Why Should You Carry Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) in Tucson, AZ?
Here at Karnas Law Firm, we find underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is extremely beneficial to all drivers. This prevents accident victims from digging out of their own pocket for expenses caused by another driver when they do not have enough insurance to cover their injuries.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
UIM coverage includes bodily injury coverage. This will go to covering the additional expenses associated with injuries that are sustained but not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance. It will cover the medical expenses, loss of wages while you were away from work, and pain and suffering.
This may extend to any passengers in the vehicle involved in the accident. For example, a driver with a minimum insurance policy rear-ends you. Their policy cannot cover the entirety of your medical expenses. Your UIM bodily injury coverage will come in to pay the additional medical expenses rather than coming out of pocket.
How is Underinsured Coverage Different From Uninsured Coverage?
However, do not confuse Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) with Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM). UM covers you when the other driver does not have any insurance. This will be the topic of next week’s blog.
What Happens When an Underinsured Driver injures you?
Both uninsured and underinsured drivers could cause auto accidents. When this happens, the victim may have a difficult time obtaining compensation. This is because, in most cases, the driver will not have enough insurance to cover bodily harm or property damage.
If an underinsured driver has injured you, you may have the following legal options:
- Use your insurance policy – If you have UM/UIM coverage, you could use your own policy to pay for expenses and damages.
- Seek compensation from the driver’s insurance – An underinsured driver’s policy may cover some of your damages before you need to turn to a lawsuit or your policy.
- File a civil lawsuit – You could file a lawsuit for damages against an at-fault driver who has sufficient assets or income.
Accidents caused by underinsured drivers can pose a challenge to motorists. If you have been injured in such an accident, consult with a Tucson Car Accident Attorney to determine your legal options and how to pursue them.
Can You File Claim Against an Underinsured Motorist?
Like most states, Arizona is a fault state. This means you can pursue damages against an underinsured at-fault driver. Unfortunately, most of these drivers buy less insurance because of a lack of sufficient funds. The amount may not be enough to cover all the damages you may have incurred in an accident.
With this in mind, we advise our clients to take out a UM/UIM policy. Not only will it cover property damage in the event of an accident, but it will also settle any associated medical expenses.
Experienced Car Accident Attorneys in Yuma, Arizona
If you’ve suffered from a car accident, you’ve already suffered enough. Don’t go through the aftermath of the accident alone. Reach out to our proven and trusted car accident attorneys today.
The car accident lawyers at Karnas Law Firm are here to help you recover the maximum amount available for all associated damages. With more than 25 years of experience representing injured accident victims in Arizona, we understand the stress of being injured as a result of a third party’s negligence. Our team can lift the burden of settling a personal injury claim from your shoulders and relentlessly fight for fair compensation.
Our attorneys are known as some of the top lawyers in the business and have received accolades such as Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Lawyers and Top 100 Trial Lawyers. We are also Lead Counsel rated.
We are available anytime at (520) 338-1641 or at our Yuma location at (928) 550-8020. You can also email Olivia Gaxiola at ogaxiola@karnaslaw.com to set up an appointment.
To get started on your case, contact us today for a free case evaluation. We look forward to talking to you soon.