Here's the situation:
I was in an accident with a driver who fled the scene, and then ran on
foot. The police found the car and impounded it. They tracked down the
owner, who loaned the car to a relative, but did not know who the
driver was at the time of the accident.
The owner of the car gave an insurance vendor and policy number to the
police officer, who gave it to me. I called them and a few days later
got a letter saying they stopped paying and aren't covered.
I called the police officer and he said he couldn't do anything about
him not having insurance, and that this is just a civil suit. All I
have is liability insurance, and now I don't know what to do (other
than court).
I would like to know if there is something I am missing here, or if
there is something more I can do. Any additional tips would be
wonderful. I am not asking for legal advice, thanks. |
Request for Question Clarification by
cynthia-ga
on
19 Oct 2005 15:01 PDT
What state are you in?
It's likely that the state you reside in has a "Financial
Responsibility" division in the Department of Motor Vehicles. Contact
them. Not only will the driver be forced to show financial
responsibility in the future, their may be funds in the "Victim of
Viiolent Crimes" program allotted for motor vehicle accidents. This
varies by state, and covers damages to persons and property by
uninsured motorists. The money in the program is primarily used for
victims and/or surviving family of homicide type crime, so funds are
limited.
|
Clarification of Question by
jay_swift-ga
on
19 Oct 2005 15:12 PDT
I am in Missouri. That is very interesting information. How would I
contact them? Anything else pre-court that I should try? I have heard
going to court is very time and money consuming so I am keeping it as
a last resort. Thanks!
|
Request for Question Clarification by
cynthia-ga
on
20 Oct 2005 07:54 PDT
You can start here:
Missouri Dept of Revenue
http://www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/dlguide/chapter9.htm
..."FILING AN ACCIDENT REPORT
Even if the accident happened in a parking lot, or a settlement is
made, you must report all accidents to the Driver and Vehicle Services
Bureau if:
1. the accident happened in Missouri,
2. one year has not passed since the accident happened,
3. someone involved in the accident did not have liability
insurance coverage, AND
4. there is damage to any one or more person's property in excess
of $500, or there was personal injury or death.
You may get an accident report form from:
* Your insurance company
* Any police agency
* The Department of Revenue web site
* Any Missouri driver license office
After you fill out the accident report form, send it to:
Missouri Driver and Vehicle Services Bureau
301 West High St. - Room 470
Jefferson City, Missouri 65105-0200
Fax: (573) 526-7365
State law requires that the accident report should be sent to the
Driver and Vehicle Services Bureau within 30 days of the accident..."
These folks will be able to point you to any available funds. I did
check the Missouri Victims Compensation Fund in Missouri, it excludes
all motor vehicle accidents except those which result in bodily injury
or death. There may be other programs.
If this qualifies as an answer for you, let me know and I'll post it
in the Answer Box.
Regards,
~~Cynthia
|
Request for Question Clarification by
cynthia-ga
on
20 Oct 2005 07:58 PDT
This link is better:
http://www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/insurinfo.htm
The Form:
http://www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/forms/1140.pdf
|
Clarification of Question by
jay_swift-ga
on
20 Oct 2005 09:18 PDT
Yes, this is great. Thanks, this will be a good answer!
|
Hi jay_swift,
Thanks for accepting my research as your Answer!
You can start here:
Missouri Dept of Revenue
http://www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/insurinfo.htm
..."FILING AN ACCIDENT REPORT
Even if the accident happened in a parking lot, or a settlement is
made, you must report all accidents to the Driver and Vehicle Services
Bureau if:
1. the accident happened in Missouri,
2. one year has not passed since the accident happened,
3. someone involved in the accident did not have liability
insurance coverage, AND
4. there is damage to any one or more person's property in excess
of $500, or there was personal injury or death.
You may get an accident report form from:
* Your insurance company
* Any police agency
* The Department of Revenue web site
* Any Missouri driver license office
After you fill out the accident report form, send it to:
Missouri Driver and Vehicle Services Bureau
301 West High St. - Room 470
Jefferson City, Missouri 65105-0200
Fax: (573) 526-7365
State law requires that the accident report should be sent to the
Driver and Vehicle Services Bureau within 30 days of the accident..."
Here's the form:
http://www.dor.mo.gov/mvdl/drivers/forms/1140.pdf
These folks will be able to point you to any available funds. I did
check the Missouri Victims Compensation Fund in Missouri, it excludes
all motor vehicle accidents except those which result in bodily injury
or death. There may be other programs.
Regards,
~~Cynthia
Search strategy used at Google:
Missouri "victims compensation"
Missouri "financial responsibility" insurance |
Clarification of Answer by
cynthia-ga
on
28 Oct 2005 00:07 PDT
jay_swift,
I want to let you know that ferret13 is correct. Unless you
specifically sign off on "uninsured motorist" coverage, it's very
likely you have some coverage for this. You should explore both
angles.
In Missouri, uninsured motorist coverage applies to bodily injury
only, see below at the State of Missouri web site:
I've had an accident with an uninsured motorist. What do I do?
http://insurance.mo.gov/consumer/faq/autofaqs.htm#auto%20um
..."Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue Drivers License
Bureau at (573) 751-7195. The Missouri Department of Revenue enforces
the financial responsibility (mandatory liability) laws in this state.
They will investigate and, if necessary, enforce the statute. Also, if
you were injured, you will want to report the loss under your
uninsured motorist coverage with your company.
What does uninsured motorist coverage cover?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies to bodily injury only. Your
uninsured motorist coverage will protect you from hit-and-run drivers.
It covers you for injuries sustained while in your car or as a
pedestrian when hit by an uninsured driver. It does not cover damage
to your vehicle. ..."
Missouri uninsured motorist report
http://insurance.mo.gov/consumer/auto/um.htm
Are you having any success?
~~Cynthia
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