Uninsured Motorist Coverage | Bert McDowell Injury Law

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Connecticut law requires all vehicle owners to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law, and some drivers either fail to purchase insurance or let their policies lapse. In other cases, the at-fault driver may have insurance, but their coverage might be insufficient to fully compensate for your injuries and damages. So, what happens if you’re injured in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have adequate insurance? The good news is that you may still be covered if you have a specific type of insurance called Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

UM/UIM coverage is designed to protect you in situations where the other driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage. If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s essential to understand how this type of insurance works and how it can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

When Does Uninsured Motorist Insurance Cover Me?

Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is insurance that you carry and pay for. It protects you in several scenarios, such as:

The at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance.
The at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage isn’t enough to cover all your damages.
The at-fault driver fled the scene (hit-and-run) or cannot be identified.
The accident occurred while you were walking, running, or biking, and your car insurance wouldn’t usually apply.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, your UM/UIM coverage should help cover your damages, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. However, working with your insurance company to get a fair settlement can sometimes be challenging, which is why having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side is so important.

How Can I Tell If I Have UM/UIM Insurance?

Many drivers in Connecticut have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage without even realizing it. This coverage is commonly included in auto insurance policies, but you might not be aware of its presence unless you specifically requested or declined it when purchasing your policy.

To find out if you have UM/UIM insurance, you can:

Review your insurance policy documents. Look for terms like “Uninsured Motorist Coverage” or “Underinsured Motorist Coverage.”
Contact your insurance agent or company and ask them directly.

What Are the Types of UM/UIM Coverage?

In Connecticut, there are generally two types of uninsured motorist coverage:

Reducing or Non-Stacking UM/UIM Insurance: This traditional form of UM/UIM coverage reduces the total amount of your policy by any insurance the at-fault driver has. For example, if you have $100,000 in UM/UIM coverage and the at-fault driver has $50,000 in liability coverage, your insurance would only pay the difference of $50,000. The total amount available to you would not exceed $100,000 in this case.
Add-On, Excess, or Stacking UM/UIM Insurance: This newer type of UM/UIM coverage allows your policy to be added to the at-fault driver’s liability coverage. For example, if the at-fault driver has $50,000 in coverage and you have $100,000 in UM/UIM coverage, you could receive up to $150,000 in total compensation. This type of coverage provides much greater protection and is often a better option for drivers.

If you’re unsure about the type of UM/UIM coverage you have or how it applies in your case, consulting a personal injury lawyer is highly recommended.

Can I Trust My Insurance Company to Offer a Fair Settlement?

While your insurance company is supposed to represent your interests, they are still a business focused on maximizing profits. This often means minimizing the amount they pay out in claims. Even if you have UM/UIM coverage, your insurance company may attempt to offer you a low settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.

To ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, it’s crucial to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. A lawyer can negotiate with your insurance company, help you understand your rights, and fight for a fair settlement on your behalf.

Contact Bert McDowell Injury Law for Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident and need help navigating your uninsured motorist insurance claim, Bert McDowell Injury Law is here to assist you. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands Connecticut insurance laws and can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Don’t face this challenging time alone. Call us today at 475-231-3274 for a free consultation. Let us fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you need to move forward.