The aftermath of a collision is chaotic enough without the added complication of an uninsured driver. Your mind is likely racing with questions about how you’ll pay for medical treatments or get your car repaired. It’s easy to feel like you’ve hit a dead end, but I want you to know that there is a path forward. Your own insurance policy likely contains coverage specifically for this scenario, and you have legal rights that protect you. This guide is designed to walk you through the immediate steps to take and explain how a car accident attorney no insurance specialist can help you manage the process, so you can focus on what truly matters: your recovery.

Key Takeaways

Your Own Insurance Is Your First Line of Defense: An accident with an uninsured driver doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is specifically designed for this situation, allowing you to file a claim with your own insurer to cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Immediate Action Protects Your Rights: The steps you take right after the crash are critical. Prioritize getting medical care, file a police report, and document everything at the scene to create the essential evidence needed to prove fault and the extent of your injuries.
An Attorney Maximizes Your Recovery: Don’t face the insurance company alone. A skilled car accident attorney manages the entire claims process, from investigating the crash and calculating your total losses to negotiating a fair settlement, ensuring you avoid common mistakes and secure the full compensation you deserve.

What Are Your Rights After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but discovering the other driver has no insurance adds a layer of frustration and uncertainty. You might be wondering how you’ll cover your medical bills or repair your car. The good news is that you still have rights and options for seeking compensation. Understanding these rights is the first step toward protecting yourself financially and physically. The path forward involves looking at Missouri state laws, your own insurance policy, and strict legal deadlines.

What Insurance Does Missouri Require?

In Missouri, all drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance. This type of insurance is designed to cover the costs of injuries and property damage that a driver causes to other people in an accident. It’s a system meant to ensure that victims of a crash have a way to get compensated for their losses. The problem is, not everyone follows the law. A surprising number of drivers on the road are uninsured, which can leave you in a tough spot when they are at fault for an accident. This is precisely why understanding your own insurance coverage is so important.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is your financial safety net when you’re hit by a driver without insurance. It’s a part of your own auto insurance policy that steps in to cover your expenses. If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to pay for things like medical bills, lost wages from time off work, and other personal injury damages. Think of it as insurance against irresponsible drivers. Many people have UM coverage and don’t even realize it, so it’s always worth checking your policy details after an accident. It’s one of the most effective tools you have for recovery.

Know Your Legal Protections and Deadlines

After an accident, time is not on your side. Missouri has a statute of limitations, which is a strict deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your legal right to seek compensation through the court system forever. This is why it’s so important to act quickly. The clock starts ticking the moment the accident happens, and gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, and preparing a legal claim all take time. To ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines, it’s wise to contact an attorney who can manage the process and protect your rights from the very beginning.

Identify Common Gaps in Your Insurance

Even if you have insurance, it’s possible there are gaps in your coverage that could leave you vulnerable. For example, you might have uninsured motorist coverage, but the policy limits could be too low to cover all of your medical expenses after a serious crash. Another common gap is not having collision coverage, which pays for repairs to your own vehicle regardless of who is at fault. It’s easy to overlook these details until you actually need to use them. Taking a close look at your policy documents can be confusing, but an experienced attorney can help you understand exactly what you’re entitled to and identify all possible sources of compensation.

Take These Steps to Protect Your Rights Immediately

The moments after a car accident are chaotic, and it’s even more stressful when you learn the other driver has no insurance. Taking a few key actions right away can protect your health and your ability to get fair compensation for your damages.

Prioritize Your Safety and Medical Care

Your first priority is your well-being. If you can, move your vehicle to a safe spot away from traffic. Call 911 immediately to request police and medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, get a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can hide serious injuries, and seeking prompt medical care creates an official record linking your injuries to the crash. This documentation is essential for any future personal injury claim. Don’t delay—your health and your case depend on it.

Document Everything and Collect Evidence

While you wait for help, gather as much information as possible. Use your phone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene, damage to both vehicles, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver’s name and contact information, and be sure to snap a photo of their license plate. If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers. This evidence is invaluable when it comes to proving what happened and who was at fault.

