St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers

A car accident alone is frustrating and challenging to deal with. You certainly did not ask for this incident to happen. And, if the other driver is uninsured, the frustration meter just cranked upward to an astronomical level. Great, who exactly is going to pay for the damages?

If you have been in a St. Louis car accident with an uninsured driver, you need to call Burger Law immediately at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online. Your insurance company is required to carry uninsured driver coverage and you can make a claim against your own insurance policy to recover the damages to your vehicle as well as your injuries. A St. Louis uninsured motorist accident lawyer can walk you through the entire, albeit frustrating, process and help make sense of it all, while fighting to get you the maximum compensation available.

How Can We Help After a Crash With an Uninsured Driver in St. Louis, MO?

First, we advise victims based on the legal and insurance processes involved in uninsured motorist cases. An uninsured motorist accident attorney will investigate the facts of the crash, gather evidence, and evaluate potential avenues for compensation. Often, drivers don’t realize that their uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can be the pathway to the financial support they need. 

Despite having various avenues for seeking compensation, insurance companies may resist paying out full claims. Luckily, our legal team is adept at dealing with tricks to deny you justice. We will ensure that you don’t leave money on the table but receive the full extent of the compensation needed to cover your damages.

What To Do When You’ve Been Hit By An Uninsured Driver?

If you or a loved one are dealing with injuries sustained in a car accident with an uninsured motorist, find out how much your claim may be worth by using our personal injury calculator

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage, and Why Is It Important?

Uninsured motorist coverage is a mandatory part of auto insurance policies in Missouri and serves as a safeguard for drivers involved in accidents with uninsured motorists. It ensures that you still have access to compensation, even when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you could be left paying for your medical expenses and vehicle repairs out of pocket.

UM coverage is essential because it fills the gap when the other driver cannot fulfill their financial responsibility after causing an accident. Given the high percentage of uninsured drivers in Missouri, this coverage provides peace of mind and financial protection, ensuring that you won’t be left shouldering the costs of an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.

The Difference Between Underinsured and Uninsured

Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage are similar but serve different purposes. UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all, while UIM coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance but their policy limits are too low to cover your damages fully.

In Missouri, UM coverage is mandatory, but UIM coverage is optional. Both types of coverage are important because they provide additional layers of protection. If you’re in an accident with a driver who carries minimal insurance, your UIM coverage can make up the difference, ensuring you aren’t left with out-of-pocket expenses for an accident you didn’t cause.

How Often Do Uninsured Motorist Claims Occur in St. Louis?

Although a minimum amount of liability car insurance is legally required in most states – Missouri requires the “25/50/25” minimum of $25,000 bodily injury coverage for another person, $50,000 bodily injury coverage for any other persons injured and $25,000 property damage coverage – there are still drivers that decide to get behind the wheel without insurance. According to a 2021 study by the Insurance Research Council, one in eight drivers on U.S. roads, or 12.6 percent of all motorists, are uninsured. Approximately 16.4 percent of Missouri drivers are uninsured.

Even though you are a safe, steadfast driver who follows the rules of the road, you are still vulnerable to accidents with uninsured drivers. Your uninsured motorist coverage through your own insurance policy is used when you are involved in one of these accidents and the crash is deemed to be that driver’s fault. The idea is that by making a claim against your own car insurance company, you can receive compensation for the entire spectrum of your car accident-related losses, just as you would if the at-fault driver did have insurance and you could make a claim directly against them or their insurance company.

Uninsured Motorist Benefits in Missouri

Missouri uninsured motorist coverage offers you protection if the at-fault driver is uninsured. These benefits are a lifeline for victims of accidents by covering a wide range of costs, including medical bills, lost wages and damages for pain and suffering. While uninsured motorist coverage is part of your insurance policy, it is essential to understand exactly how these benefits work and the extent of your coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage steps in to pay for your damages when the at-fault driver cannot. However, insurance companies may attempt to limit payouts. Your lawyer can negotiate with your insurance provider, contest denied claims and ensure that your uninsured motorist benefits are maximized.

What Should I Do If I’m In a Car Accident With an Uninsured Motorist?

As an example, you are sitting at a stop light waiting for it to turn green when suddenly you are hit from behind – causing you some serious whiplash and likely some damage to your car. After pulling safely to the side of the road, you get out to assess your vehicle and talk with the driver who hit you. The back of your car is smashed in and you are sensing a visit to the doctor in the near future for your aching neck. The other driver looks flustered and panicked, pacing around and speaking in incomplete thoughts. When you ask them for their insurance information, they tell you that they do not have any. No need to worry, your Burger Law uninsured motorist claims attorney in St. Louis has developed these tips on what to do if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver:

Call the police

It is always a good idea to call the police following a car accident, whether the other driver has insurance or not. But if you are dealing with an uninsured driver, calling the police is even more crucial, due to the fact that their report will help get your damages covered and make the claims process much smoother.

