Detailed Explanation
It’s important to understand how uninsured motorist claims work in Missouri, especially since you’re required to have it in your insurance policy. The required part of uninsured motorist (UM) policies relates to bodily injuries.
If you are in a car accident and the other driver takes off, leaving you injured at the scene, you would need to do two critical things. The first would be to notify the police within 24 hours, though ideally as soon as possible. The second would be to inform your insurer of what happened.
Most insurers will bar you from your UM coverage if you do not report it to the police within that 24-hour timeframe. This coverage only applies to your injuries, not property damage. There are optional policies you can add on for covering property damage in these scenarios, and if you have it, your insurer will cover those costs up to the limits of your policy.
Do you know what happens when the other driver has no insurance in Missouri? It’s a good idea to talk to our St. Louis car wreck lawyers at The Bruning Law Firm to get help understanding your legal rights and options while fighting for maximum compensation.
Related Considerations
Does UM coverage in Missouri cover property damage in a hit-and-run?
No, the mandatory UM coverage you are required to have in Missouri is only for bodily injuries. You can add an optional policy for that kind of coverage which can be helpful if you are hit by a driver who remains unidentified. Keep in mind that the state minimum requirements for car insurance are much lower than you need in serious accidents, and knowing how much uninsured motorist coverage you need is important.
Can I use my uninsured motorist coverage if I am a pedestrian hit in Missouri?
Yes, if you are walking or riding your bicycle and a negligent driver hits you and leaves the scene, you can use your own uninsured motorist coverage. This will take care of the medical costs for your injuries up to the policy limits.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a hit-and-run claim in Missouri?
Your insurance rates will not increase if you take the right steps after a hit and run accident, and that includes calling police within 24 hours to report the crash, having a police report to document it, and not being at fault, which will be determined by investigations. Insurers are not allowed to punish their policyholders for what a negligent hit-and-run driver does.
Get Help: Contact The Bruning Law Firm
The Bruning Law Firm helps those injured in St. Louis car accidents caused by hit and run drivers understand their rights under Missouri personal injury law, and fights to find the at-fault driver to hold them accountable for compensation. There is no fee unless we win, so call (314) 735-8100 to schedule your free consultation with our St. Louis hit-and-run accident attorneys.
For help evaluating insurance coverage and next steps after a crash, talk with a St. Louis auto accident attorney before resolving the claim.