Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Longmont
Being injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver is frustrating and financially devastating. Despite state law requiring all drivers to carry minimum auto insurance, a significant percentage of motorists drive illegally without coverage or with inadequate limits. Recovery after uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Longmont depends largely on whether you purchased optional uninsured motorist coverage. A seasoned car accident attorney from our team could explain your coverage and pursue all available compensation on your behalf.
At Amy G Injury Firm, we represent accident victims dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Our legal team knows how to maximize recovery when the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Understanding UM/UIM Coverage and the State’s Insurance Problem
Colorado faces a substantial uninsured driver problem. Approximately 14 percent to nearly 18 percent of drivers in the state operate vehicles without insurance, and Colorado has the highest rate of underinsured drivers in the nation at 40.9 percent. Therefore, you face a greater than 50 percent combined chance of encountering a driver with insufficient or no coverage.
State law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. However, this coverage often proves inadequate.
Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries when an at-fault driver has no insurance at all, including hit-and-run accidents. Underinsured motorist coverage fills the gap between the at-fault driver’s inadequate limits and your total damages. For example, if your damages total $80,000 but the at-fault driver only carries the state’s minimum $25,000 coverage, your UIM coverage would pay the remaining $55,000. Policyholders can stack UM/UIM coverage from multiple vehicles to increase total available compensation. During an initial consultation, an experienced Longmont car crash attorney could explain how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) protects you.
How To File and Win UM/UIM Claims
Filing a UM/UIM claim involves several critical steps:
- Report the accident to your insurance company promptly
- Establish the other driver’s fault with evidence
- Document your injuries with medical records and bills
- Verify the other driver’s insurance status
- Submit your formal UM/UIM claim with supporting documentation
- Negotiate a settlement for fair compensation
A car accident attorney from our firm could protect your interests when dealing with your own insurance company. These businesses often employ strategies to reduce UM/UIM payments after car wrecks in Longmont. They may delay investigations, dispute the extent of your injuries, or offer settlements covering only current medical bills while ignoring future treatment needs and lost earning capacity. An experienced lawyer could ensure your claim is properly documented and paid fairly.
What Happens if You Lack UM/UIM Coverage?
If you lack UM/UIM coverage, you can file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the uninsured or underinsured driver at fault for your Longmont car collision. However, drivers who cannot afford insurance rarely have significant personal assets to satisfy judgments.
When UM/UIM coverage is unavailable, and the at-fault driver lacks assets, you may need to rely on other insurance coverage. Your health insurance should cover treatment costs, though you may owe deductibles and copayments. If you carry medical payments coverage on your auto policy, it will pay medical expenses regardless of fault.
Contact a Longmont Car Crash Attorney About UM/UIM Claims
Uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Longmont can leave you facing substantial medical bills and lost income with limited options for recovery. Having UM/UIM coverage makes the critical difference between receiving fair compensation and bearing financial losses yourself.
Contact Amy G Injury Firm today to discuss your UM/UIM claim. We could review your insurance coverage, evaluate all potential sources of compensation, and fight to maximize your recovery. Reach out to an uninsured motorist attorney at our firm now for a free consultation.
