The laws that apply to all Missouri drivers should level the metaphorical playing field. Every driver should have the same basic skills and protections. To legally drive, you have to secure a license, which requires passing a test and attending a driver’s education course. You also have to register your vehicle with the state and purchase liability insurance coverage in case you cause a crash and hurt somebody.
Drivers frequently break the laws governing their behavior at the wheel. Not only do people ignore traffic laws, like posted speed limits, but they also sometimes let their insurance coverage lapse. Some drivers fail to make payments and lose their coverage eventually, while others intentionally cancel their policy to save a little money.
You could find yourself struggling to pay your collision bills after a crash caused by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. How likely are you to encounter one of these drivers in Missouri?
Missouri ranks 12th in the nation for uninsured drivers
According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, 12.6% of drivers nationwide don’t have the mandatory insurance state law requires on their vehicles. Missouri has a higher percentage than that based on data from 2019. Roughly 16.4% of drivers in Missouri either cancel their policies or let their coverage lapse.
Having the 12th-highest percentage of uninsured drivers is a real safety concern for everyone in Missouri. Any time a crash affects you, the possibility exists for the driver at fault to not have insurance.
What happens after a crash with an uninsured motorist?
You may need to spend thousands of dollars fixing your vehicle, or you may need to start shopping for a new one if it suffered such serious damage that it has become unsafe to drive. You may also have hospital bills and unpaid wages that you would like to recover after the crash.
Sometimes, you can rely on your own insurance coverage to help you despite the other driver being to blame for the wreck. You may also need to learn about Missouri’s personal injury laws and contemplate going to court to seek compensation through a lawsuit. Knowing what steps to take after a motor vehicle collision will protect you from the financial consequences of a crash.