File a Police Report

Always insist on a police report, no matter how minor the accident seems. An officer’s report provides an official, impartial account of the incident. It will document key details, witness statements, and often an initial determination of fault. This report becomes a critical piece of evidence when you file a claim with your insurance company or pursue legal action. You can contact our office to learn how we use this report to build a strong case for you.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your own insurance provider as soon as you can. Let them know right away that the at-fault driver is uninsured. Most Missouri policies include Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage specifically for these situations. Your insurer will open a claim under this part of your policy to cover your damages. Promptly notifying them starts this process and shows you are acting in good faith. It’s the first step toward using the coverage you’ve been paying for.

Preserve Your Legal Options

Be careful what you say and sign after an accident. Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance adjuster, even your own, without first speaking to an attorney. Don’t accept any quick settlement offers, as they are often far less than what you deserve. Consulting with an experienced attorney ensures you understand all your options for recovering damages from automobile accidents. An attorney can review your policy and protect you from making a mistake that could jeopardize your claim.

How Can You Get Compensation?

Discovering the other driver doesn’t have insurance can feel like hitting a second roadblock right after the first. It’s a frustrating and stressful situation, but I want you to know that it’s not a dead end. You still have rights and several paths you can take to get the money you need to cover your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. It’s all about knowing where to look and what steps to take. Let’s walk through your options together.

File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

One of the most direct routes is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Even without insurance, the driver is still personally responsible for the harm they caused. If they have personal assets, like savings or property, you may be able to recover compensation directly from them.

However, it’s important to be realistic. If the driver has few or no assets, collecting a judgment can be challenging. This is where having an experienced attorney is critical. We can investigate the driver’s financial situation to determine if a lawsuit is a worthwhile path for you. Our goal is to find the most effective strategy for your specific personal injury case.

Use Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This is often your best and most reliable option. In Missouri, insurance companies are required to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. If you have it, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover your losses. This is exactly why you pay for this protection.

Your UM coverage can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages from being unable to work, and even compensation for your pain and suffering. It acts as a safety net, stepping in to fill the role the other driver’s insurance should have played. Don’t worry about your rates going up for using it; you’re not at fault. We can help you navigate your policy and file the claim correctly.

Find Other Sources of Compensation

Sometimes, the uninsured driver isn’t the only one who can be held responsible for the accident. A thorough investigation might reveal other liable parties, which can open up additional avenues for compensation. This is a key part of the work we do for our clients.

For example, was the driver working at the time of the crash? Their employer could be held responsible. Was the driver operating someone else’s car? The vehicle’s owner might share liability. In some cases, if the driver was over-served alcohol before the accident, the bar or restaurant that served them could even be held accountable. Exploring these possibilities requires legal expertise, and it’s a crucial step toward securing the compensation you deserve.

What Damages Can You Claim?

After an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different costs piling up. A lawsuit or insurance claim can help you recover money for a wide range of damages. These typically fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic losses.

Economic damages are the tangible financial costs you’ve incurred. This includes all your medical bills, the income you’ve lost from missing work, and the cost to repair or replace your vehicle. Non-economic damages are for the intangible losses, like the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced. Understanding the full scope of what you can claim is the first step toward making a complete financial recovery.

Recovering Medical Expenses

Medical bills are often the most immediate and pressing financial burden after a car accident. Compensation can cover all your treatment-related costs, from the initial ambulance ride and emergency room visit to surgeries, hospital stays, and prescription medications.

It also includes the cost of any ongoing care you might need, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, or future medical procedures. It’s so important to keep detailed records of every medical appointment, treatment, and bill. These documents are essential evidence for your claim. We can help you organize this information and ensure every expense is accounted for when we pursue your claim.

Recovering Lost Wages

If your injuries have kept you from working, you have the right to be compensated for that lost income. This isn’t just about the salary or wages you missed in the days or weeks immediately following the accident. It also covers any future loss of earning capacity.

If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from returning to your old job or require you to take a lower-paying position, you can claim those future losses as well. To support your claim, you’ll need to document your lost income with pay stubs, employment records, and sometimes a note from your doctor. This ensures you’re compensated for the full impact the accident has had on your career and financial stability.

Compensation for Pain and Suffering

Your injuries aren’t just financial. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and disruption to your daily life are real, and you deserve to be compensated for them. In legal terms, this is known as “pain and suffering.” It covers a wide range of non-economic damages, including physical discomfort, anxiety, depression, and the loss of your ability to enjoy hobbies and activities you once loved.

Because these losses don’t come with a price tag, they can be difficult to calculate. This is where the experience of a dedicated attorney becomes invaluable. We know how to build a strong case that demonstrates the true impact the accident has had on your quality of life and fight for fair compensation.

