Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims in Alexandria

What Are the Differences Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims?

When someone does not have sufficient insurance, it can leave you in a financial bind after a car accident. In these cases, you will need to rely on your uninsured and underinsured policies, which are required by Virginia law.

Uninsured motorists (UM) claims occur when you are involved in an accident with a driver without auto insurance. In this situation, your insurance policy can cover the damages caused by the uninsured driver. Virginia law requires all drivers to carry UM coverage. Many times, if you already have auto insurance, this coverage should be included in your policy.

Underinsured motorist (UIM) claims are a little different.  These happen when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage limits do not cover the full extent of your losses. UIM coverage is also required under Virginia law. With these policies, you can bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s insurance and the total amount of damages you have suffered.

How UM and UIM Coverage Can Help You Recover Compensation If You Suffer Injuries in North Virginia Crash

While Virginia law 46.2-472 requires drivers to carry auto insurance, not everyone complies. When you are involved with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured, you might not know what to do after a crash. That’s where UM and UIM coverage becomes invaluable. Your UM/UIM policy will step in to cover:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, and other necessary treatments.
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Damages for the emotional and physical pain caused by the accident.
• Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle.

Without UM/UIM coverage, you could be forced to pay out-of-pocket for these costs.

Filing a Claim for Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you have been involved in a collision, you might want to know the next steps. However, dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in Alexandria can be frustrating, especially since you will negotiate with your insurance company. While your insurer is supposed to work in your best interests, their primary goal is minimizing payouts.

If you have been involved in an accident, here are the steps you may want to follow. After the accident, you must notify your insurance company of your intent to file a UM or UIM claim. You will need to provide all relevant details, including the police report, witness statements, and any medical records.

With any claim, your insurance company will conduct its own investigation into the accident. They will review the specifics of the crash, the extent of your injuries, and the at-fault driver’s insurance status.

During this time, you will need to provide thorough documentation of your injuries and medical expenses, as well as other information, such as vehicle repair estimates.

Once the insurance company has reviewed your claim, they will offer a settlement. However, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and their initial offer may only partially cover your losses. This is where an experienced UM or UIM claims lawyer in Alexandria can make a difference by negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf.

If your insurance company refuses a fair settlement, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit to pursue your entitled compensation. What other issues can come up with these claims? Let’s look at what you could face when trying to recover compensation for these accidents.

What Are Other Challenges in UM/UIM Claims?

While you pay for your insurance policy, your insurer may still not want to pay out your claim. They may try to stall or dispute points of the accident, leaving you frustrated with the whole process. Let’s look at a few other challenges with these claims:

• Lowball settlement offers: Insurers often offer settlements that are far less than what your claim is worth.
• Disputed damages: The insurance company may question the severity of your injuries or the need for certain treatments.
• Delay tactics: Insurance companies may delay processing your claim to pressure you into accepting a lower offer.

An experienced uninsured and underinsured motorist claims lawyer can help you overcome these challenges.

Why You Need a UM/UIM Claims Lawyer in Alexandria

With all the complexities involved in uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, you will want to have a knowledgeable lawyer by your side. When facing an insurance company that is more focused on protecting its profits than compensating you fairly, a lawyer can level the playing field.

Many insurance companies are more focused on their bottom line than getting the compensation you deserve. Often, they will try to offer low settlements. However, when you have a skilled attorney, they will negotiate on your behalf to seek a fair resolution.

Even if you cannot reach a settlement, you still have legal options. If negotiations fail, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. With this legal avenue, you can have another way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Let Us Assist with Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Claims in Alexandria

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden for their mistakes.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist claims in Alexandria can be difficult to manage. At Curcio Law, allow our experience to help you navigate these policies.

We’ll work diligently to handle the complexities of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a consultation and learn how we can help you navigate the UM/UIM claims process.