Do not accept money

Because the other driver does not have insurance, they could be facing some hefty fines and fees. This could bring about a situation where they offer you money to avoid legal repercussions. At this point, you have no idea what your damages or injury costs will amount to, so even if it seems like a good deal, hold off and do not accept money. Your visit to the doctor for whiplash might turn into something far worse and far more expensive. The damage to the back of your car might be far worse than originally estimated or imagined.

Swap information

While the other driver does not have insurance information to give you, be sure to get their contact and vehicle details. Do not forget to gather information from any witness also, since their statements can be beneficial during the claims process.

Gather details

Get the make and model of the vehicle involved, time and location of the accident, as well as the name and badge number of the responding officer. Write down any pertinent information you think could help you when working with your Burger Law uninsured motorist claims attorney in St. Louis.

Take pictures

You will want to capture any damage done to your car and the other vehicle, the other driver’s VIN number, license plate number, traffic signs and the direction each vehicle was traveling. All of these are crucial details that will come in handy when filing a claim.

As always, you can call our firm today at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online with any questions or concerns about your uninsured motorist claim.

“I’ve dedicated my entire life to helping our clients receive full compensation for their injuries.”

Schedule a free case evaluation here.

Gary Burger

Litigation attorney

When Do Uninsured Motorist Claims Apply in St. Louis?

The following situations are examples of when an uninsured motorist claim would apply:

• A driver does not have bodily injury liability coverage. Not having this type of coverage technically means they are uninsured.
• The driver does have bodily injury liability coverage, but the limits are below the minimum required by the state. Missouri’s minimum is $50,000.
• A hit-and-run accident. Hit-and-runs are considered uninsured accidents.
• If the driver or company responsible for the accident denies coverage, or if the company becomes insolvent and is not able to pay.

Even though uninsured motorist coverage is part of your insurance policy, yes, with the same insurance company that you pay hundreds of dollars to each month for coverage, things may not always go as smoothly as you might expect when it comes to getting a fair resolution to your claim. Burger Law is in its third decade of dealing with insurance companies. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers know all the tricks an insurance company will resort to in order to not pay. Our uninsured motorist claims lawyer in St. Louis will do whatever it takes for you to be fairly compensated for your damages and injuries. After all, insurance companies are far less likely to deny claims when people hire an attorney.

Who Will Pay for Your Injuries If You Are a Victim of an Uninsured Driver-Car Accident?

In an uninsured driver accident, your own insurance policy is typically the primary source of compensation. In St Louis, Missouri, the uninsured motorist coverage is designed to step in when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Your UM coverage can pay for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.

If your damages exceed the limits of your uninsured motorist coverage, you may need to explore other options, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against:

• The uninsured driver
• Any other party legally responsible for the crash, such as the motorist’s employer

When and How Much Compensation May You Receive?

The amount of compensation you can receive after an accident with an uninsured driver depends on the extent of your injuries, the amount of property damage, and your uninsured motorist policy limits. Under Missouri law, the minimum required UM coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. However, it is recommended for drivers to carry higher UM limits to sufficiently protect themselves in these situations.

Compensation is typically received once both parties sign a settlement agreement. The payer will deposit the funds into your lawyer’s client escrow account. Your lawyer will then subtract the necessary amounts and transfer the remainder to you.

Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer FAQs

How Many Drivers in Missouri Are Uninsured?

In Missouri, a significant number of drivers fail to comply with mandatory insurance laws. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the 2022 injury estimates suggest that around 16% of Missouri drivers were uninsured. This places Missouri in the top 14th of states with the highest percentage of uninsured motorists. 

How Do I Recover Compensation If the Other Driver is Uninsured?

Recovering compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver in St. Louis can be challenging, but it is possible. The most immediate option is to tap into your uninsured motorist coverage, which should cover your accident-related losses. You will need to file an uninsured motorist claim, which is often your best route to receiving prompt compensation.

Alternatively, you might consider suing the uninsured driver directly. This can offer compensation for your damages, though this depends on the ability of the uninsured driver to compensate for the losses. It can be a difficult path if the driver lacks assets to cover your damages. Your lawyer can assess whether pursuing a lawsuit would be worth the effort and guide you through the entire legal process.

When Should I Hire an Uninsured Motorist Attorney?

It is advisable to hire an uninsured motorist attorney as soon as possible after the accident. After a car accident, the aftermath can be chaotic, and the insurance claims process is time-sensitive. In Missouri, there are statutes of limitations that restrict how long you have to file a lawsuit. Delaying could jeopardize your claim and limit your options for recovering compensation.

