An accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. The situation becomes even more frustrating when the other driver doesn’t have insurance to cover your damages. Without proper coverage, you could be left wondering how to pay for medical bills and lost wages. This is where uninsured motorist coverage comes into play.
In Part 1 of this series, we explained what uninsured motorist coverage is and why it matters. Now, we will break down how it applies after an accident and what steps you should take to protect yourself.
What Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Cover?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps when you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have insurance. It can cover:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Claims for bodily injury
This type of coverage ensures that you are not left to handle the financial burden alone when the at-fault driver lacks insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage does not apply to property damage.
When Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Apply?
UM coverage applies in several scenarios:
Hit-and-Run Accidents
If a driver hits your vehicle and leaves the scene, UM coverage can step in to cover your damages. In Alabama, uninsured motorist coverage often includes hit-and-run situations where the at-fault driver is unknown. In this scenario, the vehicle is known as a phantom vehicle.
Accidents With Uninsured Drivers
If another driver causes an accident and does not have liability insurance, your UM coverage will help pay for your medical bills and other losses. If an opposing driver’s liability coverage is insufficient, UM coverage will pay the amount above the insufficient coverage. This is known as an underinsured scenario.
Pedestrian or Bicycle Accidents
If you are hit by an uninsured driver while walking or riding a bike, your UM coverage can apply to your injuries, even though you were not in a vehicle at the time. Uninsured motorist coverage inures to a person and not a vehicle.
How to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim
If you are involved in an uninsured motorist accident, follow these steps to protect your rights and ensure a smooth claims process:
- Call the Police – A police report is essential in proving that the other driver was at fault and uninsured.
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, some injuries take time to appear.
- Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the accident as soon as possible and inform them that the at-fault driver was uninsured.
- Document Everything – Take photos, gather witness statements, and keep records of all medical treatment and expenses.
- Consult a Lawyer – Insurance companies may try to minimize payouts. At Tobias & Comer Law, our attorneys can help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Bottom line: UM coverage can be complicated if you do not proceed appropriately. In particular, there are notice requirements if you settle with the liability insurance carrier without notifying your UM carrier. If this does not occur, you forfeit UM coverage.
Do You Have Enough Coverage?
Many people only carry the minimum uninsured motorist coverage required by Alabama law, but that may not be enough to cover serious injuries. Consider reviewing your policy and increasing your coverage to provide better financial protection in case of an accident.
How Tobias & Comer Law Can Help
Dealing with an uninsured motorist accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Tobias & Comer Law, we help real people like you navigate insurance claims and get the compensation you need to recover. If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver, contact us today to discuss your options and get started on the road to recovery.