Uninsured motorist laws in Colorado have changed to allow more protection for insured individuals. The revised statutes enacted in 2008 are meant to give insured drivers more protection from both uninsured motorists and from the activities of their insurance companies in the event of an accident.
Colorado Law
Colorado law requires that all drivers carry liability insurance. Still, some drivers do not abide by the law in this area, leaving you unprotected in the event of an accident. That is, unless you carry uninsured motorist protection as part of your auto insurance policy.
In 2008, Colorado law expanded to give more protection to individuals and change some questionable policies and practices of insurance agencies. The following two areas are of particular concern to insured drivers:
- Prior to 2008, insurance companies could offset the amount of uninsured motorist coverage by the amount of liability insurance available to an at fault driver. Now, an insurance company may no longer offset the amount of an insured person's claim to reduce uninsured motorist coverage.
- Prior to 2008, insurance companies in Colorado were allowed to limit the amount of uninsured motorist coverage an individual or group (such as a family) could carry on multiple vehicles. Now, the law does not permit them to limit multiple uninsured motorist coverage, known as stacking. This allows you to better protect your rights as a motorist by adding to the amount of money you may be eligible for in case an injury caused by an auto accident with an uninsured motorist.
So, before an accident occurs, make sure you have the best coverage you can afford.
What Happens If You Are Injured in an Uninsured Motorist Accident?
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not carry liability insurance, or his coverage is not adequate to pay for the extent of damages or injuries, your insurance company is the next potential place to look to for compensation. An attorney can help you if your insurance does not compensate you or denies your claim.
Getting Legal Help
If you were involved in an auto accident and feel that you have a legal right to compensation, discuss your situation with an experienced attorney in Colorado. Colorado law has provisions to protect your rights if you were involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. An attorney can advise you of your right to a legal claim and can handle any insurance claim on your behalf if you need assistance.