How a Car Accident Attorney Handles Your Case

After an accident with an uninsured driver, you might feel like you’re facing a dead end. The good news is you still have options, and you don’t have to figure them out alone. Bringing in a personal injury attorney shifts the burden from your shoulders to ours. We manage the complex legal and insurance processes so you can focus on your recovery. From the moment you hire us, we become your dedicated advocate, working through each step to secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s a look at how we handle your case from start to finish.

How We Evaluate Your Situation

The first thing we do is sit down with you for a free consultation to understand exactly what happened. We’ll listen to your story, review the initial evidence you have, and discuss your injuries and medical treatment. Even if the other driver has no insurance, you may still be able to recover money for your damages through your own policy. Our goal during this initial evaluation is to map out a clear strategy. We identify all potential sources of compensation and give you an honest assessment of your case, explaining your rights and what you can expect moving forward. You can contact our office to schedule your initial meeting.

Investigating and Gathering Evidence

Building a strong claim requires solid evidence. Our team takes charge of the entire investigation, which is often the most time-consuming part of a case. We will obtain the official police report, track down and interview witnesses, and gather all of your medical records to document the full extent of your injuries. In some cases, we may even work with accident reconstruction experts to prove fault. We leave no stone unturned in our effort to build a compelling case on your behalf. This thorough approach ensures we have the documentation needed to support your claim for all of our practice areas.

Managing the Insurance Claim

Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating, even when it’s your own provider. In Missouri, drivers are required to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, which is designed for this exact situation. This coverage allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company to pay for your injuries and losses. We handle this entire process for you, from filing the initial claim to managing all communications with the adjuster. This prevents the insurer from using confusing tactics to downplay your injuries or deny your claim, allowing you to focus on getting better.

Negotiating a Fair Settlement

Insurance companies often make lowball settlement offers, hoping you’ll accept less than your claim is worth. Our job is to fight for a settlement that is truly fair. We calculate the full value of your claim, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Armed with strong evidence from our investigation, we negotiate directly with the insurance company. We know their tactics and how to counter them effectively. We will keep you informed throughout the process, but we handle the tough conversations so you don’t have to. You can read more about legal strategies in our articles.

Representing You in Court

While the vast majority of personal injury cases are settled out of court, we are always prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement. Filing a lawsuit can be a powerful tool to show the insurer we are serious about protecting your rights. As an experienced trial attorney, Chad G. Mann is comfortable and confident in the courtroom. We will represent you fiercely, presenting your case to a judge and jury to pursue the justice you deserve. Our commitment is to see your case through to the very end.

Our Fees and Payment Options

We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs or attorney’s fees. We only get paid if we successfully recover money for you through a settlement or court verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the amount we win on your behalf. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. This arrangement removes the financial risk from your shoulders, so you can get the help you need right away.

How to Strengthen Your Claim

When the other driver doesn’t have insurance, the responsibility to build a strong case falls squarely on your shoulders. It can feel like an uphill battle, but taking the right steps from the very beginning can significantly impact your ability to get the compensation you deserve. Think of it as building a case for your own insurance company—you need to provide clear, compelling proof of the other driver’s fault and the full extent of your damages. This involves more than just reporting the accident; it requires a strategic approach to gathering evidence, communicating with insurers, and documenting every detail.

Prove Who Was at Fault

The first step in any successful claim is proving the other driver was responsible for the accident. Even if they were ticketed by the police, you still need to build a case that clearly shows their negligence caused your injuries. This is where the evidence you gathered at the scene becomes critical—the police report, photos of the vehicles and surroundings, and contact information for any witnesses. An attorney can help piece together this evidence to create a clear and convincing story. We work to establish fault so your insurance company has no reason to question your side of the story, laying the groundwork for your uninsured motorist claim.

Handle Communications with Insurers

You might assume your own insurance company is completely on your side, but when you file an uninsured motorist claim, their financial interests can conflict with yours. Their goal is often to pay out as little as possible. Be careful what you say to insurance adjusters. Avoid giving a recorded statement without speaking to an attorney first, and never downplay your injuries or speculate about fault. It’s best to let a professional handle these conversations for you. An experienced lawyer will manage all communications with the insurance company, protecting you from saying something that could be used to devalue or deny your claim later on.

