How to Deal with Underinsured or Uninsured Motorists
Dealing with underinsured or uninsured motorists can be a real headache, especially if there is extensive damage to your vehicle or if your injuries require long-term medical treatment. However, most consumers are protected from uninsured and underinsured drivers by their own insurance policy. The uninsured motorist clause of your own policy most likely provides some protection from the financial devastation that such a situation can create.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Not all automobile insurance policies include uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but many do. This coverage provides protection for you and any passengers in your vehicle that might be injured in an accident. Some policies may also provide protection for property damage as well as bodily injuries.
What is an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist?
An uninsured or underinsured motorist is anyone who fails to carry adequate automobile insurance. This can include a driver without any insurance coverage, a lapsed insurance policy, insufficient insurance coverage that fails to meet the state required minimum, or a driver who’s insurance company has denied their insurance claim for any reason. It also encompasses any accident termed a hit and run.
In the case of an underinsured motorist, your insurance company picks up the balance of any bills that are left after the underinsured motorist’s policy reaches its limit. In the case of serious injuries, this coverage can be crucial.
However, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in all states, and is only recommended by insurance agents. For this reason, it is important to check with your insurance agent before an accident happens to see if you carry adequate coverage to protect yourself, your family, and your passengers.
Some policies may extend coverage to include your lost wages, pain and suffering, decreased earning capacity, property damages, repairs to your car, and punitive damages. Each policy can vary, and it is important to know what type of coverage you carry when an accident occurs between you and an uninsured driver.
If you find yourself is such a situation, it is essential to notify police of the accident. Most uninsured motorists will receive a citation for failing to carry adequate insurance. Knowing your uninsured motorist must pay a fine may be the only compensation you receive for your accident.
As soon as you are aware the other driver is an uninsured motorist, you should notify your personal insurance agent immediately to begin the claim process and verify your coverage under your own policy. You may also want to consult a lawyer about the potential for filing a personal injury claim to seek restitution for your damages and injuries if at all possible.
Dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorists is a sad fact of life for many drivers. It is estimated that nearly 14% of motorists fail to carry adequate vehicle insurance. That means your chances of dealing with an uninsured motorist are greater than 1 in 10. For most drivers, the risk is enough to prompt them to seek uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. Your insurance agent can help you select a policy that provides full coverage against these odds.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
