Accidents caused by uninsured motorists
Uninsured and underinsured drivers cause a lot of car accidents — so many, that a particular type of insurance exists to protect other drivers. This is known as uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist insurance.
If you have been in a car accident and the driver was either uninsured or underinsured, your own auto insurance company may provide the coverage you need to compensate you for your damages. Attorney Howard Sussman understands the uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance policy. Contacting a Minneapolis uninsured motorist attorney is key to recovering compensation for your accident.
Who is responsible for paying the compensation in an uninsured vehicle accident?
Coverage for uninsured and underinsured drivers is unique. You do not bring the claim against the other driver; you bring it against your own insurance company. There is no reason to avoid making claims against your own insurer. If you have been paying for the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, your insurer has an obligation to compensate you for your damages when you get into a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Car insurance companies would have you believe that obtaining full compensation for all of your damages takes a simple phone call. That is rarely the case. The process of recovering benefits can be difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming. Claims are frequently underpaid, delayed or wrongfully denied. Hiring an experienced Minneapolis car accident attorney has definite advantages: the playing field is level, the settlement offers are usually higher, and you don’t have to argue with an insurance agent over what is rightfully yours.
Is uninsured motorist insurance coverage required?
In Minnesota, drivers are required to have car insurance. Unfortunately, thousands do not. That’s why Minnesota drivers are also required to carry uninsured motorist insurance. If you have been in a car accident with an uninsured driver, your uninsured motorist coverage should compensate you for those amounts that you would have been entitled were the other driver insured. Uninsured motorist coverage can cover injuries to you, your spouse, resident relatives and guest passengers riding in your car at the time of the accident.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic brain injury or spinal cord injury, there is a fairly good chance that your damages will be higher than the other driver’s auto policy limits. If you have underinsured motorists coverage, that can provide additional compensation for your injuries or the injuries of other passengers in your car at the time of the car accident.