. About 12.3% of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured according to data collected in 2010 by the Insurance Research Council. That means that if they get in an accident and are at fault, then they have to pay the cost of damage and medical bills out of their own pocket. However, even if you are covered, the other driver may not have insurance. And, if they don’t have insurance, it’s very likely that they may not be able to afford to pay you compensation either.
What Are Your Options?
Uninsured motorist coverage is one possible solution to this problem.
What To Do If You Have an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you aren’t badly injured, then you shouldn’t forget to exchange insurance information with the other driver. Car accidents often have disturbing effects that can leave you scared and confused. It’s understandable if you would rather focus on your well-being rather than the legal aspects. However, you should try to remain calm and follow a few basic steps:
Make sure that those around you are safe from harm. Call an ambulance if people are badly injured
Call the police. A police report will help you when you file your claim
Take pictures, talk with witnesses, get contact details from the people that saw what happened
Exchange insurance information with the other driver
Get checked by a doctor even if you think you are fine. Adrenaline can mask the pain and give the impression that nothing is wrong. Moreover, some conditions can take time to show the first signs. Only a doctor can clear you and determine that you are, in fact, ok.
What if you discover that the other driver is uninsured?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
In theory, getting in an accident with an uninsured driver shouldn’t be a problem. Missouri requires drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage precisely for this scenario as about 14% of drivers are uninsured in Missouri. Drivers are required to carry a UMC with limits of 25/50 ($25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident.)
But even if you have this type of coverage, the insurance company might try to minimize its expenses. That’s why taking the steps mentioned above is so important. It would be more difficult for the insurance company to minimize or deny your claim if you provide them with irrefutable hard evidence. You should also work with a good St. Louis car accident lawyer who knows how insurance companies work and can negotiate with them.
Don’t Skip on Buying Uninsured Motorist Coverage
For starters, the law requires you to buy this type of coverage for very good reasons. Getting in an accident with an uninsured driver can turn into a financial burden if you don’t have other options than pay for everyone out of your own pocket.
Even if you are covered, consider working with a St. Louis uninsured motorist accident lawyer and let them do the negotiations with the insurance company.
