Why Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Matters More Than You Think

What options are available when another driver hits your vehicle but lacks car insurance? Your local Montgomery County car accident attorney is here to explain. Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage are additional policies to consider, which can help you in scenarios like this. 

These coverages can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and an assortment of other damages if you are in a car accident with an at-fault driver who does not have adequate insurance. Unfortunately, as car insurance rates increase, more people are driving without insurance. That puts everyone on the road at risk of serious financial harm.

Being hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver is a serious matter. Contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. to discuss with an experienced auto accident attorney how to handle a situation involving an at-fault driver who doesn’t possess sufficient insurance. 

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist coverage helps you when another driver causes a car accident but doesn’t have valid car insurance. The driver may be uninsured for a variety of reasons, including having an insurance policy that is no longer current. An all-too-common scenario where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play is when a hit-and-run driver causes an accident and cannot be tracked down afterward. 

A great way to think about UM coverage is to compare it to a safety net. Instead of hitting the ground after suffering a fall, the safety net is there to catch you and help prevent major problems. In much the same way, uninsured motorist coverage is there to protect you as you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses from a motor vehicle accident. 

What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Even if an at-fault driver does have car insurance, there is no guarantee that they will have sufficient coverage to pay for the damages you sustained. Pennsylvania law requires only that a driver maintain $15,000 in liability coverage per person. Once your medical bills and lost wages exceed $15,000, the at-fault driver is underinsured.

At this point, your UIM coverage would activate. The remaining damages over and above the other driver’s insurance policy limits can be paid by this plan. Keep in mind that your own policy limits pertain to the underinsured motorist coverage you have, as well. 

Is It a Major Issue To File a Claim Against Your Own Car Insurance After an Accident?

As the driver who is not at fault for having caused a car accident, the normal procedure is to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, when an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim must be filed, the procedure changes. Now, a claim is filed against your own insurance company. 

For most people, filing a claim against their own insurance company comes with a strange feeling attached to it, as you pay your car insurance premiums each month. When your insurance company is made aware that you are pursuing an underinsured or uninsured motorist claim, they will proceed as they would if any other driver were filing a claim against you and your insurance company. 

An investigation will be commenced in two areas: fault and damage. First, your insurance company needs to ensure that you are not at fault for the accident. Secondly, once you are not deemed to be at fault, the nature of your injuries and the property damage suffered are both examined to determine appropriate settlement figures. 

Are Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claims Simpler Than Other Insurance Claims?

Simply put: No, filing a claim against your own insurance is not simpler than doing so against another driver’s insurance. Your insurance company will view your uninsured or underinsured motorist claim as they would any other driver filing a claim against them. A thorough investigation into the circumstances of the accident will occur. It is not as if your insurance company will “go easy” on you because you are one of their insureds. 

Along the way, the insurance company will require you to provide them with copies of your medical records, proof of lost income, and a host of other documents. With so many stages, it may seem like a challenge to complete all satisfactorily. However, it is possible — and encouraged — to receive help from a Montgomery County car accident attorney when filing a claim against your own insurance company. 

What Does an Experienced Car Accident Attorney Do for You During a UM/UIM Case?

An attorney who has represented clients in challenging UM/UIM cases provides a number of services. First, the entire case management process is overseen by the attorney. The aforementioned medical records, which substantiate your own injuries, and the damage claims are collected by them. Any other necessary evidence in your claim will be collected, as well. 

The goal of an attorney is to build a robust claim, which includes the proper documentation of your injuries and a clear-cut definition of who is at fault and why. These are just two of the hallmarks of representation by an attorney who has served people going through similar circumstances. 

Contact Anthony C. Gagliao, III, Esquire, P.C. for Help Filing a Claim Against Your Own Insurance Company

Nobody would argue that filing a claim against your own car insurance is an ideal situation. However, when the at-fault driver lacks insurance, an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim becomes necessary. The experienced Montgomery County car accident attorney team with Anthony C. Gaagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. takes their responsibility to serve you after being injured in a car accident seriously. For a free consultation, please reach out to our office today.