Uninsured Motorist Accidents – When and How to Seek Legal Help
When a car accident occurs, getting as much information as possible from the at-fault driver is essential. This includes contact and vehicle information. Ideally, the at-fault driver will have liability insurance to cover crash-related expenses. However, in some cases, the driver will only have insurance or bare minimum coverage that covers all accident-related costs.
Determine Your Timeline
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough without worrying that the at-fault driver doesn't have the money to cover your damages. Fortunately, there is a solution. An experienced
Gather Evidence
Although all drivers are legally required to carry minimum liability car insurance, statistics show that many motorists do not have the coverage necessary to cover an accident. As such, many drivers are left in the lurch when hit by uninsured drivers. To protect yourself and your family, talk to a car accident lawyer about obtaining additional coverage through
File a Claim
When an uninsured driver hits you, you file a claim through your insurance company. You must provide documentation of your expenses, including medical bills and lost
Your insurance provider will reimburse you for damages up to your UM/UIM coverage limits. They will also investigate the uninsured driver and their vehicle to see if they have any assets that can be used to pay your claim. No matter how tempting it may seem, you should never accept money from an uninsured driver. If you do, you could give the uninsured driver a reason to sue you for additional damages. Let your insurer know about the accident immediately, as some policies have a 30-day deadline for filing claims. A quick response from your insurance provider will increase your odds of a successful uninsured motorist claim.
Contact an Attorney
If you get into a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is vital to know your legal options. Contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately. Most drivers must have insurance, but sometimes, people try to save by buying the minimum coverage amounts, especially in financial stress. If a person's negligence causes damage to their car, their insurance company will have to pay for it. In such a situation, having a skilled attorney by one's side can be very helpful in navigating the process. If the other driver only has property damage liability limits of $10,000 and your vehicle and three other parked vehicles are damaged, that amount won't cover your losses. You can file a claim for those damages through your policy under underinsured motorist coverage (UMD) if you have high enough limits. Generally, this covers hit-and-run accidents and other situations where the driver has no insurance, or their policies' limit is too low to cover your losses