St. Louis Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
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If driving wasn’t hazardous enough, the issue of uninsured and underinsured motorists can make things downright treacherous.
A staggering 16% of all drivers in Missouri are uninsured, according to a recent study by the Insurance Information Institute. These drivers don’t carry any insurance at all, and if you are involved in a car crash with them, it can be difficult to recover compensation to pay for auto repairs, medical bills and time away from work.
Even if the other driver does have some insurance, it may not be enough to cover all of your damages. In Missouri, the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. But if you’ve been in a serious car crash, those amounts may not even come close to covering your losses.
If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your auto insurance, you might be able to recover compensation by making a claim against your own insurance.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, call the St. Louis car crash attorneys at Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse today. Contact us, Let’s discuss your case together and work to get you the compensation you deserve. You can reach us at (314) 350-1900.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
As we mentioned above, it can be difficult to recover compensation after a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver. To protect yourself from this, you can purchase uninsured motorist (UM) coverage with your auto insurance policy.
UM coverage protects you if you are in an auto accident with an uninsured driver.
UM coverage can help pay for:
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Lost wages
Uninsured motorist coverage is usually included in standard auto policies, and it is mandated by state law in Missouri, but you can also buy it as a separate policy.
If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to recover compensation for your damages, up to the limits of your policy.
When can I use uninsured motorist coverage?
You can use uninsured motorist coverage if you are in a car accident with an uninsured driver.
Or let’s say you are hit by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance at all. In this case, you could make a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage to recover compensation for your damages.
Or, finally, let’s say you are involved in a hit-and-run accident with a driver who flees the scene of the accident and is never found. In this case, it’s unknown whether the other driver had coverage, but you are eligible to make a claim against your insurance as if the other driver was uninsured.
How does an uninsured motorist insurance claim work?
If you’ve been involved in a car crash with an uninsured driver, and you have uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim against your own policy.
When you make a UM claim, your insurance company will pay for your damages, up to the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage. In Missouri, the minimum amount of uninsured motorist coverage that you can purchase is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
It’s important to note that if your damages exceed the limits of your UM coverage, you will be responsible for covering the difference.
How to make an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance company
If you were involved in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, the process of filing a claim with your car insurance company typically follows these steps.
- Gather evidence from the car crash scene. This may include photos of the damage to your vehicle, the other driver’s insurance information and any witnesses’ contact information.
- Get a copy of the police report.
- See a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. This will document your injuries and start the process of getting treatment.
- Start gathering documentation of your damages, such as medical bills, auto repair estimates and pay stubs or other documentation of lost wages.
- Contact your insurance company and let them know that you need to make an uninsured motorist claim.
- An insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case and will investigate the accident in order to determine how much your claim is worth.
- Once the adjuster has determined how much your claim is worth, they will make a settlement offer.
- You can accept or reject the insurance company’s settlement offer. If you reject the offer, you may be able to negotiate for a higher amount. If you are unable to reach an agreement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit.
How a St. Louis car crash attorney can help if you were in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist
If you’ve been in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be entitled to compensation through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
However, dealing with insurance companies can be complicated and frustrating. And if your damages exceed the limits of your UM coverage, you may need to take legal action in order to get full compensation for your losses.
An experienced car accident attorney can handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with the insurance company to filing a lawsuit, if necessary. This allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries and getting on with the rest of your life.
At NGK Law, we have over 50 years of combined experience representing car accident victims in Missouri. We know what it takes to get results.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t try to deal with the insurance company on your own. Call us today for a free consultation at (314) 350-1900. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.
How much can I recover from my claim?
The amount of money you can recover from your uninsured motorist claim will depend on the severity of your injuries and the damages you’ve incurred.
In general, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and pain and suffering. If your injuries are serious, or if you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be entitled to additional compensation.
The experienced car accident lawyers at NGK Law can help you determine the value of your claim and fight for the full amount of compensation that you deserve.
Niemeyer, Grebel and Kruse is a personal injury law firm that provides legal representation to car accident victims in Missouri. With a 98% client success rate and more than $700 million recovered for our clients, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to get the results you deserve.
