About 14% of Missouri drivers are uninsured, which means roughly one in seven drivers on the road has no liability coverage. If one of them hits you, you can’t collect from an insurance policy that doesn’t exist. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. The answer usually lies in your own insurance policy.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Missouri law requires insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage to every policyholder. If you accepted it — and most people do, sometimes without realizing it — your own policy will cover your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance. UM coverage acts as a substitute for the other driver’s missing liability policy, paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering up to your policy limits.
Filing a UM Claim Against Your Own Insurer
Here’s the part that surprises people: when you file a UM claim, your own insurance company becomes your adversary. They’re no longer “on your side.” They will investigate your claim, challenge your medical treatment, dispute the severity of your injuries, and try to pay as little as possible. Having a lawyer is arguably more important in a UM claim than in a standard third-party claim.
What If You Don’t Have UM Coverage?
If you don’t have UM coverage and the other driver has no insurance, your options are limited. You can sue the uninsured driver personally, but collecting a judgment from someone who couldn’t afford car insurance is extremely difficult. This is why I always recommend carrying the highest UM/UIM limits you can afford.
If you’ve been injured, call Benecke Injury Law at (417) 623-4000 for a free consultation. We handle cases on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win.
Related Resources
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Lawyer
- What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Actually Do?
- Why You Should Never Accept the First Settlement Offer
If you’ve been injured, contact Benecke Injury Law at (417) 623-4000 for a free case review.