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Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, made even more stressful when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In such cases, recovering compensation for your injuries and damages can become challenging. However, having uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage can provide essential financial protection and significantly impact the outcome of your settlement. Here’s what you should know about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, how it works, and why it’s crucial for motorists.
Understanding Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are insurance coverages that protect you in the event you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either has no insurance (uninsured) or insufficient insurance to cover your damages (underinsured).
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, UM coverage can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: If the at-fault driver’s insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your damages, UIM coverage can step in to make up the difference, up to the limits of your policy.
How UM/UIM Coverage Impacts Your Settlement
Additional Source of Compensation: UM/UIM coverage provides an additional source of compensation if the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has inadequate coverage. Without UM/UIM coverage, you may have limited options for recovering compensation for your injuries and damages.
Maximizing Your Settlement: UM/UIM coverage can help maximize your settlement by bridging the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance limits and the total amount of your damages. This can be particularly beneficial if you have significant medical expenses or lost income as a result of the accident.
Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents: UM coverage can also provide protection in hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. This ensures that you’re not left with the financial burden of medical bills and property damage expenses.
Importance of UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can have a significant impact on the outcome of your settlement if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who lacks insurance or adequate coverage. By securing UM/UIM coverage, you can protect yourself financially and ensure that you’re not left bearing the burden of medical expenses and other damages.
The Attorneys at Civardi & Obiol Help Those in New York Who Have Been Injured in an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist
If you’ve been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, navigating the complexities of UM/UIM coverage and insurance claims can be challenging. That’s why it’s essential to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
At Civardi & Obiol, our qualified New York personal injury attorneys will help walk you through the process every step of the way. We will fight for your rights. To learn more or schedule a free consultation, contact us today.