Insurance, or at the very least proof of financial responsibility, is required by law in every state in the Union. But every year, millions of car owners and drivers choose to go without liability insurance. Their carelessness puts others in danger, as well as risks legal action.
Injured people may be left unable to pay for medical expenses and other costs after an accident caused by a careless motorist who does not have adequate insurance coverage. If such a driver has hit you, Winston Law Firm’s uninsured motorist accident lawyers can protect your interests.
We can help you pursue the maximum compensation allowed by law from all liable parties and help you file a claim under your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Our team can evaluate your situation to find all possible legal options available to you.
What does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do?
When you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no liability insurance, you may be covered by uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Your UM policy will offer the specified amount of coverage in these circumstances to cover your medical costs, car repairs, as well as other losses.
A UM policy often offers protection using a structure akin to that of liability insurance. If you have injured passengers, you will receive a certain amount of coverage per person as well as a cap on the overall amount of claimable damages for each accident.
You may even be eligible for UM payments even if you were a pedestrian or cyclist at the time of the collision. An uninsured motorist accident attorney can help you with the claims process and may help to maximize the amount of compensation you can collect from an uninsured driver policy.
Applying UM/UIM Coverage in No-Fault States
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance is required in “no-fault” states like Florida, New York, and New Jersey to cover your damages after an accident. This means that you won’t have to deal with the other insurance company or prove that the other driver was at fault.
Instead, you can apply for PIP payments to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Your injuries might be more severe than those covered by PIP in these states, though. When this happens, you can still make a claim against a third party’s liability insurance coverage.
Your UM/UIM coverage would be in effect as usual if the driver didn’t have adequate liability insurance. Your uninsured motorist lawyer can help you to navigate these difficult claims and work to ensure that your losses are fully recovered.
Does a Hit-and-Run Fall Under the Protection of Uninsured Motorists Insurance?
Yes, in the majority of cases, your UM policy should offer protection in the event of a hit-and-run. There are several exceptions, nevertheless, that are related to particular policies.
Rules or restrictions regarding UM coverage for hit-and-run accidents may also apply in other states. In California, for instance, you cannot submit a UM claim if the driver’s identity is still unknown.
What Happens When You Make an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
There may come a time when you must contact your insurance provider to make an uninsured motorist claim. Surely they will lend a hand, won’t they? Not necessarily. Insurance companies are infamous for rejecting claims that are otherwise valid.
Your uninsured motorist claim will be carefully examined by your insurance company. They can claim you weren’t entirely at fault and weren’t entitled to all damages. They can contend that your injuries were already present or contest their severity.
People who want to successfully file an uninsured motorist claim typically need a personal injury attorney. An uninsured motorist accident attorney can handle the communication and negotiation with your insurance carrier and demand that you are fully compensated for all of your losses and injuries.
Is It Necessary to Retain Legal Counsel When I Have Been Hit By an Uninsured Driver?
It’s not required, but it can make a difference in the amount you recover. In a car accident, the incident itself is only the start of your issues. It can be challenging to handle an insurance claim on your own, particularly if the cause of the accident is in question.
When the other party isn’t insured, it can really complicate the issue. Your own insurance company will have to foot the bill and you may need to threaten legal action to get the compensation you need.
Furthermore, insurance providers might attempt to settle your claim for less money than it is genuinely worth. An uninsured motorist lawyer will be knowledgeable about the laws in your state and the shady tactics insurance companies often use.
Get in Touch With an Uninsured Driver Accident Law Firm Today
Accidents involving uninsured drivers happen every day on the nation’s highways. If you find yourself in that unfortunate circumstance, you need representation from a knowledgeable and reputable personal injury attorney.
Whether you’re battling the uninsured driver, your insurance provider, or both, Winston Law Firm has the expertise needed to prove your case. We’re here to help you make the most of your insurance benefits and obtain your due reimbursement.
For a free case review with no commitment on your part, get in touch with us right now to find out how our uninsured motorist accident lawyer can support you.