Use Strategies to Recover Your Losses

Getting the full compensation you’re owed requires a strategy that accounts for all of your losses, not just the immediate ones. This includes current and future medical bills, lost income from time off work, and the physical and emotional toll of pain and suffering. Complex insurance claims can be challenging, and many people make mistakes that hurt their case without realizing it. We can help you develop a comprehensive demand package that accurately reflects the total impact the accident has had on your life. By anticipating the insurance company’s tactics, we can build a case designed to secure the maximum possible recovery for you.

Gather the Right Documentation

A strong claim is built on a foundation of solid evidence. Your word alone isn’t enough; you need a paper trail to back it up. Start a file and keep everything related to the accident in one place. This includes the official police report, all medical records and bills from every provider you see, proof of your lost wages from your employer, and any photos or videos you have of the accident scene, property damage, and your injuries. Thorough documentation is not just helpful—it’s essential. It provides concrete proof of your damages and is one of the most powerful tools you have to support your claim.

Avoid Common Reasons for Claim Denial

Insurance companies look for reasons to deny claims, and there are several common mistakes that can put your settlement at risk. Delaying medical treatment, having unexplained gaps in your care, or posting about your accident on social media can all be used against you. For example, an insurer might argue your injuries aren’t serious if you waited a week to see a doctor. It’s also crucial to avoid accepting the first lowball offer they send your way. As your attorney, I can guide you through this process, helping you sidestep these pitfalls and ensuring you don’t do anything to jeopardize your right to fair compensation.

Choose the Right Attorney for You

After an accident with an uninsured driver, finding the right legal partner is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The attorney you choose can significantly influence the outcome of your case, your stress levels, and your ability to secure the compensation you need to move forward. You want someone who not only understands the law but also understands what you’re going through. This isn’t just about finding any lawyer; it’s about finding a true advocate who will fight for your rights and guide you through a complex process with clarity and confidence.

Your attorney will be your primary guide, handling communications with insurance companies and building a strong case on your behalf. Taking the time to carefully evaluate your options ensures you have a skilled professional in your corner. Look for a combination of specific experience, a proven track record, and a communication style that makes you feel supported and informed every step of the way. This choice sets the foundation for your entire claim and your peace of mind during a difficult time.

Look for Experience with Uninsured Driver Cases

Not all personal injury attorneys have the same background. Cases involving uninsured drivers have unique complexities, from navigating your own insurance policy to identifying all possible sources of recovery. It’s essential to find a lawyer who specializes in these specific types of claims. An experienced attorney understands the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and knows how to counter them effectively. They are already familiar with the specific legal procedures and documentation required for a successful uninsured motorist claim.

When you work with a firm that has deep experience in this area, you don’t have to worry about your lawyer learning on the job. They can get to work immediately, applying proven strategies to your situation. Be sure to review a firm’s practice areas to confirm they have a dedicated focus on automobile accidents and uninsured motorist cases.

Key Questions to Ask an Attorney

Before you commit to hiring an attorney, you should have a direct conversation about their experience and approach. This initial consultation is your opportunity to interview them, just as they are evaluating your case. Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions to make sure they are the right fit for you.

Consider asking the following:

How many uninsured motorist claims have you handled?
What is your strategy for a case like mine?
Who will be my main point of contact at the firm?
How will you keep me updated on the progress of my case?
What are your fees, and how are they structured?

Realizing that complex insurance claims can be an uphill battle should motivate you to get assistance before making mistakes that could affect your claim. A straightforward conversation will give you a clear sense of their expertise and whether their style aligns with your needs.

How to Evaluate a Law Firm

Beyond the individual attorney, consider the law firm as a whole. Look for a firm with a strong, client-centered philosophy. Do they prioritize protecting your rights and pursuing the full compensation you deserve? A firm’s website and mission statement can tell you a lot about its values. Look for a commitment to integrity, service, and personalized attention.

A firm that is genuinely dedicated to its clients will be transparent and supportive throughout the legal process. You can learn more about a lawyer’s professional philosophy and dedication by reading their personal bio. Getting to know the person who will be representing you can help you feel more confident in your choice. You can learn more about our firm’s approach on the About Me page.

Set Clear Communication Expectations

Effective communication is the backbone of a successful attorney-client relationship. Uninsured motorist claims can present numerous challenges, and you need an attorney who can explain these complexities in a way you can understand. From the very beginning, you should establish clear expectations for communication. Discuss how often you can expect to receive updates and what the best method of communication is for both of you, whether it’s by phone, email, or in-person meetings.

