According to an NHTSA national statistics report, there were over six million motor vehicle accidents reported to the police in 2018 alone. When it comes to insurance, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Choosing the right car insurance ensures that you and your assets are protected in the event of an accident.
According to the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey which was conducted between 2005 and 2007, over 90% of car accidents in the United States involve driver errors. In fact, 10,080 people in Missouri were injured in car accidents that were caused by speeding. Thankfully, in Missouri everyone is legally required to have liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Liability coverage takes care of any harm you cause to others, and also provides you with legal services in case you get sued.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when you are hurt by someone who is breaking the law and doesn’t have liability insurance. It also protects you when you are a passenger in someone else’s car who doesn’t have insurance, and can even extend to you as a pedestrian.
There are other kinds of coverage that can help you out after being in a car accident, for example, Underinsured Motorist Coverage. This kind of coverage bridges the gap when the opposing driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages or injuries that they caused. Missouri’s minimum liability insurance requirement is only $25,000– barely enough to cover a visit to the emergency room after a serious injury. This safety net lets you protect yourself financially when a negligent driver with minimal coverage hurts you.
Another useful form of coverage is called Medical Payments Coverage, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Some policies reimburse you for medical bills even if you have health insurance. Having double coverage is smart, not illegal. Some automobile insurers only reimburse you for out-of-pocket deductibles and copayments, so look at the policy language or call our office for advice. Most Missouri attorneys don’t charge a fee to help you collect your Med Pay benefits.
If you go to the hospital, insist that they bill your health insurance. Most health insurers don’t get their money back when they cover injury-related bills. If you don’t use your health insurance, doctors and hospitals will want part of your settlement or attempt to collect your med pay directly without any of the discounts that your health insurance guarantees you. After a car accident, there won’t be enough money for you, especially if health care liens gobble it up. You will need any compensation you get to fix your car or make up for the property loss, pay medical expenses, and reimburse missed hours at work as a result of any personal injury.
If you’ve been in an accident, contact The S.E. Farris Law Firm for a free consultation.