Common Uninsured Motorist Car Accident Questions

Uninsured motorist accidents give rise to loads of questions. If you have questions about such an accident, read on to better understand how the law might apply to your case.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?

Most automobile insurance policies include coverage for accidents that may occur with an uninsured motorist. In the event of such an accident, your insurance, depending on its specific terms, may compensate you for damage to your vehicle and injuries you sustained and possibly the injuries of any passengers. If your vehicle is under lien, this coverage is generally required. This protects the lender from taking a loss if your vehicle is damaged. The lender will be paid first in the event your vehicle is declared a total loss. This may leave you without a vehicle and without any money too, depending on how much you owe on your vehicle and the current value of your vehicle.

How Much Uninsured Motorist Coverage Do I Need?

It is best to cover at minimum the value of your vehicle. If you have excellent health insurance, it will likely cover any physical injuries, but check with your insurance company to make sure that is the case. Taking out additional coverage will only help you in the event of an actual accident, so if you can afford it, increase your coverage. One problem that may occur is injury to any passengers in your vehicle. You can be liable for their injuries as well, so make sure your coverage will extend to them in the event of an uninsured motorist accident.

How Much Compensation Will I Receive?

The amount of any compensation should be laid out in your automobile insurance policy. It's in the fine print; you will have to read it or have your attorney review it for you if you are uncertain of the exact amounts. You can also ask your insurer to explain the extent of your coverage to you.

Getting Legal Help

If you or someone you know was involved in an auto accident and one of the parties to the accident did not have insurance, it is best to consult an attorney as soon as feasible to protect any legal rights to compensation. An attorney will advise you of the uninsured motorist laws in your vicinity and help you understand how the law applies in your situation.