We recently secured a $400,000 settlement by stacking four (4) uninsured motorist (UM) policies. Our client was seriously injured after being rear-ended in Cass County, Missouri, by an uninsured motorist being chased by the police.
In the diagram provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, our client, who is in Vehicle 2, was traveling Northbound on Interstate 49 just outside of Belton, MO. Suddenly, the at-fault vehicle changed lanes behind them and then tried to get around our client’s vehicle. In the process of that sudden lane change, this caused Vehicle 1 to rotate counterclockwise into the right rear of our client’s vehicle. After being struck, our client’s vehicle began to slide and rotate towards the right side of the roadway, then traveled off the right side of the road and flipped down into the embankment. Our client was devastated when she found out the at-fault driver was a criminal with no insurance. Luckily, our client had 100/300 UM coverage on her vehicle as well as three other vehicles on the same policy.
Many people may wonder how it is possible to get $400,000 when the insurance policy limit is only $100,000. Our answer is that Missouri law has recognized a public policy allowing insured parties to stack UM coverage. Missouri law also requires all auto insurance policies to have UM of at least $25,000 for each injured person. In situations like these, clients have the privilege as an insured driver to “stack” their coverage if they have 2 or more vehicles on the same policy. In the above-mentioned claim, our client had 4 vehicles listed on their policy, with $100,000 uninsured motorist coverage per vehicle. Therefore 4 vehicles x $100,000 = $400,000 settlement from Progressive.
It’s important to note that the insurance adjuster from Progressive initially offered just $100,000 to settle this claim. This adjuster failed to mention our client had multiple vehicles to stack, but because of our diligent ways and a quick discussion with our client, we were able to move forward with our $400,000 demand promptly. We pride ourselves on obtaining and working through all the details: this claim alone has proven to us to continue sifting through all the different elements of a client’s accident.
If you have been injured or know anyone who has been injured, we always appreciate referrals and the opportunity to help. Our office will always listen to you and help you decide the best way to proceed. You can reach us at (636) 519-0085. Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that there are no upfront costs or legal fees. This includes a free consultation to evaluate your accident and advise you properly.
