Usually, people hurt in motor vehicle collisions in Missouri can count on motor vehicle liability insurance to protect them from major financial losses. Every driver has to pay for coverage that will cover the costs of any crash they cause.
However, to make a claim against a driver’s insurance, you have to communicate with them and call the police to report the wreck. The officer who arrives at the scene of the crash will usually need to include in their report that the other driver was at fault or cite them for a traffic violation to give you grounds for a liability insurance claim.
Some drivers try to avoid their responsibility by fleeing the scene of a collision after they cause a crash. Hit-and-run collisions can be a real concern for drivers in Missouri. What protects you after a wreck caused by a driver who does not stop as they should?
Your uninsured motorist protection
Although it is optional in many states, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in Missouri. You typically will carry as much uninsured motorist coverage as you do liability coverage. Even when you can’t make a claim against the other driver’s insurance, you have your own policy to protect you.
Many drivers also push for law enforcement to investigate. If the police are able to locate the driver who caused the crash, then you could potentially make a claim against their insurance. If they don’t have coverage, then their actions may have opened them up to civil liability for the wreck.
Understanding how insurance works in Missouri can help those struggling with the aftermath of a car crash.