FAQ: St. Louis Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyers
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is a part of your auto insurance policy that provides protection if you’re in an accident caused by a driver without insurance. It can help cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost income resulting from the crash. Missouri law requires this coverage to be included in standard auto insurance policies, ensuring some level of protection against uninsured drivers.
When does uninsured motorist coverage apply?
You can use UM coverage when you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, such as in a hit-and-run incident where the responsible party isn’t identified. It steps in to cover your damages when the at-fault driver cannot.
What is underinsured motorist coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage comes into play when the other driver has liability insurance, but their coverage limits are insufficient to fully compensate for your losses. This additional protection helps cover the remaining expenses not paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance.
How do I file an uninsured motorist claim?
To file a UM claim, you’ll need to collect evidence, such as photos of the crash scene and contact information for any witnesses. Obtain a copy of the police report, document your medical treatments, and gather proof of damages, including repair estimates and wage loss records. Notify your insurance company to start the claims process and work with the adjuster to reach a settlement.
How can a lawyer help with an uninsured motorist case?
A skilled attorney can negotiate with your insurance company, gather compelling evidence to support your claim, and ensure you’re treated fairly. If a settlement cannot be reached or your damages exceed policy limits, a lawyer can pursue litigation on your behalf. This allows you to focus on recovery while your legal team fights for your rights.
What types of damages can I recover?
Depending on your case, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. If the accident resulted in serious injuries or a fatality, additional compensation might be available.
If you’ve been involved in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, we can help. Contact us, Don’t wait to get started on your case. Call us today for a free consultation at (314) 350-1900.
Have Questions?
WE HAVE ANSWERS
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How do I calculate damages in a car accident case?
Calculating economic damages tends to be straightforward as they are based on actual financial losses. You add up medical bills, property damage receipts, proof of lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and can vary greatly. These are often calculated using a "multiplier" method, which involves multiplying the economic damages by a number (the multiplier) that represents the severity of the injuries. The multiplier can range typically from 1.5 to 5, or even higher for extremely severe or life-altering injuries.
Factors that can influence compensation include:
- Severity of injuries: The more severe the injuries, the higher the medical costs and potential for long-term impacts, which can lead to a higher overall compensation.
- The extent of property damage: Greater property damage can result in higher repair or replacement costs, increasing the total compensation.
- Impact on quality of life: If the accident has significantly affected your quality of life (e.g., inability to perform previous activities, requiring ongoing medical care), this can increase the compensation.
- Fault: As we mentioned above, Missouri's pure comparative fault system reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault in the accident. For example, if you're found to be 30% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you can only recover $70,000.
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Does Missouri cap the amount of damages you can seek in personal injury claims?
Missouri does not cap the amount of economic damages or non-economic damages that a car accident victim can recover. However, punitive damages are capped at $500,000 or five times the net amount of the judgment, whichever is greater.
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How much compensation can car accident victims recover?
As we mentioned above, every case is different, and as a result, car accident settlements can vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the accident.
What Our Clients Are Saying
NGK Has A National Reputation for Helping the Injured Obtain the Compensation They Deserve
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"I highly recommend him as a lawyer."David Grebel has handled several cases for me, always professionally and with a positive outcome. I always felt in the loop. I felt like a person not a number.- Susie W.
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"Kindness, thoughtfulness and patience"I really appreciated Dave's kindness and thoughtfulness and especially his patience with me throughout my lawsuit.- Gladys R.
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"I only recommend NGK"Very responsive and they help you in any way they can. Michael Kruse has handled many cases for me and he is very professional and will fight for you every time.- Matthew G.
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"Helped me through the process"Initially, I was reluctant to bring a lawsuit, but Dave answered all my questions and helped me through the process. I really appreciate all he did to get me what I deserved.- Lou P.
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"I would highly recommend them."Absolute professionals of the highest caliber. There's no one else I would recommend to friends or family!- Robert K.
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"The best at what they do!!!"Dave Grebel is the go-to guy. He has handled cases for my friends and family, always with a positive outcome!- Bryan H.
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"2 for 2 batting 1000"Second time using NGK. Took care of me both times! Will use and recommend again! 5 stars!!- Tony B.
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"They were very wonderful."Dawn Schneithorst definitely worked hard for me and my siblings. She deserves a raise. They have me for a lifetime if we ever need them again.- Paige B.