Picture yourself driving down the street, content with your business and financial state, when suddenly another driver hits your car, causing you bodily harm, and you find out they are uninsured. With no insurance to draw from, you may wonder who will assume responsibility for your medical bills and damages. This scenario is more common than you may think. According to the Insurance Research Council, one in eight motorists are uninsured. If you find yourself in a situation like this, don’t panic. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and what steps you can take if an uninsured driver hits you.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is insurance that helps protect you if you’re in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance. This coverage is often optional and pays for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and damages to your vehicle up to your uninsured motorist policy limit.
Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In some states, this type of coverage is required by law. However, even if it’s not required, it’s highly recommended that you carry UM coverage because it protects you in the event of an accident. If an uninsured driver strikes you, you could be left with a hefty bill for property damage and medical expenses. UM coverage also covers bodily harm caused by hit-and-run accidents.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver who does not have enough insurance to pay for all your damages. In other words, if the other driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the full scope of your medical bills or damage to your vehicle, UIM coverage will kick in. Like UM coverage, it is optional and has limits, but it pays your expenses after the limits of the at-fault driver’s insurance policy are exhausted.
Who Needs Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Everyone who wants to protect themselves from financial hardship in the event of an accident caused by someone else needs underinsured motorist coverage. It’s important to remember that most states require drivers only to carry the minimum level of liability insurance, which is often much less than what your damages may be if an underinsured driver hits you.
What Happens If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver?
If an uninsured driver hits you, the first step is to inform law enforcement. They will take the necessary steps to ensure you receive medical attention and file a report. Your next step is to contact your auto insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurer will cover your medical bills and other related expenses up to your policy limit. If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage and the at-fault driver cannot pay, you will be responsible for your medical bills and damages. Filing a lawsuit is the only way to recover your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and damage from the uninsured driver. Still, it can be difficult or impossible to collect from someone who didn’t buy insurance in the first place.
Being struck by an uninsured driver can be a jarring and financially burdensome experience. The best way to protect yourself is by having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in your policy. Before purchasing an insurance policy, review it with your agent to ensure you have the necessary range. If an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention and contact your insurer for assistance. Stay safe out there on the roads!
We Can Help You Fight – Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact the Shamsi Law Firm by calling (818) 764-7640 or filling out our convenient online form to find out more about your legal options.
