What happens if someone with little or no auto insurance injures you?
Accidents can happen when you least expect them, and sometimes, you find yourself in a situation where someone else's negligence has caused you harm. In DC, Maryland, and VIrginia, having the right insurance coverage is crucial to protect yourself in such situations. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is an essential part of your auto insurance policy that can provide a safety net when you're involved in an accident with someone who has minimum insurance or no coverage at all.
What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is a type of auto insurance coverage that comes to your rescue when you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have any insurance at all. DC, Maryland, and Virginia laws require drivers to have liability insurance to cover the costs of injuries and damages they may cause to others. However, not everyone complies with this requirement.
In such cases, your uninsured motorist coverage can step in and help cover your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. This coverage essentially acts as a safeguard for you, ensuring you aren't left to deal with the consequences of someone else's negligence on your own. It’s important to have an attorney review your policy documents to determine your coverages and the specifics of the accident.
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) is similar to uninsured motorist coverage, but it applies when the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough to cover your expenses fully. In other words, if the responsible driver has an insurance policy with coverage limits that are lower than your actual damages, UIM can help bridge the gap. In Virginia, under the 2023 changes to Va. Code § 38.2-2206, new policies will now allow your own coverage to “stack” with the at-fault driver’s insufficient policy.
For example, if you're involved in a serious accident with substantial medical bills and the at-fault driver's insurance policy can only cover a portion of your expenses, your UIM coverage can kick in to make up the difference.
Varying Laws and Policies
It's important to note that the applicability of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can vary from state to state and even from one insurance policy to another. Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia each has its own set of laws and regulations regarding these coverages, and individual insurance companies may offer different terms and conditions.
The key takeaway here is that understanding the specifics of your insurance policy and the laws in your area is crucial to ensuring you have adequate protection. This is where the expertise of a personal injury attorney can be invaluable.
Contact Posey Lebowitz for Legal Guidance
If you've been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Washington DC, it's essential to know your rights and options. Jake and Ryan offer free consultations and can provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
Our experienced attorneys can review your insurance policy, assess the circumstances of your accident, and determine if you have a case for pursuing a claim. We understand that navigating the complexities of insurance claims and personal injury laws can be overwhelming, and we are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
To discuss your situation and explore your legal options, please don't hesitate to contact Posey Lebowitz at 202-524-0123 or through our online form.
