Mississippi drivers take among the greatest financial risks when they drive on any of the state’s many roadways, according to a recent study that analyzed insurance data from each state.  Online financial website WalletHub set out to rank the nation’s riskiest states for drivers’ wallets.  Calculations were based on factors such as insurance requirements and the state’s percentage of uninsured motorists.  Mississippi was ranked the fourth riskiest state according to the WalletHub study.

Richie Bernando of WalletHub explained that the proportion of drivers with no insurance ranged significantly across states, with a high of 25.9 percent of drivers lacking insurance in Oklahoma, while only 3.9 percent lacked coverage in Massachusetts.  There are also significant differences in each state’s insurance requirements.  States set different minimum liability coverage, which will protect other drivers in the event of an accident.

Mississippi had the third highest percentage of uninsured drivers at a whopping 22.9 percent.  Oklahoma exceeded this number by a few percentage points.  Interestingly, the study did not find a correlation between the state’s insurance minimum requirements and the percentage of drivers lack insurance.

Mississippi requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accidents.  While these figures are on par with many other states, Mississippi, unlike 30 other states, does not require any additional coverage, including uninsured motorist coverage or medical payments coverage.

All Mississippi drivers are encouraged to add or increase their uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage due to the alarmingly high rate of uninsured drivers in the state.  As WalletHub reveals, law abiding drivers could find themselves in a difficult position in the event they are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is extremely affordable and one of the wisest things you can do to protect yourself in the event of an accident.  Often this coverage will cost you only a few extra dollars each month.

In the event you are in an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, your insurance coverage will cover the damages that result from the accident, up to the limits you have pre-selected.  If you lack this vital coverage, your only option will be to seek a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver.  In your claim, you can fight for compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and much more. However, you will need an attorney to represent you in this claim and recovery is not always easy.  The action will take longer than an insurance claim would have and you will sometimes have to outlay funds to successfully bring the action.  Further, in the event the at-fault driver lacks assets, you may have trouble collecting on the judgment.  As such, it is in the best interest of all Mississippi drivers to secure uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Barrett Law PLLC:  Assisting Drivers Injured by Under or Uninsured Drivers Across the State  

This new ranking is not one to be embraced by Mississippians.  Mississippi is known to have a high percentage of under or uninsured drivers, making it a dangerous place to drive.  If you have been injured in an accident involving an underinsured or uninsured driver, the Mississippi Car Accident Attorneys at Barrett Law PLLC can help.  We understand the unique issues involved in such cases and will fight to see that you obtain a full recovery even when the case is a difficult one.  Call Barrett Law PLLC today at 1 (601) 790-1505 to schedule your free consultation with one of our exceptional car accident attorneys.