Liability insurance coverage makes driving a less dangerous behavior than it would otherwise be. Vehicles have the capacity to cause major injuries and significant property damage. Most people could not afford to drive if they had to assume direct financial liability for any crashes they cause.
Thankfully, liability insurance decreases the financial pressure on motorists. Those affected by car crashes can file insurance claims that pay for their medical bills, replace their wages and help repair their damaged property. Occasionally, those affected by crashes learn afterward that the driver at fault does not have appropriate insurance coverage.
How common is that issue?
Many drivers don’t follow the law. Neither the legal requirement to carry insurance nor the risk of personal liability deters people from making dangerous financial choices. Some people intentionally cancel their policies. Others prioritize other expenses instead of paying their insurance premiums. Either scenario can lead to financial issues after a collision.
Drivers in St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas are at particularly high risk. According to insurance claims data from 2022, Missouri has the sixth-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country. A shocking 20.7% of motorists lack insurance coverage. Illinois has slightly lower rates of uninsured drivers, with 15.2% of motorists lacking coverage.
Those involved in collisions caused by uninsured drivers may need help seeking compensation after a crash. Reviewing every option for compensation, including a lawsuit, with a skilled legal team could help those involved in uninsured collisions recoup their losses.