Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Missouri or Kansas

What if you were injured in a car accident and the at-fault driver was uninsured? 

If you have an auto policy issued in Missouri or Kansas, there is a provision in your policy that can help known as “Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage”.  This UM coverage is required in all auto policies issued in both states, and it provides coverage that will pay compensation to you for your injuries.

How to File Uninsured Motorist Claim in Missouri and Kansas

An uninsured motorist claim is a claim made against your own insurance company when you are injured by a driver who doesn't have insurance.  Your insurer will pay for damages related to your bodily injury up to the limits of your policy. 

Here’s how to file an uninsured motorist claim:

• Call the police.  As with any car accident, you should call the police and wait for them to arrive. The police will create a crash report and ask the other driver to present evidence of insurance. 
• Gather and preserve evidence. Take photos of the crash scene, the vehicle damage, and any injuries.  Make sure to get the other driver's information, including their name, address, phone number, and insurance information.  If you are able, interview witnesses and tell the police what happened. 
• Seek medical attention.  If you or any passengers were hurt, get prompt medical attention. If you are unsure where to go, head to the nearest emergency room.
• Call your insurance company.  You should inform them about the crash as soon as possible and explain that the other driver was uninsured.
• Call our personal injury attorney.  Just because you paid your premiums does not mean your insurance company will pay your claim. We help clients present their injury claim for full and fair compensation.
• Present a demand and negotiate.  We work closely with our clients to present a comprehensive demand package that will seek a settlement for all their losses.
• Litigate.  If a settlement cannot be reached, we can file suit against the insurance company on the uninsured motorist claim.  This requires preparing a petition and serving the insurance company with the lawsuit. 

Reasons an Insurance Company May Deny a Claim

Your insurance company does not necessarily have your best interest in mind.  An insurance company may deny a claim for several reasons.  Some of the typical justifications given by insurers for not paying uninsured claims are:

• The insurer may argue that you failed to give timely notice of the accident.
• The insurer may claim you lost coverage because your premium payments fell behind.
• The insurer may argue that your injuries or damages are not covered by the underinsured motorist policy.
• The insurance may argue that you don't have sufficient proof of your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

But you don't have to take their word for it. You have a right to fight back and get the full value of your uninsured motorist claim.  Call us at 816-203-0143 for a free strategy session on how to get the most for your uninsured motorist claim.

What to Do When Your Insurer Won’t Pay Your Underinsured Motorist Claim

If your Missouri or Kansas uninsured motorist claim has been denied, there are several steps you can take to contest the insurance company’s decision.

• Review their denial letter.  You need to understand why they denied your claim. This will guide you on how to respond.
• Organize evidence in response.  You need as much evidence as possible that confirms that the accident was not your fault and that your injuries were caused by the crash. You should consider including any witness statements, police reports, or photographs/videos as well as records and bills from your medical providers.
• Request and review your insurance policy.  You will want to review the UM provision of your policy and confirm the amount of coverage.  You may also want to confirm your policy follows Kansas and Missouri laws regarding uninsured motorist claims. 
• Draft a letter appealing the denial of the uninsured motorist claim.  This letter should reference and summarize the evidence, injuries and laws surrounding the crash and conclude with why you are entitled to compensation for your injuries under the UM provision of your policy.

If handling this yourself sounds overwhelming, you call our office today for a free consultation with our experienced car accident attorney.  Our attorney will help compile all evidence and effectively guide you through the process of disputing an uninsured motorist claim.

Get Help from Our Kansas City Car Accident Attorney

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an uninsured motorist in Missouri or Kansas, our car accident attorney is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Call our office today at 816-203-0143 or reach out through our online contact form for a free consultation.  You can also instantly download our free book Crash Course: 9 Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Accident Claim.  We’re here for you, and ready to help!