Knowing who to call with a question and feeling confident that you’ll get a timely response can relieve a significant amount of stress. A good attorney will want you to be informed and will make themselves accessible. If you have questions about your case, you should feel comfortable reaching out. You can always contact our office to start the conversation.

Assess Their Track Record

Finally, take the time to assess an attorney’s track record. While past results don’t guarantee a future outcome, a history of successfully handling uninsured motorist claims demonstrates competence and experience. Look for evidence that the attorney is a knowledgeable and respected professional in their field. This might include client testimonials, case results, or articles they have written on the topic.

An attorney who actively shares their knowledge shows a deep understanding of their practice area. Uninsured motorist insurance can be complex, and having a lawyer with a proven history can help you handle the challenges. Reviewing an attorney’s published works, like the articles on My Articles, can give you insight into their expertise and dedication to helping clients understand their rights.

A Quick Guide to Your Insurance Coverage

After an accident, your own insurance policy is often your most important asset, especially when the other driver is uninsured. Insurance documents can feel dense and confusing, but you don’t need to be an expert to understand the basics. Knowing what your policy covers is the first step toward protecting your financial future and getting the compensation you need to recover.

Think of your insurance policy as a toolkit. Each type of coverage is a different tool designed for a specific job. When the other driver leaves you with no way to cover your medical bills and vehicle repairs, you need to know which tools you have at your disposal. We’ll walk through the key types of coverage that apply in these situations, why the fine print on your policy limits matters, and what you can do to ensure you’re protected. Understanding these elements will empower you to take the right steps and advocate for yourself effectively. Our firm handles a range of practice areas, and we’ve seen firsthand how crucial the right insurance coverage can be.

What Types of Coverage Apply?

When the at-fault driver has no insurance, your own policy is your primary source of help. In Missouri, all drivers are required to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. This specific coverage is designed for this exact scenario. It allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company to pay for your injuries and other losses, just as you would have filed with the other driver’s insurer. Your UM coverage steps into the shoes of the uninsured driver’s missing policy. This is a critical protection that ensures you aren’t left with a mountain of bills because of someone else’s failure to follow the law. It typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.

Understand Your Policy Limits

Having Uninsured Motorist coverage is the first step, but the next crucial detail is your policy limit. A policy limit is the maximum amount of money your insurance company will pay for a single claim. While Missouri requires you to have UM coverage, the minimum limit is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. In the case of a serious accident, these minimums are often not enough to cover extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation, and significant time off work. It’s important to review your policy’s declarations page to see what your limits are. If your damages exceed these limits, you may have to cover the remaining costs yourself unless other options are available.

Consider Additional Protection

For more robust protection, you can add other types of coverage to your policy. One of the most valuable is Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. While not required in Missouri, UIM is essential if you’re hit by a driver who has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover your total damages. Another helpful option is Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage. MedPay helps pay for your and your passengers’ medical bills up to a certain limit, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Adding these coverages can provide a vital financial safety net. As an attorney dedicated to my clients, I believe that being proactive about your insurance is one of the best ways to protect your family. You can learn more about my commitment to service on my about me page.

How to Verify Your Coverage

The best way to know exactly what your policy includes is to review your declarations page. This is typically a one or two-page summary at the front of your insurance documents that lists your specific coverages, the limits for each, and your deductibles. Most insurance companies also make this information available online through your customer account. Take a moment to find this document and read it carefully. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to call your insurance agent and ask them to walk you through it. Knowing your coverage before you need it is important, but it’s absolutely critical after an accident. Understanding your policy is the first step in filing a successful claim and avoiding common mistakes. If you need help interpreting your policy or filing a claim, please contact us for guidance.

How to Handle Complex Scenarios

Car accidents are rarely simple, but some situations throw extra curveballs that can make you feel completely overwhelmed. What happens if the at-fault driver was working at the time of the crash? Or if the accident happened while you were on a road trip in another state? These complexities can make it much harder to get the compensation you deserve, especially when you’re trying to recover from your injuries.

Dealing with these scenarios requires a clear understanding of your rights and the different insurance policies at play. It’s not just about an uninsured driver; it’s about untangling a web of liability rules, state laws, and policy limits. While it might seem daunting, knowing how to approach these challenges is the first step toward protecting yourself. An experienced attorney can help you identify all potential sources of compensation and manage the intricate details, so you can focus on your recovery. We’ll walk through some of the most common complex situations and give you a starting point for what to do next.

