Across Missouri, there are countless cases where drivers cause serious injuries or death to other drivers on the road. Unfortunately for the injured victims and their families, the responsible parties in these accidents often do not carry insurance or only carry the minimum amount of coverage. According to the Insurance Research Council, one in seven drivers in Missouri may be without auto insurance.
In Missouri, drivers and owners of automobiles are required to carry liability insurance on their vehicles. The minimum liability amounts are $25,000 for injury liability to one person, $50,000 for all injuries and $10,000 for property damage in an accident.
For some of the more serious injuries caused by automobile accidents, these amounts are only a fraction of what victims need to completely recover for their injuries. To make matters worse, insurance companies often try to settle for far less than what the victims deserve and, at times, deny liability entirely.
Options for Victims of Accidents
After an accident, Missouri victims do have options. Legal action can help those injured in an accident recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses, as well as for any property damaged in the accident. In some cases, punitive damages may even be recovered if the defendant showed a complete indifference or conscious disregard for the safety of others.
After an accident, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Whether through the other driver's insurance policy, your own policy or a lawsuit, it is important to secure the benefits you deserve if you are involved in any type of motor vehicle accident.
