Dealing With Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident you may be eligible for compensation for the injuries and damages you have suffered. However, it is important to remember that not every pedestrian accident case goes to court. In fact, a majority of these cases are settled through insurance companies. But, what do you do when you are involved in a hit-and-run collision where the driver is at large, or when the motorist who hits you is uninsured or underinsured?
Who is an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?
It is illegal to drive without auto insurance in Washington State. Each state has a required minimum amount of coverage every motorist must have. When a driver has no insurance he or she is said to be an uninsured driver. Many drivers have only the minimum amount of insurance coverage mandated by the state. However, there may be cases where this amount may be hardly sufficient to cover the damages. In such cases, you are dealing with an "underinsured' motorist.
Underinsured / Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When the driver who hit you does not have proper insurance you may be able to rely on your own insurance for coverage. Most people with adequate car insurance have Uninsured Motorist coverage or UIM. This coverage is for your protection. A careful review of your insurance will show if you have UIM. Such coverage can be used when you are hit by someone with no coverage, someone with inadequate insurance or if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Alternative Options
If you do not have UIM, your health care or another third party coverage may have compensation available to you. A personal injury attorney can review all policies involved to determine what your best available avenues for compensation.
Accident Expenses
Victims of pedestrian accidents face substantial bills. A pedestrian accident victim could seek compensation to cover medical bills, emergency room fees, physical therapy costs, any medical equipment purchase you may have, lost wages and mental anguish. Calculating the total expense of an accident injury can be a complicated process. Your suffering and future income loss will be taken into account. You will also need to obtain and preserve medical records that back up your claims.
Insurance Companies
It is never easy to deal with insurance companies – whether it is your own insurance company or the other party's insurance carrier. Insurance adjusters are not your friends. They exist to make a profit for the insurance company. This means that they will try their best to minimize your claim, regardless of how serious your injuries or damages may be. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to tackle insurance companies, fight for your rights and look out for your best interests. When you do have to speak to the companies directly, an attorney can advise you on how that conversation will go and what you should and should not say.
If you have been injured in a pedestrian accident in Washington and are dealing with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, please contact the experienced accident lawyers with The Bernard Law Group for a free and comprehensive consultation.
IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED AS A RESULT OF A WASHINGTON PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT - CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!
