Car Accident Attorney
You have no doubt heard from a young age that life isn’t fair; unfortunately, this principle often holds true on roadways. When you are hit by an uninsured driver, you may be left with two options to cover your automotive and medical expenses: file a claim to your own insurance company or file a lawsuit against the other driver. Paying out of pocket is often out of the question as hospital stays and major car repairs can be exorbitantly expensive. Consider a few key facts that may clarify how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage could help you in this situation.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Depending on where you live, your auto insurance policy may automatically include uninsured motorist coverage, as it is required in some states. UM applies when you are hit by someone who has no insurance whatsoever. You may be able to cover lost income, hospital bills, and even pain and suffering expenses using this policy. Importantly, UM does not cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car. If you wish to have this type of automotive coverage, consider purchasing an uninsured motorist property damage policy or collision coverage policy.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Sometimes, the driver who hit you may have some insurance but their liability policy may fall short of your total loss. This is when underinsured motorist coverage comes in handy. UIM works much the same as UM. Thus, UIM only covers expenses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income. A separate policy, known as underinsured motorist property damage coverage, would help pay for your car repairs.
Whether or not you should purchase UM or UIM policies may depend on the other types of insurance coverage you have. If you already have collision coverage and a good health insurance plan, you may not need much additional coverage.
Filing a Law Suit
If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and your current insurance policy won’t cover your expenses, you may have no way to pay to fix your car or take care of your health. In some cases, a car accident lawyer may be able to right this wrong by suing the at-fault driver. If a court judges the other driver to be the cause of the accident, you may be awarded funds to help cover your bills.
If you have been hit by an uninsured driver, lack uninsured motorist coverage, and are overwhelmed by the bills pouring in, reach out to a car accident lawyer near you today. Contact a auto accident attorney, like Ward & Ward Law Firm, to discuss your next steps.
