The Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Although all drivers are required to have auto insurance by law, there are still thousands of drivers driving around Los Angeles without insurance. The Insurance Research Council (IRC) reveals that 1 out of every seven drivers does not have auto insurance. If an accident occurs and the liable driver doesn’t have auto insurance, the other driver might not press charges if the responsible driver has no way to cover damages. Filing a claim might seem like a useless process; however, even if the liable driver has no assets, the other driver could still receive compensation through his or her own insurance company if they have uninsured motorist coverage in their policy.
Defining Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage benefits a driver when he or she is hit by another driver who is uninsured. UM covers medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Passengers will also be included, especially if the accident was a hit-and-run. Even if the other driver has insurance, but his or her policy doesn’t cover the other driver’s damages or injuries, then UM will cover the costs.
Picking a UM Plan
When purchasing UM coverage, selecting the correct limits are essential to being prepared for any future auto mishaps. Drivers should make sure they’re covered for bodily injury, whether that be split limit coverage or single limit coverage. Split limit coverage is when an insurance company covers a certain amount based on whether one person was injured or multiple people were injured. Single limit coverage is when an insurance company covers one amount for an entire bodily injury.
Drivers should also purchase uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD), which covers the damages of their vehicle if the liable driver is uninsured, or doesn’t have enough coverage. UMPD not only covers vehicle damages, but can also cover houses, fences, and personal items.
Some drivers also choose to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage, which helps cover the vehicle from damage caused by severe weather conditions, or collision with animals.
The most important reason for purchasing UM coverage is to be compensated for damages and losses. Those damages include medical expense, loss of current and future wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement.
Los Angeles Injury Law
Getting injured in a motor vehicle accident is stressful physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. We understand the inconvenience of accidents, especially accidents caused by uninsured drivers. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, you can still receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Having uninsured motorist coverage, and uninsured property damage coverage will help cover any expenses depending on the type of policy you have. Our personal injury attorneys are experienced with uninsured motorist cases and ensure our clients that we prioritize their case until they receive the compensation they’re owed. If you, or someone you know, was involved in an accident by an uninsured driver, call Los Angeles Injury Group at 310-954-7248 to receive a free consultation. Our attorneys will evaluate your case and determine the next legal steps you should take.