Being involved in a car accident is disorienting enough, but imagine the added stress when the at-fault driver either has no insurance at all or not enough to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than you might think on Missouri roadways. That’s where Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage becomes your crucial safety net.
At Sticklen & Sticklen, we frequently help injured individuals across Central and Southwest Missouri grapple with the complexities of UM/UIM claims. Understanding these coverages and having expert legal guidance from the start can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
What Exactly Are UM and UIM Coverages?
Let’s break down these two essential types of coverage:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: This coverage protects you when you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have any car insurance. It also typically applies in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Importantly, your UM coverage can apply even if you are a pedestrian and struck by a vehicle that flees the scene. Furthermore, UM also applies in “phantom vehicle” scenarios where an unidentified vehicle causes you to swerve off the road or into another object without making direct contact. In Missouri, UM bodily injury coverage is mandatory for all auto insurance policies, with minimum limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. This means if an uninsured driver injures you, your own policy can step in to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, up to your policy limits.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: This coverage comes into play when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits are insufficient to fully compensate you for your damages. For example, if your injuries result in $100,000 in medical bills and lost wages, but the at-fault driver only has the state minimum liability coverage of $25,000, your UIM coverage can help bridge that gap, paying the difference up to your UIM policy limits. Unlike UM, UIM coverage is optional in Missouri, but it is highly recommended given the potential for severe injuries and high costs.
While UM/UIM typically covers bodily injury, some policies may offer property damage coverage as well. It’s always important to review your specific policy details with your insurance agent.
Why Are These Coverages So Important in Missouri?
Despite Missouri’s mandatory insurance laws, a significant number of drivers still operate without proper coverage. This makes UM/UIM coverage not just a good idea, but a critical protection for you and your family. Without it, you could be left bearing the financial burden of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, simply because they lacked adequate insurance.
Furthermore, even drivers who carry the state minimum liability limits may not have enough coverage to compensate you for serious injuries. A severe accident can quickly lead to medical expenses far exceeding these minimums, underscoring the value of robust UIM coverage. This is why having sufficient UM/UIM coverage often provides invaluable peace of mind.
The Complexity of an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver Claim
When you’re injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the path to compensation can be surprisingly complicated. While these claims are filed against your own insurance policy, it doesn’t mean the process will be simple or straightforward. Insurance companies, even your own, are businesses focused on minimizing payouts. They have adjusters and legal teams whose job it is to protect the company’s bottom line.
You might face disputes over who was at fault, questions about the extent of your injuries, or disagreements over the true value of your claim. Your policy itself may contain specific clauses, such as “consent to settle” provisions, that can jeopardize your UIM coverage if not handled correctly. Moreover, effectively documenting your damages, gathering necessary evidence, and adhering to strict deadlines are all critical components that can make or break your claim. This is not a process you should face alone.
How Sticklen & Sticklen Can Help
Navigating an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim requires a deep understanding of insurance law, policy language, and negotiation tactics. This is where the experienced team at Sticklen & Sticklen becomes your most valuable ally.
We can:
- Evaluate Your Policy: We meticulously review your auto insurance policy to understand the full extent of your UM/UIM coverage and identify all potential avenues for recovery.
- Handle All Communications: We take over all communications and negotiations with your insurance company, ensuring they treat your claim fairly and honor the terms of your policy. We know their tactics and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve, covering medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Investigate and Document Your Claim: We meticulously gather all necessary evidence, including police reports, medical records, and expert opinions, to build a strong case that accurately reflects the full scope of your damages.
- Litigate if Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to file a lawsuit and vigorously represent you in court. Our goal is to level the playing field and give you the “home field advantage” against powerful insurance companies.
Don’t let an uninsured or underinsured driver leave you financially devastated. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Central or Southwest Missouri and believe UM/UIM coverage may apply to your situation, contact Sticklen & Sticklen today for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of your claim and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Learn more about our services or call us to schedule your consultation.