In Missouri, insurance is a requirement for all drivers. Liability coverage is necessary for people to legally operate motor vehicles on public roads. Despite those requirements, some people go out on the road without active policies. They may believe that their chances of getting pulled over or causing a crash are minimal, making insurance an unnecessary expense.
Someone without insurance puts their financial future at risk if they cause a major collision. They gamble was not just their own financial future but the financial stability of other people as well. When an uninsured driver causes a crash, other people may not know how to assert themselves.
People who weren’t to blame for a wreck may worry about recouping lost wages, vehicle repair expenses and medical costs. What options does someone have after a collision caused by a driver without insurance in Missouri?
Uninsured driver coverage
Missouri requires more than just basic liability coverage. Drivers generally also need to carry uninsured motorist protection. People can sometimes use their own policies as a form of financial support immediately after a crash. They can then look into their options for holding the other party accountable.
Personal injury lawsuits
A driver without insurance leaves themselves exposed to financial liability. Anyone else affected by their questionable judgment may have grounds to take legal action. It is sometimes possible to file a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit against an uninsured driver who causes a serious collision.
Occasionally, there may also be third parties with a degree of liability as well. Businesses may be responsible if their workers cause crashes while on the clock or if they produced defective vehicles or vehicle components.
Third-party liability can be an excellent way of protecting the financial interests of someone hurt by an uninsured driver. Frequently, those without proper car insurance may also lack personal resources to reimburse anyone that they may hurt if they cause a crash.
Expecting an uninsured driver to cover the costs that their negligence inspires is a reasonable reaction to a costly, preventable motor vehicle collision. Those who know their rights after a crash caused by an uninsured driver are potentially able to limit the financial consequences they would otherwise have to absorb after a wreck.