How To Obtain Compensation In Case Of An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver

How To Obtain Compensation In Case Of An Accident With An Uninsured Or Underinsured Driver

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A key factor in any car accident claim is the insurance coverage of the driver. A few drivers do have the minimum liability insurance required by state law but it is not sufficient to cover all your damages for a particular accident. Because the other driver has some insurance, your uninsured motorist coverage does not apply. However, if you have what is called underinsurance coverage in your own vehicle policy, you may be able to collect compensation beyond what the other drivers insurance will pay. You must negotiate with your own insurance company regarding the underinsured coverage after you have settled your claim with the other drivers insurance company. You will receive compensation for the damages to the extent of your underinsurance coverage. Your insurance company will pay you the amount less any amount of medical payment coverage which you have already collected from them.

To collect under your underinsured motorist coverage, you must first show your insurance company that the other driver was underinsured. Obtain from the other drivers insurance company a letter that includes the policy limits for that persons liability coverage, and a statement that you have settled your claim with that company for an amount equal to the policy limits. You probably will not even have to make a special request for such a letter. When you negotiate your case with the other drivers insurance company, the documents you exchange in finally settling the claim may already include the information you need.

Unfortunately, there are numerous cars and drivers on the road today without liability insurance. Legally such persons without insurance coverage are called uninsured motorists. Under your policys uninsured motorists coverage, you can claim compensation from your insurance company for the damages and injuries you suffer in an accident with such person. Review your policy to find out whether, and under what terms, your uninsured motorist coverage pays for property damage. In case your uninsured motorist coverage does not provide cover property damages, you may be eligible to claim them under the collision coverage of your policy. Generally the uninsured motorist coverage is limited to injuries caused to:
you while driving or riding in the vehicle named in your policy, while driving or riding in any vehicle you do not own, or while a pedestrian
a relative who lives with you and is injured while driving or riding in the vehicle named in your policy
anyone else riding in or driving your insured vehicle with your permission, or
anyone riding in a vehicle you are driving but do not own.

There are limits on when you may collect compensation and on how much you may receive under uninsured motorist coverage. When you file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage, your claim will be handled by an insurance adjuster from your insurance company as if it were a regular claim under the policy. You will have to convince the adjuster about the other drivers liability, the extent of your own comparative negligence, and the extent of your injuries and other damages. A car accident law firm can assist you get compensation and damages under your uninsured motorist coverage.

About the Author:
Jan Smith writes for attorney video directory and find a lawyer resource, Viewmylawyer.com, where you can find car accident lawyers and view attorney videos.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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