If you or a loved one are involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is important because it will ensure you are favorably compensated for the accident. In most cases, it will compensate you for bodily injuries, vehicle damage, vehicle destruction, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. UM coverage will ensure the financial burden of the accident does not create financial hardship for you.
A car accident is a stressful incident that can be made even more stressful when you discover the other involved driver did not have insurance. The situation can be even more frustrating if the other driver fled the scene. When you trust your car accident case to a personal injury law firm, their legal team can help you tap into the uninsured motorist coverage of your own policy for financial compensation.
Which Types of Compensation Will UM Coverage Provide?
When an insured driver causes an accident, you are entitled to third-party insurance protection and financial compensation. When an uninsured driver causes an accident — or you are injured by a hit-and-run driver — your UM coverage will compensate you for the same accident-related costs.
UM compensation can include:
- Current and future medical care
- Current and future loss of income
- Ongoing physical pain and suffering
- Property damage or total loss
- Mental and emotional trauma
Even when dealing with your own insurer, it can be beneficial to have a car accident attorney represent you. Your lawyer will ensure you are treated fairly and accurately compensated for your financial expenses and losses.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage an Automatic Part of My Auto Insurance Policy?
While some U.S. states require drivers to have UM coverage, the majority do not. That means your policy may not contain this additional level of protection unless you request it or accept it when it is offered.
According to Insurance Information Institute (III) statistics, 20 out of 50 states require drivers to carry this beneficial coverage. Adding this coverage to your policy is critical because recent research cites nearly 13% of drivers as uninsured. UM protection can help you avoid the costly consequences of an accident when so many uninsured drivers are on the road.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Do I Need a Lawyer to Deal with My Own Insurance Company?
A car accident attorney has familiarity with personal injury and insurance laws of your state. Because these same laws govern your insurance provider, your lawyer can help ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to receive.
The law firm that handles your case will:
- Read and review your insurance policy
- Understand your policy’s financial limits
- Compile and organize evidence and documents
- Ensure your expenses are accurately valued
- Communicate with your insurance representative
- Negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement
In rare cases, a request for compensation may have to go to court. If yours does, your lawyer will represent you at trial. Personal injury lawyers typically take cases like these on a contingency fee basis, which means you will pay no upfront or out-of-pocket expenses for legal support and guidance.
Is There a Statute of Limitations on UM Coverage?
Like all states, yours has a filing deadline for car accident cases. Called a statute of limitations, it must be complied with even when seeking coverage from your own insurer. The legal team that handles your case will clarify the statute of limitations in your state and ensure you seek compensation in a timely manner.
If your case requires the filing of a lawsuit, your lawyer will also ensure it is filed within the allotted time. Failure to file your lawsuit on time could mean you inadvertently relinquish your ability to file at all. If that happens, you may lose the ability to obtain financial compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you avoid this costly consequence.
Do Not Delay Your Pursuit of Financial Recovery
Taking action right away has benefits in addition to complying with the statute of limitations in your state. It also ensures your legal team:
- Has plenty of time to build and prepare your case
- Interviews witnesses while their memories are vivid
- Can search for surveillance photos and videos
- Obtains your police report and medical records
The sooner you consult a personal injury law firm, the more time they will have to fight for the best possible financial outcome of your case.
Get a Free Review of Your Car Accident Case
Were you or someone you love injured in an accident with an uninsured driver? If so, our car accident attorney at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers will explain the importance of uninsured motorist coverage. We will also explain how we use this portion of your auto insurance policy to obtain the financial compensation you need and deserve.
Contact one of our case consultation team members to start pursuing monetary recovery today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form