Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims in Missouri
You did everything right — you followed the traffic laws, paid your insurance premiums, and drove defensively. But the driver who hit you had no insurance, or carried a policy so small it barely covers a fraction of your medical bills. Unfortunately, this happens far more often than most people realize. If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Joplin, Southwest Missouri, or Southeast Kansas, attorney Kurt Benecke can help you get the compensation you need through your own insurance policy.
What Is UM/UIM Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is part of your own auto insurance policy. It protects you when the at-fault driver either has no liability insurance at all (uninsured) or doesn’t carry enough insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries (underinsured).
Missouri law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage to every policyholder. Many drivers carry this coverage without even realizing it, and it can make the difference between being fully compensated for your injuries and being left with crushing medical debt.
When Do These Claims Apply?
Uninsured Motorist Scenarios
The at-fault driver has no auto insurance at all, the at-fault driver’s policy has been cancelled or lapsed, the at-fault driver is a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified, or the at-fault driver was driving a stolen vehicle.
Underinsured Motorist Scenarios
The at-fault driver carries only Missouri’s minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person, but your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering total far more than that amount. In these cases, your UIM coverage can make up the difference, up to the limits of your own policy.
Why You Need a Lawyer for UM/UIM Claims
Many people assume that because they’re filing a claim with their own insurance company, the process will be straightforward and fair. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Insurance companies are in the business of paying out as little as possible — even to their own policyholders.
UM/UIM claims involve the same types of disputes as any other injury claim: the insurance company may challenge the severity of your injuries, argue that your treatment was excessive, or claim that your injuries were pre-existing. Having an experienced attorney on your side ensures that your own insurance company treats you fairly and honors the coverage you’ve been paying for.
Compensation Available Through UM/UIM Claims
Through a UM/UIM claim, you can recover compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages — up to the limits of your UM/UIM policy. Kurt Benecke will review your insurance policy, determine the full extent of your available coverage, and fight to make sure you receive every dollar you’re entitled to.
Stacking Coverage in Missouri
If you have multiple vehicles on your policy, Missouri law may allow you to “stack” your UM/UIM coverage — meaning the coverage limits from each vehicle can be combined to provide a higher total amount of protection. Whether stacking applies depends on the specific language of your policy, which is why it’s important to have an attorney review your coverage.
Contact Benecke Injury Law
Don’t let your own insurance company shortchange you after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. Call Benecke Injury Law at (417) 553-4898 for a free case review, or submit a request online. Kurt Benecke will review your policy, explain your options, and fight to get you the full compensation you deserve. There is no fee unless we recover money for you.