What If the Driver Who Hit Me Has No Insurance?

A car accident causes immediate stress and financial worry. The situation becomes more stressful when you discover the other driver does not have auto insurance. Missouri law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage to protect you in this specific scenario. The attorneys at Brydon, Swearengen & England can help you seek your entitled compensation.

If the driver who hit you has no insurance:

• You need to rely on your own uninsured motorist coverage to pay for your bodily injuries.
• Your collision coverage will pay for vehicle repairs after you meet your deductible.
• You can file a claim directly against the at-fault driver.
• A personal injury attorney can identify all available insurance policies to maximize your financial recovery.

What Will Uninsured Motorist Coverage Pay For?

Missouri mandates that auto policies include uninsured motorist protection. According to the Missouri Department of Insurance, this coverage primarily pays for bodily injury losses. When an uninsured driver causes a crash, your policy will cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain up to your policy limits.

Insurance companies handle your property damage differently. Uninsured motorist coverage typically does not pay for vehicle repairs. Instead, you will need to apply the collision coverage to your own insurance policy.

How Does Your Own Insurance Become Involved?

When the responsible driver lacks coverage, your insurance company steps into the shoes of the at-fault party. You must file a claim directly with your own provider. Because insurance companies operate for profit, they will investigate the accident thoroughly to minimize their financial payout.

To support your claim, you should gather specific evidence:

• A formal police report that documents the lack of insurance.
• Pictures showing the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries.
• Complete medical records detailing your treatment plan.
• Contact information from any eyewitnesses who saw the collision.

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Cannot Pay Out of Pocket?

Missouri follows an at-fault system for car accidents. This means the person who caused the crash is legally responsible for the resulting damages. You maintain the right to sue the uninsured driver directly.

However, individuals who drive without insurance rarely have the financial assets to pay a large judgment out of pocket. Collecting money from a driver with limited income is exceptionally difficult. An attorney at Brydon, Swearengen & England will investigate the driver’s financial situation to help you decide if filing a lawsuit makes sense for your specific case.

What Should You Do If Medical Bills Exceed Your Available Coverage?

Severe accidents often result in medical expenses that surpass a standard uninsured motorist policy limit. Missouri requires a minimum uninsured motorist limit of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If your hospital bills total $75,000 and your policy only covers $25,000, you need alternative sources of recovery.

A qualified legal team will explore other options to cover your expenses:

• Your health insurance provider can pay for immediate medical treatments.
• Medical payments coverage on your auto policy can cover early medical costs.
• Third-party liability claims may apply if a manufacturer or government entity contributed to the crash.

Contact a Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Right Away

Dealing with an uninsured driver adds heavy financial pressure to your physical recovery. Brydon, Swearengen & England has served Jefferson City for nearly 50 years. Our attorneys understand state government agencies, local courts, and insurance company tactics. We will work hard to pursue justice on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.