Accidents happen, and when they involve an uninsured motorist, the situation can become even more complicated. If you’ve been in a similar situation, you know all too well what can happen. In the immediate aftermath of the crash, you’ll be focused on getting to the emergency room or doctor’s office and determining a treatment plan for your injuries. Then, after a few weeks, you’ll start to get medical bills or notices in the mail.

At some point in this process, you’ll learn that the driver who caused the car crash – and your injuries – doesn’t have any auto-insurance, and is an uninsured motorist. As you process this information, you’ll likely grow concerned as you realize that you’re on the hook for your medical bills, even though you are a victim of the uninsured motorist’s negligence. Luckily, this is where your uninsured motorist coverage comes into play.

As a personal injury attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, who knows the ins and outs of handling uninsured motorist claims, I’ve been able to help clients hold their auto-insurers accountable, by forcing those auto-insurers to pay my clients the full policy limits of their underinsured motorist coverages.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UM coverage, is an essential component of your auto insurance policy. It's designed to protect you in case you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance to pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering. In Missouri, having uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory, and for good reason – it can be a lifesaver when you need it most – especially because you may be able to “stack” all of the underinsured motorist coverages you hold, regardless of whether those vehicles were involved in the crash.

The Basics of Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverages

So, what exactly does it mean to “stack” uninsured motorist coverage? Stacking allows you to combine coverage from multiple vehicles or policies to increase your coverage limits. In other words, if you have two vehicles on your policy that each have $50,000.00 of uninsured motorist coverage, you can likely recover from both coverages in your uninsured motorist claim, and recover up to $100,000.00 – effectively doubling your protection.

Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverages in Missouri

Missouri law allows policyholders to stack their uninsured motorist coverages in certain circumstances, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Stacking is not automatic, because your policy could contain specific language that attempts to limit your ability to stack coverages. Additionally, the number of vehicles or policies you can stack may be subject to limitations, so it's essential to understand the specifics of your policy.

Benefits of Stacking Uninsured Motorist Coverages

Why should you consider stacking your uninsured motorist coverage? The benefits are clear:

Increased Coverage: Stacking provides higher coverage limits, ensuring that you have more financial protection in the event of a severe accident.

Cost-Efficiency: Stacking can be a cost-effective way to boost your coverage without breaking the bank.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have substantial protection in case of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can offer peace of mind on the road.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you've been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist and are unsure about your coverage or how to proceed, it's crucial to seek legal assistance as quickly as possible. As a personal injury lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri, I'm here to help.

In the unfortunate event you are injured by an uninsured motorist, contact me at (816) 424-2927 for unparalleled guidance and support in navigating the complexities of your uninsured motorist claim.