Car accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, especially when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance coverage or has no insurance at all. In these situations, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can provide a vital safety net for accident victims, helping them recover compensation for their injuries and losses.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional type of car insurance that provides protection when you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have liability insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your damages. UM coverage is designed to help you pay for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from the accident.
In North Dakota, insurance companies must offer UM coverage to policyholders, but it is not mandatory to carry this coverage. However, given the high number of uninsured drivers on the road, it is strongly recommended that you include UM coverage in your auto insurance policy to protect yourself and your loved ones.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work?
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, and you have UM coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to seek compensation for your damages. Your insurance company will then pay for your losses up to the limits of your UM coverage.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the process typically works:
- You are involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
- You report the accident to your insurance company and file a UM claim.
- Your insurance company investigates the accident and determines the extent of your damages.
- If your claim is approved, your insurance company will pay for your losses up to the maximum limits of your UM coverage.
- If your damages exceed your UM coverage limits, you may need to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
It’s important to note that UM claims can be complex, and insurance companies may try to minimize or deny your claim to protect their bottom line. Having an experienced car accident attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
The Benefits of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Including UM coverage in your auto insurance policy offers several key benefits:
- Protection against uninsured and underinsured drivers — UM coverage helps ensure that you can recover compensation for your losses, even if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance.
- Coverage for hit-and-run accidents — If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident and the at-fault driver cannot be identified, UM coverage can help pay for your damages.
- Peace of mind — Knowing that you have UM coverage can provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Given the relatively low cost of adding UM coverage to your auto insurance policy, it is a wise investment in protecting yourself and your loved ones from the financial consequences of a serious car accident.
Experienced Legal Help for Uninsured Motorist Claims
If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in North Dakota, the knowledgeable car accident attorneys at Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. are here to help. With over a century of combined experience, we have the skills, resources, and dedication to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let an uninsured or underinsured driver leave you struggling with the consequences of an accident. Contact Pringle & Herigstad, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. You won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you and help you seek the justice you deserve. Contact us today.
