Being involved in a car accident is stressful enough without having to worry about how to pay mounting medical bills or vehicle repairs. However, that is true for many victims whose crashes involve uninsured drivers. Fortunately, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage exists to help fill this financial gap. Let’s discuss it further:
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured Motor coverage is part of an auto insurance policy that protects you if you get into an accident caused by someone else who does not have car insurance. With this package, your insurance will pay for medical expenses for injuries to you or any passengers in your vehicle.
Before proceeding, it’s essential to recognize the distinction between uninsured and underinsured protection (UIM). UIM) coverage applies where the at-fault driver does have insurance but their policy limits are insufficient to fully pay for medical bills or other damages resulting from the crash.
Filing a UM Coverage Claim
Safety is the top priority after any accident. First, check yourself and all occupants for injuries and call for emergency help immediately if needed. Next, contact the local police and request they respond to the accident scene. Collecting as many relevant details as possible is important if it is a hit-and-run.
You should try to obtain contact information, such as names, addresses, and phone numbers, from witnesses who saw what happened. Record important details about the other vehicle, such as the license plate number, if possible. Take photos of the accident scene showing how the cars are positioned and any visible damage.
It is essential to promptly file a UM insurance claim with your provider after being in an accident with an uninsured driver. Some policies set time limits, so contact your insurance company immediately. Be prepared to provide them with the documentation and details you collected at the scene.
You will likely need to submit any medical bills for injuries sustained and estimates or receipts for vehicle repairs due to the accident. Submitting all relevant paperwork and keeping your insurer informed in a timely manner helps ensure your claim is properly processed under the terms of your uninsured motorist coverage.
However, filing an uninsured motorist claim can still be a complex process. Speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Huntsville Car Accident Lawyers are very familiar with uninsured motorist claims and provide valued guidance to their clients when dealing with insurance companies. Consulting with them could greatly benefit your case if you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured driver.
What Is Covered by Uninsured Motorist Insurance?
UM coverage contains two main components: bodily injury and property damage protection. The bodily injury portion typically covers medical bills for injuries to yourself or any passengers in your vehicle. It may also compensate for lost wages from being unable to work due to accident-related injuries. Meanwhile, the property damage segment is designed to pay for repairs to your automobile.
If the damage is really bad and your car can’t be repaired, the property damage coverage will give you money for how much your car was worth before the crash.
Endnote
UM policies can help ease the burden that accompanies accidents, allowing you to focus on recovery instead of costs. If you currently lack UM protection as a part of your auto insurance, consider adding it. The small additional premium is well worth the peace of mind.
