You're driving home when another car runs a red light and crashes into you. The other driver is at fault, but you find out they have no insurance. Now, you're stuck with medical bills and car repair costs. This happens more often than you think, so understanding your insurance coverage is crucial.
At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, we work diligently to protect your best interests. If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, we help you seek compensation from the other driver to cover all your medical bills, repairs, and lost wages.
Coverage for uninsured and underinsured motorists is essential to your auto insurance policy. In this case, your own insurance company can cover costs when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance to compensate for your damages. However, they only do this for you if you have this essential rider.
UM (uninsured motorist) coverage applies when the other driver has no insurance at all. UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage commences when the at-fault driver’s liability insurance no longer covers your medical bills. It also provides for property damage and other related expenses. Both types of coverage offer critical financial protection in a car accident.
Your uninsured motorist coverage steps in to pay for damages and your injuries when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. This coverage includes your medical bills, lost wages while you recover, and compensation for pain and suffering. These policies often make the difference between financial stability and hardship after an accident.
Property damage from an uninsured driver can also fall under this coverage, helping you repair or replace your damaged vehicle.
An uninsured driver has no auto insurance at all. You might encounter this in a hit-and-run accident or when a driver's policy has lapsed.
An underinsured driver carries insurance but not enough to cover all your damages. For example, if you have $50,000 in medical bills but the at-fault driver only has $25,000 in liability coverage, your underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge that gap.
Idaho law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage. Despite this, many drivers still fail to comply with these requirements.
While Idaho does not require you to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, we strongly recommend it based on our experience with numerous accident cases. This coverage becomes crucial when encountering one of the many uninsured or underinsured drivers on Idaho roads. Having UM coverage can help protect you and ensure you have enough insurance coverage to handle medical bills, car repairs, and wage loss.
Filing a claim through your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage requires following certain steps. Following these ensure your rights are protected and your claim is processed efficiently:
By following these steps, you improve your chances of receiving fair compensation under your own policy’s uninsured underinsured motorist coverage.
Filing an uninsured motorist claim might seem straightforward, but several obstacles can appear.
Your insurance company might question the seriousness of your injuries or argue that some of your medical treatment wasn't necessary. We see this often, even when you've paid premiums for years.
Documentation becomes your best defense. Keep every medical record, bill, and receipt. Take photos of your injuries as they heal. Journal how your injuries impact your daily life.
Insurance companies sometimes drag their feet on paying claims, hoping you'll accept a lower settlement out of frustration or financial pressure.
Your regular bills don’t stop while you wait for payment. We can help speed up the process and fight for your right to prompt compensation under Idaho law.
Your uninsured motorist coverage has limits, just like other types of insurance. If your damages exceed these limits, you should explore additional options for compensation.
For example, if you have $100,000 in medical bills but only $50,000 in UM coverage, you'll need to consider other ways to cover the remaining costs.
Even with UM/UIM coverage, you must prove the other driver caused the accident. Your insurance company won't pay under UM/UIM coverage unless you show the other driver was at fault. Please note that even if you are at fault, your insurance company will pay to fix your car if you have collision coverage.
The police report often provides crucial evidence about how the accident happened and who was at fault. Officers note important details like skid marks, vehicle damage, and statements from everyone involved.
Witness statements can back up your version of events. We will talk to the witnesses while their memories are fresh and obtain their statements in writing.
We know what evidence insurance companies seek and how to present it effectively. Our experience with Idaho insurance laws helps us anticipate and counter common defense tactics.
We'll investigate the accident thoroughly, often uncovering evidence you might have missed. This could include security camera footage, cell phone records, or expert accident reconstruction.
Sometimes, your UM/UIM coverage might not cover all your losses. You still have options.
You have the option to sue a negligent driver, even if they are not insured. While collecting money from an uninsured driver may be challenging, it’s worth considering if they have assets. This could allow you to recover some of your losses, such as medical bills, wage loss, and pain and suffering. We will help you evaluate whether pursuing legal action is in your best interest.
Your insurance policy may have additional coverage that can help. Medical payment coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) could cover some of your medical expenses, regardless of fault. It could cover medical expenses, lost wages, or other costs not reimbursed by your UM/UIM insurance. We can review your insurance policy to see what other options are available.
Even if your UM/UIM coverage isn’t enough, there are ways to recover compensation. We’ll guide you through the process and help you understand your rights and options.
You don’t have to handle an uninsured motorist claim by yourself. BAM Personal Injury Lawyers provide free consultations; call us for a Free consultation on your case.
We’ll explain your rights and options under Idaho law and help you understand how to seek compensation from your insurance policy or the at-fault party. We will assist you with your injury claim resulting from an auto accident caused by someone else's negligence. Please take some time to review our previous case results and client testimonials as well.
Let us fight for you to cover all your medical bills, wage loss, and other expenses. We understand how Idaho’s laws impact your case, and we’ll work to secure the compensation you deserve. Call us today for expert legal assistance.
Kigan Martineau, a seasoned Partner at BAM Injury Law, is a champion for those injured in vehicular mishaps, including car, eScooter, and bicycle accidents. His legal journey is marked by notable victories against major trucking companies like Matheson, UPS, and Swift Transportation, where his strategic litigation has resulted in significant client settlements.
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