Uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist insurance (UIM) coverage provide a way for drivers to get compensation for their losses after some accidents. These forms of insurance can kick in if a driver without proper insurance coverage hits your vehicle.
A Lafayette car accident lawyer can tell you more about these policies and how they could apply after a crash. An attorney can also help you file an a UM/UIM claim after a collision, while reviewing other potential options to get compensation that can help you make a full financial recovery.
What is UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) Insurance Coverage?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is a type of insurance policy that provides compensation to motorists hit by underinsured or uninsured drivers. Basically, if you have this kind of auto insurance, it kicks in to provide coverage for the losses caused by underinsured or uninsured motorists.
While Louisiana requires all motorists to secure proper coverage from the insurance company before driving, some drivers ignore these laws. In this situation, you still have a chance to get compensation for your losses if you have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage.
UM/UIM Coverage Can Help After a Hit-and-Run
Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may help cover your losses if a driver hits you and flees the scene of the motor vehicle accident. After a hit-and-run accident, an attorney can help you seek compensation from your insurance company through your UM/UIM policy.
Your policy can help pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, up to your coverage limits. An attorney can give you more information about using this kind of insurance after an auto accident.
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How Do You Get UM/UIM Coverage?
Insurance companies in Louisiana automatically offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to drivers. However, drivers can choose to decline this coverage when setting up an auto policy.
If you did not decline uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, the policy should kick in and provide some of the compensation you need after a crash. An attorney can review your auto insurance policy and determine if you have UM/UIM coverage.
A lawyer can also tell you more about what UM/UIM insurance coverage is.
What Does UM/UIM Coverage Pay For?
UM/UIM coverage through your auto insurance policy can help you get the money you need to financially recover after a crash. This form of insurance may cover your:
Medical Expenses
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help with your medical bills after a crash. For example, your policy could cover the costs of your:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Time in the hospital
- Medical diagnostic tests
- Surgeries and other medical procedures
- Medications
- Physical therapy appointments
Your policy may cover these losses even if an uninsured driver does not have enough money to provide you with compensation.
Lost Wages
Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may also cover the costs of the wages you miss while off work and healing after a crash. The specific amount of lost pay covered will depend on the terms of your auto policy.
Property Damage
Finally, some underinsured and uninsured motorist policies will cover the costs of repairing property damaged in the collision. For example, your attorney may push the insurance company to cover the costs of fixing your vehicle.
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How Much Compensation Can You Get Through a UM/UIM Claim?
The funds available to you through a UM/UIM claim will depend on factors like the extent of your losses and your policy limits. The insurance company does not have to provide more coverage than you paid for, so it’s crucial that you understand the terms of your policy before filing your claim.
An attorney can review the insurance paperwork for you and give you more information about the money available in your situation.
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A Lawyer Can Help You File a UM/UIM Claim
You may need professional help to get the money you need after a crash through underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. An attorney can help you file the appropriate paperwork with your insurance company, giving you a stronger chance of making a full financial recovery after a car accident.
Understanding what it takes to secure UM/UIM coverage puts you in a better position after a crash. Your attorney can deal with the insurance agent representing you, explain your situation, and file all the necessary paperwork.
You may even rely on your lawyer to assist if the insurance company attempts to deny your UM/UIM claim. You do not have to attempt to go through this challenging process alone after a crash.
Talk to Us About UM/UIM Insurance Claims in Louisiana
So, what is UM/UIM insurance coverage? Insurance companies offer this kind of coverage to cover the losses a driver faces when hit by a motorist without insurance or with insufficient insurance coverage. UM/UIM coverage can also kick in in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
You can learn more about these policies and how they can address your financial losses after a crash from our team at Galloway Jefcoat Injury Attorneys. We are here to help with all legal matters after a collision, working to get our clients the funds they need for medical bills, property repairs, pain, emotional distress, and other losses.
Our firm has secured hundreds of millions in compensation for clients like you, and we are ready to begin working on your claim now, so reach out for professional assistance.
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