Getting into a car accident is stressful enough Uninsured Motorist Lawyer but what happens when the other driver doesn’t have insurance? If you’re dealing with the aftermath of an accident involving an uninsured motorist in Kansas City or nearby areas like Topeka, knowing your rights and options is key. This blog breaks down what uninsured motorist claims typically involve, how a skilled lawyer can help, and what you can do to protect yourself and your finances.
The Midwest’s Most Effective Injury Law Firm
When it comes to fighting for victims of car accidents involving uninsured motorists, Kansas City is home to law firms that know how to deliver results. If you’re facing mounting medical bills with no clear path to compensation, it’s crucial to involve a law firm with a proven track record of winning cases like yours. Uninsured Motorist Mawyer
$375K Settlement for an Accident Victim
One of our clients suffered severe injuries after being struck by an uninsured driver. Although this case was complicated, our lawyers secured a $375,000 settlement. This wouldn’t have been possible without in-depth knowledge of uninsured motorist laws and strong negotiation skills.
Uninsured Motorist Lawyer Claims Aren’t Uncommon
Contrary to what many believe, accidents involving uninsured drivers happen more often than you’d expect. According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), about 12.6% of drivers in the U.S. are uninsured. This number highlights the importance of protecting yourself against such situations.
$100K Settlement for an Uninsured Motorist Claim
Another client of ours faced a similar situation after a collision with an uninsured driver. Despite significant obstacles, we helped secure $100,000 in compensation to cover their medical expenses and lost wages. Results like these demonstrate the critical role that an experienced lawyer can play in uninsured motorist cases.
What Options Do I Have If I’m in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Kansas City?
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, you might feel like you’ve hit a wall. However, you still have paths to seek compensation:
- Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Kansas requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage can help pay for your injuries if the at-fault party doesn’t have insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Kansas is a no-fault state, meaning you can file a claim under your PIP coverage regardless of who caused the accident.
- A Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver: While this is an option, collecting compensation from someone without insurance may be difficult if they lack financial resources.
- Other Liable Parties: If a third party (like the driver’s employer) contributed to the accident, you might have additional options for seeking compensation.
How Can a Kansas City Car Accident Lawyer Help If I’ve Been Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
Navigating an uninsured motorist claim can be tricky. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and the legal complexities can be overwhelming for accident victims. Here’s how an experienced lawyer can make a difference:
- Understanding Coverage: They’ll review your auto insurance policy to identify available options like UM or PIP coverage. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
- Negotiating with Insurers: A lawyer can handle tough negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you get the full compensation you’re entitled to. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
- Building a Strong Case: From gathering evidence to consulting with accident reconstruction specialists, your lawyer will work tirelessly to prove fault and establish the extent of your losses.
- Filing Lawsuits: If needed, they can take the case to court and fight aggressively on your behalf.
What’s the Difference Between an Uninsured Driver and an Underinsured Driver?
Uninsured drivers have no insurance coverage whatsoever, while underinsured drivers have liability insurance, but it’s not enough to cover all the damages caused in an accident. For instance, if the at-fault driver only carries $25,000 in liability coverage but your medical bills are $50,000, they would be considered underinsured.
UM policies often cover both uninsured and underinsured drivers, so your policy might help fill in the gap.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is a type of auto insurance that helps protect you financially if you’re injured in an accident caused by someone without insurance. It can also sometimes cover hit-and-run accidents.
This coverage typically includes compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
Kansas law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in UM coverage, but higher limits are always recommended for added protection.
Who Other Than the Uninsured Driver Might Be Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Depending on the circumstances of your accident, other parties might share liability, including:
- Vehicle Owners who knowingly allowed an uninsured person to drive their car.
- Employers if the uninsured driver was on the job at the time of the accident.
- Government Entities if dangerous road conditions contributed to the crash.
Identifying all liable parties can increase the compensation you’re entitled to and improve your chances of covering all accident-related expenses.
What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?
While every case is unique, common types of compensation include:
- Economic Damages: These cover tangible losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
- Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for intangible losses like pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
- Punitive Damages (in rare cases): These are awarded to punish the at-fault party for egregious negligence. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Working with a skilled lawyer ensures that all damages are accounted for, helping maximize your compensation. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
How Long Do I Have to Seek Compensation?
Kansas imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, insurance claims typically need to be filed much sooner, so it’s important to act quickly.
Failing to meet these deadlines could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. Don’t wait! Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
FAQ
Q: Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Yes. Kansas follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover compensation as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. However, your award will be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Q: What should I do immediately after an accident with an uninsured driver?
A: Prioritize your safety, call the police, gather evidence at the scene (photos, witness info), and notify your insurance company. Then, consult a lawyer to explore your options. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Q: Do I need a lawyer if I have UM coverage?
A: It’s highly recommended. Even with UM coverage, insurance companies may undervalue your claim. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected, and you receive fair compensation. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Take Action After Your Accident
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist in Kansas City or Topeka, don’t face the complexities alone. A skilled car accident lawyer can guide you through the process, fight for your rights, and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Uninsured Motorist Lawyer
Contact our team today for a free consultation and discover how we can help you get back on your feet.
Leave a Reply