Receiving Car Accident Compensation without Car Insurance

Receiving Car Accident Compensation without Car Insurance

Car Accidents, Personal Injury

Compensation for Uninsured Drivers in St. Louis, Missouri

Car accidents are some of the most frequent personal injury cases and claims in the world.

Injuries sustained from car accidents range from scrapes and bruises to broken bones and even death.

Every case is different and the payout for a car accident will vary depending on many different factors.

If you happen to be involved in an accident and don’t have insurance to cover yourself and your car, your license will be suspended and you will be liable for fines.

Car Accidents In Fault States and “No Pay, No Play” Laws

Drivers who are uninsured and meet with an accident without being at fault will have a slightly better chance of making a successful lawsuit claim against the at-fault driver in fault states.

In most cases, the uninsured driver will be awarded compensation for their medical expenses as well as for other costs.

However, if you live in a state that has the “No Pay, No Play” law, the amount that you can be awarded will be limited.

In states like California, where this law is enforced, uninsured drivers cannot be compensated for “non-economic” losses such as physical impairment, pain, suffering, or emotional distress.

The only exception is if the at-fault driver was under the influence during the accident.

In such a case, the uninsured driver may be awarded compensation for these damages.

Is Missouri a “No Pay, No Play” State?

Yes.

Since Missouri is a No Pay, No Play state, uninsured drivers will have a very difficult time receiving compensation for a car accident – even if the accident was not their fault.

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While this may seem unfair, the state does it because it feels it is the best way to ensure drivers can cover expenses if they are in an accident or have an automobile that has not passed inspections.

In addition to Missouri, the following states also enforce No Pay, No Play laws:

  • Alaska
  • California
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana
  • Michigan
  • Missouri
  • New Jersey
  • North Dakota
  • Oregon

Penalties For Uninsured Drivers

Aside from being made to pay damages to the other driver and their insurer, in most states, you will have to pay a fine and have your driving license terminated or restricted.

Because of this, It is always better to have insurance as it will protect you from these stressful lawsuits and fines, should you be unfortunate enough to meet with an accident.

Though uninsured drivers will be punished when they crash their cars, in some circumstances, they are still eligible to file a lawsuit to get compensation for medical expenses as well as for other costs relating to the accident.

Here are some options available to drivers who had a car accident without insurance:

Compensation When The Car Accident Wasn’t Your Fault

Even uninsured drivers have the opportunity to file a lawsuit claim for personal injuries and vehicle damages if the accident was due to the inappropriate actions of the other driver.

Although uninsured drivers can make a claim, the likelihood of you being successfully awarded compensation will be based on the state laws of where you live.

Car Accidents In No-Fault States

If you have met with an accident in a no-fault state, you will most likely have to pay for all expenses relating to the crash out of pocket.

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This is because no-fault states require each party involved in the crash to claim with their respective insurance provider, regardless of who was at fault.

If you’re uninsured, then you have no insurance company to turn to for your compensation.

Therefore, you will have to pay for the expenses out of your own pocket. Even if you want to sue the other driver who is at fault, in a no-fault state, your injury must meet a certain financial threshold and severity before you can do so.

This means that uninsured drivers are unlikely to be compensated for medical expenses, wage loss, or any other kinds of monetary aid.

Related: Do I need to hire a car accident attorney?

What Happens if I am Uninsured and at Fault in a Car Accident?

This is the worst scenario for an uninsured driver because you will likely have to deal with a lawsuit from the other parties for damages and medical expenses.

Since you have no insurance, it will be your responsibility to compensate the other driver out of your own pocket.

Not only will you have to pay to the other driver but when they file an uninsured motorist claim with their insurance provider, you will have to also pay their insurance company to contribute to the subrogation (expense the insurer paid to the other driver).

This amount can vary but nonetheless will have to be resolved.

We do not recommend you drive if you are uninsured

Related: Steps to Follow After a Car Accident

What Should I do After my Car Accident?

The best way to maximize compensation after a car accident is to contact a personal injury lawyer immediately.

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Most personal injury firms specialize in car accidents and have a team with the ability to quickly analyze the situation and collect the information needed to get you fair compensation after an automobile accident.

Do you need compensation or legal advice from a car accident attorney? Get in touch with us today! We’re specialists in personal injury law and are always more than happy to help!

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