Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage and Personal Injury

What is uninsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage is one of a variety of coverages which can be purchased for a personal automobile. The purpose of the coverage is to see you are reimbursed in the event you suffer injury caused by an uninsured driver. It covers you as the “named insured” and those riding in your vehicle. As the person who was listed as the “named insured” on the policy the UM coverage gives you coverage whenever you are injured by an uninsured motorist. It makes no difference whether you are a pedestrian, riding a bicycle or sitting in your front yard. As long as the injury is caused by a driver who is without liability insurance coverage your policy steps in and provides reimbursement to you for the injuries you suffered.

Do I have an uninsured motorist claim?

There are two things necessary to have an uninsured motorist claim. First, you must suffer injuries as a result of someone using a car or truck without liability coverage. Second, you need to have uninsured motorist coverage under your insurance policy. You can determine whether you have uninsured motorist coverage by looking at your insurance policy. The declaration sheet is a sheet at the front of the policy which lists various coverages along with the premium charged for each coverage. If uninsured motorist is listed and a premium shown you have coverage.

Is uninsured motorist coverage expensive?

Generally uninsured motorist coverage is the cheapest coverage to purchase for an automobile or truck. The most expensive coverages are usually collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Another expensive coverage is liability coverage.

All states require liability coverage. Not all states require uninsured motorist coverage. As a result insurance agents do not offer uninsured motorist coverage when someone is asking for the cheapest policy. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and those who use your vehicle, including passengers. It is very good coverage to have since there are many uninsured motorists driving.

What is covered by uninsured motorist coverage?

If you or anyone else covered under the policy are hurt by a car which is without insurance coverage you are covered. You’re covered if you are riding a bicycle, scooter, or sitting on your front porch. If you suffer injury because an uninsured car or truck hit you, irrespective as to where you are, or what you are doing, you’re generally covered. This is why the coverage is so important.

How do I present an uninsured motorist claim?

If you are hurt by a car or truck without insurance coverage report the claim to your insurance agent. It is as simple as that. An adjuster will be assigned to your case and will request evidence that you were hurt.

Will my claim automatically be paid?

No your claim will not automatically be paid. Your insurance company will ask for proof of your injury. It will want to see medical bills and medical reports showing what kind of injuries you suffered. In addition your insurance company will ask for proof the person at fault was without coverage. This sometimes comes as a surprise to people. It will seem as if your insurance company is taking the side of the responsible party who was without coverage. In many ways this is what it is doing. It wants to see evidence showing the uninsured driver was at fault. Your own insurance company will require the same kind of evidence required by an insurance company insuring somebody at fault.

Do I need a lawyer to present an uninsured motorist claim?

Most studies demonstrate someone who is represented by a lawyer obtains approximately 20% more money than someone without a lawyer. The 20% more is after payment of lawyer fees. Many people will try and handle an uninsured motorist claim themselves. This can work well in a small case with the injuries that were not serious. If there are serious injuries, however, a lawyer can be of real assistance. This is especially true when your insurance company is unwilling to offer enough money to reimburse you for all of your hassles, inconvenience, stress and difficulties. Insurance companies, as everyone knows, are in businesses to make money. They will generally attempt to settle the case for the least amount possible. In view of these factors most people with serious injuries are best advised to seek representation from an experienced attorney. David Allen & Associates possesses over 40 years of experience representing injured people. David Allen personally supervised a claims department for a major insurance company before he began handling personal injury claims. With a unique prospective gleaned from working for insurance companies and representing injured people for over 40 years David Allen & Associates is a firm possessing experience and everyday knowledge lacking in most law firms.