A.  Uninsured Drivers

Generally, uninsured motorist insurance covers people injured in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have any insurance.  Uninsured motorist insurance may also cover hit-and-run accidents where the other driver isn’t identified.  A person who has uninsured motorist insurance and is in an accident with an uninsured driver may be able to receive compensation for their injuries from their own insurance company.  If you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney before you file your insurance claim to make sure that you obtain all of the available compensation.

B.  Underinsured Drivers

Underinsured motorist insurance covers injured persons when the responsible driver does not have enough insurance to fully compensate the injured person for all of his or her injuries.  If a person purchases the very minimum amount of insurance coverage required by law, they may be an underinsured driver.  If compensation for your injuries is greater than the insurance coverage available from the responsible driver’s insurance policy, you may be able to obtain the difference from your own insurance company.

C.  Collecting Damages

To be compensated under uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance, the injured party has to prove that (1) he or she endured significant injuries and (2) the other driver was responsible for the accident.  If the accident was with an underinsured driver, the injured party must also collect the maximum amount allowed under the other driver’s insurance policy before the injured party can collect the rest of the injury compensation from his or her own insurance company.

D.  Uninsured or Underinsured Drivers Conclusion

If you are injured in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance, uninsured or underinsured motorists insurance may cover your injuries.  Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have been in an accident before you settle with the other driver’s insurance company.  Some insurance companies are not required to pay under your underinsured motorist insurance policy if you have already settled with the other driver’s insurance company.  Your personal injury lawyer can provide you with all of the information and assistance you need to get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries.