Uninsured motorists’ coverage (UIM) is optional, but it can be very useful when a car accident occurs. Victims use uninsured motorists’ coverage if they’re hit by a person with no insurance, and the accident is that person’s fault. In those cases, the victim usually doesn’t sue the other driver because uninsured drivers usually don’t have the financial resources. Instead, the victim makes a claim against their own insurer up to the UIM coverage limit.
Under-Insured Driver’s Coverage
This type of coverage is used when a person is hit by a driver without enough car insurance, and the accident is that person’s fault. In cases where the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to pay the victim’s damages, the victim makes a claim against their own insurance company up to the coverage limit. However, the coverage only takes effect if it is greater than that of the negligent driver.
How Under- and Uninsured-Driver Claims Work
If a person believes that the at-fault driver is uninsured, they should notify their insurer quickly that they intend to file a claim. Some insurers have strict limits on uninsured claim notifications, with some as short as thirty days. If the at-fault party has no insurance or refuses to provide information, the victim should tell their insurer they intend to file an uninsured motorist’s claim.
Uninsured Claims Take Longer
Underinsured driver claims take longer to put together. Most victims don’t immediately know that they have a claim until they and their motor vehicle accident lawyer in Tucson get an understanding of the case’s value. Once a motor vehicle accident lawyer in Tucson believes a case is worth more than the defendant’s policy limit, the victim should tell their insurer they intend to file a claim.
The Progression of Uninsured Motorists’ Claims
Most underinsured and uninsured driver claims progress in the same way as conventional accident claims, except that claims are filed by Price and Price Law against the driver’s own insurer. There will be pre-trial investigations, medical records disclosures, and witness depositions. However, one difference is that victims cannot sue their insurers if they don’t agree with settlement offers. In these cases, claims are submitted for arbitration, and the arbitrator’s decision is final.
