Uninsured Motorist Crash
A car crash is unexpected, and no matter when or how it happens, it is never something you see coming. You carry car insurance because your state requires it. You don’t have any idea how to prepare for an accident or what to do should one occur.
Getting in an accident with someone who does not have any insurance would be even harder to deal with. Will that person be able to pay for your damages? How come they don’t have insurance when it is required? Will your insurance company pay if an uninsured driver is responsible? Get the answers to some of these questions, and more, in the information that follows.
State Coverage Requirements
State laws dictate insurance laws. Some states require drivers to carry more coverage than others. When you get your insurance policy, you may have options to add additional coverage such as underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage. The state does not always require these two elements, so you must take the time to look at the rules that apply where you live. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you may have an easier time getting some or all of your damage covered.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of getting in a crash with an uninsured person, you will be happy to have this extra coverage. The other driver was the cause of the accident. If you don’t have this additional protection, you may have to pay for an accident you did not cause. Having this means your insurance will jump in and take care of fixing things up to policy limits.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Since the laws vary, so do the coverage minimums. Finding yourself tangled up with a person who has too little liability insurance may lead to you paying more after an accident. If you carry underinsured motorist coverage, the gap may be closed by the limits on the policy. This only kicks in once the at-fault driver’s policy limits are reached.
No Extra Coverage
If you chose not to get extra coverage to protect you against an uninsured motorist, you might find yourself out of luck. You can always try to file a lawsuit against the liable driver, but the chances of recovery are slim to none. If they had money to pay car insurance, you wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place.
A car accident lawyer may be able to help you get through the after-crash crisis, especially if you are dealing with a driver who is not insured.
Source: Car Accident Attorney Middletown, NJ, Rispoli & Borneo, P.C.