What if Multiple Policies Are Involved?

Sometimes, an accident involves more than just two drivers and their personal insurance policies. For instance, if the at-fault driver was on the clock for their employer, their company’s commercial insurance policy might also be responsible for covering your damages. In other cases, the driver might have been operating a vehicle owned by someone else. When more than one person or group can be held responsible for an accident, it can actually increase your chances of getting paid.

However, identifying these additional parties and determining liability isn’t always straightforward. It involves a deeper investigation into the circumstances of the crash. We can help you explore all potential avenues for compensation by figuring out which policies apply to your situation and holding every responsible party accountable.

What if the Accident Was Out of State?

Getting into an accident away from home adds another layer of stress. If your crash happened outside of Missouri, you’ll have to deal with different insurance laws and regulations, which can complicate your claim. Each state has its own rules about minimum liability coverage, fault, and deadlines for filing a lawsuit. The at-fault driver’s policy will be governed by the laws of their state, not yours, which can directly impact how much compensation is available.

Because these cases involve overlapping state laws, it’s important to get advice from someone who understands how to handle interstate claims. An attorney can help you understand which state’s laws apply and how they affect your rights. If you were in an accident outside of Missouri, feel free to contact our office to discuss the specifics of your case.

How to Handle a Hit-and-Run

A hit-and-run accident is one of the most frustrating and frightening experiences a driver can have. When the at-fault driver flees the scene, you’re left to deal with the aftermath alone. In this situation, you should treat the other driver as uninsured. The very first thing you must do is report the incident to the police immediately. A police report creates an official record of the event, which is essential for your insurance claim.

Next, you’ll need to file a claim with your own insurance company using your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage is designed for exactly these types of situations. Be sure to gather any evidence you can, such as photos of the scene, contact information from witnesses, or notes about the make, model, or license plate of the other vehicle if you caught a glimpse.

What if the Other Driver Is Underinsured?

Sometimes the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover all of your expenses. This is what’s known as being “underinsured.” For example, if your medical bills and lost wages total $75,000, but the other driver’s liability coverage maxes out at $25,000, you’re left with a $50,000 gap. This is where your own Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage comes in.

If you have UIM protection, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the difference up to your policy’s limits. It’s a critical piece of protection that ensures you aren’t left paying out-of-pocket for someone else’s mistake. Reviewing your policy to confirm you have this coverage is always a smart move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my insurance rates go up if I file an uninsured motorist claim? This is a very common concern, and it’s a fair question. Generally, your rates should not increase for filing an uninsured motorist claim because you were not the one at fault for the accident. You’ve been paying for this specific protection as part of your policy. Using it when you need it is exactly what it’s there for. It’s designed to protect you from the financial consequences of another driver’s irresponsibility, not to penalize you.

What if I don’t think I’m hurt that badly? Should I still see a doctor? Yes, you absolutely should. After a crash, adrenaline can hide serious injuries that may not show up for hours or even days. Getting a medical evaluation right away is crucial for your health. It also creates an official record that connects your injuries directly to the accident, which is essential evidence if you need to file a claim for your medical costs later on. Waiting to seek care can make it much harder to prove your injuries were caused by the crash.

Is it really worth suing a driver who can’t even afford insurance? It’s true that if a driver has no insurance, they may also have few assets, which can make collecting a judgment difficult. However, you shouldn’t make that assumption on your own. Part of an attorney’s job is to investigate the at-fault driver’s financial situation to see if they have assets or income that could be used to pay for your damages. We can determine if a lawsuit is a practical path forward or if focusing on your own insurance coverage is the better strategy.

The other driver is blaming me for the accident. What now? It’s not uncommon for an at-fault driver to try to shift the blame, especially when they don’t have insurance. This is precisely why gathering evidence at the scene is so important. The police report, photos of the damage, and statements from independent witnesses all help establish the facts. An attorney uses this evidence to build a strong case that proves what really happened and protects you from false accusations.

How long do I have to decide what to do after the accident? You have a limited amount of time to act. Missouri law sets a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to seek compensation in court forever. The clock starts running on the day of the accident, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand your options and preserve your legal rights.

Car Accident Attorney: What To Do If Driver Has No Insurance