A car accident, especially one that causes injuries to you and your passengers, is an extremely stressful and emotional event. As if the collision wasn’t traumatic enough, learning the at-fault driver did not carry auto insurance creates an even greater challenge for victims, as concerns over the driver’s inability to pay for damages begin to set in. If this happened to you, it’s important to realize you may still qualify for awards. A Kansas City uninsured car accident lawyer can help you navigate this tumultuous situation and outline your options for recovering compensation.
At Ben Crump Law, PLLC, we understand the uncertainty and life-changing impact of a car accident and are dedicated to helping victims seek justice. If you or a loved one were hurt by an uninsured motorist in Kansas City, Missouri, our legal team can explore every course of action to seek awards for your injuries or the wrongful death of a relative. Call (844) 730-0233 today to speak with a member of our firm for free and learn more about how we can protect your rights.
Potential Awards for Uninsured Motor Vehicle Accident Victims
As a victim of an uninsured motor vehicle accident in Kansas City, MO, you may be eligible for a personal injury award. The award can include damages for both the physical and non-physical tolls the accident inflicted upon you and your family members. Examples of potential compensation include, but are not limited to:
- Health-related costs, such as hospital bills, primary care physician co-payments, laboratory fees, and therapy expenses
- Lost income, including current and future earning potential for either yourself or your family’s primary caretaker
- Pain and suffering damages, which may include compensation for the mental anguish you suffered after the car crash and loss of companionship if a loved one was fatally injured because of an uninsured and negligent driver
- Funeral expenses following the wrongful death of a loved one
For a free legal consultation with a uninsured car accidents lawyer serving Kansas City, call (844) 730-0233
Ways to Obtain Compensation After a Collision with an Uninsured Driver
While Missouri law requires all motorists to carry some form of auto insurance, outlined by the Missouri Department of Revenue, drivers may still take to the streets without adequate coverage. Unfortunately, many of these motorists end up causing serious and even fatal accidents. Yet, despite being uninsured, these drivers are still liable for any personal injuries that resulted from their negligent behavior.
After a vehicle accident with an uninsured driver in Kansas City, there are several actions you can take to seek compensation. Below are some of the options you can pursue when attempting to recover awards for your injuries or losses.
Seek Damages Through Your Insurance Provider
Although an uninsured driver was responsible for your car accident, you may be able to receive compensation from your insurance provider if 1) your policy includes liability coverage for bodily injuries and 2) your bodily injuries meet the qualifications set forth by the state’s uninsured motorist insurance coverage laws.
As per state law, all Kansas City drivers are required to have the following uninsured motorist coverage for protection against bodily injuries:
- Per person: Minimum of $25,000
- Per accident: Minimum of $50,000
Keep in mind that the above bodily injury coverage is the minimum amount required by the state and only covers physical injuries. Depending on your current liability coverage, the compensation you may receive after an uninsured motorist accident may be higher.
In addition to having bodily injury protection, the Missouri Department of Insurance requires that certain conditions be met with respect to a driver’s uninsured motorist coverage agreement before an insurance payout. A victim will be entitled to damages from their insurance provider if the bodily injury:
- Was suffered by an insured person
- Was caused by an accident
- Involved an uninsured motor vehicle
Contest an Insurance Claim Denial or Underpayment
There are times when an insurance provider may deny or underpay a bodily injury claim, even if the policyholder has full coverage. This may happen for several reasons. For example, your claim may present insufficient or incorrect information, or there is a mistake on the insurance company’s end.
If this occurs, a Kansas uninsured car accident lawyer can review the claim denial or underpayment and help you fight for your rightful award. Your lawyer will gather all the evidence concerning the crash, including police reports, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and your medical reports, then present the documentation to your insurance company and argue for your damages.
Fighting an insurance company on your own can be an uphill battle. If you are unsure about the offer your insurance provider presents, or if you received notice that your claim was denied, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC so a member of our team can examine your paperwork for any missing information or errors and help you submit an appeal if need be.
Sue the At-Fault Driver
If your auto insurance company doesn’t pay for the full extent of your car accident injuries, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver directly. Unfortunately, if the motorist did not have the means to pay for insurance coverage, likely, they may not be able to pay for your medical bills out-of-pocket. Still, there are ways to seek compensation from the at-fault motorist. To do so, liability for the accident must first be established.
An attorney can help you establish the burden of proof by presenting evidence that the uninsured driver engaged in negligent actions while operating their vehicle, and that said actions caused the accident.
The following are all considered forms of negligent and/or reckless driving actions that a legal representative can use to establish causation after a car accident:
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign or traffic light
- Distracted driving (including the use of a cell phone)
- Following a vehicle too closely
- Failing to use turning signals
- Intoxication
Kansas City Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
Turn to a Kansas City Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer for Help with Recovering Your Rightful Awards
You don’t settle for the first offer from an insurer after a car crash with an uninsured driver. Whether you were injured or lost a loved one, a Kansas City uninsured accident lawyer can help you fight for just compensation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 to request a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today with a member of our team and begin the case evaluation process.
Call or text (844) 730-0233 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form