How to Find Out If Someone Has Car Insurance?

After an accident, determining whether the other driver has insurance is necessary. Knowing if the other party is insured ensures that you take informed steps toward seeking compensation. 

At the scene of an accident, you can request the driver’s insurance information, as Missouri law requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance. If the driver refuses or fails to provide it, you can request this information from the police officer responding to the accident. The officer’s report should include details on the other driver’s insurance status.

Your attorney can also assist in obtaining this information by requesting the other driver’s insurance records through legal channels if needed. 

Can I Still Pursue Compensation If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Yes, you can still pursue compensation even if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance. Your most viable option is to file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage acts as a replacement for the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, paying for your accident-related damages. 

If your uninsured motorist coverage isn’t sufficient to cover your losses, you may have the option to sue the uninsured driver directly. 

How an Attorney Can Maximize Compensation in Uninsured Motorist Situations

Hiring an attorney can significantly improve your chances of recovering the full amount of compensation you are entitled to after a collision with an uninsured driver. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize payouts. They often undervalue uninsured motorist claims or attempt to deny coverage altogether. A lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company, ensuring they honor the terms of your policy and offer a fair settlement.

Attorneys also gather key evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements and accident reports. This evidence is critical in building a strong case for compensation. Should negotiations fail, your attorney can pursue legal action and represent you in court. In uninsured motorist cases, it is highly recommended to have a legal professional to avoid costly mistakes that could end up in a lowball settlement offer or none at all.

Contact a St. Louis Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer at Burger Law

You do not have to fight this battle alone. And the Burger Law attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not be responsible for out-of-pocket costs and our fees will be collected only after a successful completion of your case.

Call us right now at (314) 500-HURT or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Other car accident cases we take on in St. Louis and throughout Missouri and Illinois include:

• Pedestrian Accidents
• Bicycle Accidents
• Hit and Run
• Drunk Driving
• Distracted Driving
• Texting and Driving
• Speeding Accidents
• Fatal Car Crash
• Head-On Collisions
• Rear-Ended
• Multi-Vehicle Accidents
• Intersection Accidents
• Road Construction Accidents
• Carpool Accidents
• Backup Accident
• Whiplash Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Brain Injuries
• Uninsured Motorist Claims
• Phantom Motorist Claim

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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Client Reviews

What our clients are saying about us

Juanita Matthews

Year of 2023

This law firm is absolutely amazing. They took on my case, when nobody else would! They fought hard for me when it seemed there was no hope. They kept me informed and always asked for my input before making decisions on my case. Gary puts himself into every case unlike most law firm owners. Gary and his team really care about every one of their clients, and fights hard to get you a fair settlement. They actually won my case out of court, and then reduced my fees to make sure I could get my car fixed and be able to get back to some normality. I would recommend Burger Law over and above any other firm! If you go somewhere else you aren’t getting the best!

Shaunda S.

7 months ago

I am very happy with the staff at Burger Law. I mostly worked with Michael Sheldon, and he did an amazing job. I trusted him completely with my case, and he did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this team if your ever in need of good attorneys.

Emelia M.

3 months ago

Burger Law Firm is fantastic. Laura and Genevieve were so amazing and helpful throughout the entire process. They helped me with my personal injury case every step of the way and succeeded at getting me the results I desired.

Helen L.

a year ago

We had a great experience with Burger Law for representing us after a serious car accident. Truly impressed by how professional and supportive the entire team is. And, many thanks to Genavieve and Laura – you are amazing!

Judy M.

a year ago

They did an amazing job on my case! Communication with them was great!!! Kept me informed and in the loop with everything that was going on!!! Will definitely be the 1st ones I’ll call if ever I’m in another accident!!! Thank you very much!!!

Chelsea C.

5 months ago

Let me tell you something about Burger Law.. they are so attentive and kind. Jennifer is my savior!! I love the whole team!!! They are truly a miracle team!! I appreciate their business and would recommend it to others.

David D.

2 months ago

Absolutely the best law firm in the St. Louis area. No matter the size of your case you are treated as if you are the only client on the roster. Will explain anything thoroughly and they work around your availability. Very impressed and appreciative of the service.

Lisa B.

11 months ago

Gary and Casey took great care of me for 2.5 years as my lawsuit was finally settled. I feel he helped me achieve justice for me and my 4 children after their father died from medical malpractice and neglect. Thanks to Gary, my kids now have a great start to their college and adult lives. Thank you Gary and Casey, for fighting for us so hard at our most trying and difficult time in our lives thus far. Love and God bless from my family to yours!

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