Do you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under your car insurance policy? If you are like many people, you might not be sure. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an optional form of insurance that covers your injuries when you are involved in an accident caused by another driver.
With uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, your insurance company essentially “stands in the shoes” of the at-fault driver’s insurer. This means that you cannot expect to automatically receive payment on your claim. Similar to a typical auto accident claim involving a fully insured driver, you will need help from an experienced personal injury attorney to secure the compensation you deserve. But, when pursuing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim is your only option, you will be glad that you had the foresight to make this addition to your car insurance policy.
So, when might you need to rely on uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage?
You May Need to Rely On Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage If…
1. You Get Hit By an Uninsured Driver.
Florida has one of the highest rates of uninsured drivers in the nation. According to one study, as many as one out of every four drivers may be uninsured. If you get hit by an uninsured driver, filing a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy may be the only way for you to collect the money you need to pay your medical bills and cover your other losses. While pursuing a claim against the driver directly may be an option, if the driver does not have auto insurance, he or she is not very likely to have the assets needed to compensate you for your injuries.
2. You Suffer Catastrophic Injuries in an Accident.
Another all-too-common scenario arises when a person suffers catastrophic injuries in an accident and the costs exceed the limits of the at-fault driver’ liability insurance policy. In this scenario, the “underinsured” component of uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance comes into play. If a maximum settlement from the at-fault driver’s insurance company still is not enough to provide full compensation for your accident-related losses, with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage you can seek additional compensation from your own insurer.
3. You Are Injured in a Hit-and-Run.
A third scenario where uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance can be critical is being injured in a hit-and-run accident. If you (with the help of your attorney) are unable to identify the at-fault driver, you will need to treat the accident like one involving an uninsured driver. This means pursuing a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage with the help of an experienced attorney.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney at Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers
In many circumstances, you will not know whether you need to pursue an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim until you speak with a lawyer your rights. At Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers, we can help you determine whether the driver who hit you is uninsured, and we can help you assess the full extent of your accident-related losses to determine whether you need to file an underinsured motorist claim. To get started with a free, no-obligation consultation, call me, Brian D. Guralnick, personally at 561-202-6673 today.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. If you need advice on specific legal issues, please consult with a licensed Personal Injury attorney.
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