Car accidents can be stressful and disorienting because they often happen without warning and have devastating outcomes. The situation can become financially challenging for accident survivors when the irresponsible driver cannot cover damages.
Fortunately, many motorists have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage to protect them in such a predicament. This type of insurance is a financial safety net for encounters with motorists who don’t have insurance.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
This unique type of insurance coverage is designed to financially protect motorists against drivers who carry insufficient coverage or lack auto insurance. With this additional coverage, motorists can have a financial safety net to help ensure they’re not overwhelmed by medical expenses such as hospital bills, rehabilitation costs and medication costs.
Uninsured coverage can also compensate accident victims for the income they may have lost during their recovery. Additionally, motorists may be able to repair their vehicles without feeling the pinch of this unplanned financial expenditure. Aside from economic damages, motorists may also be able to claim pain and suffering as non-economic damage related to the accident.
Before an accident occurs, motorists might want to review their policy to be sure of what is covered. Preparedness can also help motorists know what documentation they’ll need in case of a claim.
Filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim
One of the most important steps toward establishing a valid insurance claim is compiling compelling evidence from the scene of the accident. Accident victims should have elaborate depictions of:
- The models and license plates of all vehicles involved in the collision
- The damages the vehicles sustained during the accident
- The skid marks made by vehicles at the accident scene
It is also important to ask the other driver(s) involved for their insurance details. If they admit to being uninsured, accident survivors should make a note of this.
When submitting an uninsured motorist claim, accident survivors should include any of the following supporting documents that apply:
- A copy of the police report detailing pertinent details about the collision
- Receipts indicating the medical bills incurred
- Medical records that explain the acuteness of injuries sustained
- Vehicle repair estimates or invoices
- Proof of lost wages
Being thorough in the claim submission and seeking legal guidance can help accident survivors avoid delays.
Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident involving an uninsured driver can make an already difficult situation financially challenging. However, motorists with uninsured motorist coverage may be able to secure funds by seeking legal guidance and submitting a compelling claim.