No one wants to get into an accident, let alone with an uninsured driver, on Missouri’s roads. All states and the District of Columbia require drivers to carry property liability insurance. But the sad truth is that not all drivers so. This is especially true when there’s a recession. Sometimes, people just can’t make their payments, and the policy lapses.
Uninsured drivers are a big problem
According to a 2011 study conducted by the Insurance Research Council, as many as 14% of Americans drive without liability insurance. However, the numbers by state look much different. About 28% of drivers in Mississippi have no insurance. In Missouri, the figure is slightly better than average at about 13%.
Missouri is a tort state when it comes to auto accidents. That means responsibility for the crash can be assigned to a driver, and he or she can be held liable for damages. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, it’s possible to sue that individual. However, since people with the fewest assets tend to be uninsured, it may not be possible to recover anything.
Protecting against uninsured drivers
Drivers in Missouri can protect themselves from the financial aftermath of car accidents with uninsured drivers by adding coverage to their policies. It’s possible to add endorsements for uninsured and underinsured drivers to a standard car insurance policy. These will provide coverage in the event the policyholder is hit by someone who lacks proper liability coverage.
After an accident, it’s always a good idea to be checked by medics. It’s also prudent to talk to a lawyer. Insurance companies have an interest in keeping settlement figures low. Having an experienced advocate on one’s side can make a big difference.
