Traffic accidents are always scary, but when you discover that the negligent drivers are underinsured or uninsured, the prospect of getting stuck with overwhelming medical and mechanics bills is devastating. The Guirl Law Firm is committed exclusively to personal injury litigation and insurance claims. With more than 25 years of experience, we think outside the box to maximize your damages award. We typically pursue compensation from your insurance company and often file third party lawsuits to recover the balance.
Missouri law requires all drivers to maintain the minimum level of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. You must show proof of insurance when registering your vehicle, renewing your licenses, responding to a police officer’s request or cooperating in a car accident investigation. The minimum level of motor vehicle liability insurance coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 per accident for property damage. Your uninsured motorist policy should cover at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, thousands of Missouri citizens are involved in auto accidents with motorists who carry no or inadequate insurance, resulting in unpaid property and injury damages, as well as higher rates for Missourians who comply with the law.
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime, punishable by license suspension, fines and imprisonment. Therefore, hit-and-runs are typically committed by drunk drivers, uninsured motorists, unlicensed drivers or fugitives attempting to escape greater consequences. Most likely, the negligent driver is not solvent, even if police catch and prosecute the offender. A hit-and-run accident is treated as an uninsured motorist claim because you are unable to file against the perpetrator.
Your uninsured motorist policy is your first line of action in an uninsured motorist case. You deserve to receive the amount of coverage for which you dutifully paid your premiums each month. If the negligent driver carries inadequate insurance, your insurance policy should cover the balance. The Guirl Law Firm demands full compensation for your injuries and property damage.
If your damages exceed your uninsured motorist coverage, our auto accident law firm considers third party lawsuits against other negligent parties. For example, you may have a cause of action against a construction company for leaving debris that contributed to your crash. Possibly, a bartender negligently overserved the drunk and underinsured motorist who struck you. In addition, the city of St. Louis may be liable for poor road maintenance or a broken traffic light.
To learn more about recovering through your insurance company and third party claims if your auto accident involved an uninsured or underinsured motorist, call the Guirl Law Firm on our 24-hour toll-free hotline 314-391-2585 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
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