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Uninsured Car Accidents
A pick-up truck blows through a stop sign and crashes into you. You’ve been in a car accident. Your arm is broken and your neck is killing you. Unfortunately, the other driver lived like he drove – recklessly. He did not have insurance. The only thing he owned was the truck that’s now totaled. You can sue him, but even if you win, he’ll never have the money to pay you. Before you start a GoFundMe page, check to see if you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage on your insurance policy.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage to the Rescue
Uninsured Motorist coverage is a required part of your car insurance in Massachusetts. Everyone has it; few know what it is. Uninsured Motorist insurance (often referred to as UM) covers you when the person that injures you has no insurance. This coverage is above and beyond the Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) coverage that is also mandatory. It also covers more things. While PIP coverage will only cover medical bills and lost wages, Uninsured Motorist coverage can reimburse you for your pain and suffering.
How Does It Work?
Uninsured Motorist benefits are there when all else fails. That’s why you should make sure you have enough insurance to cover yourself and your loved ones. When you renew your policy each year, you have the option of buying more than the $20,000 per person/$40,000 per accident mandatory minimum. You should. However, you must also carry liability limits (part 5 coverage) at least as high as your UM limits. That means that if you want to project yourself in case you’re injured, you must also have matching insurance that covers anyone you accidentally injure.
At least two points you should keep in mind about UM insurance.
- If you are the passenger in a car that’s struck by a driver without insurance, you need to make sure you tell your insurance company. Your claim falls to your own policy. And, by the way, no, it will not raise your premiums.
- You also need to tell your insurance company right away. There are notice requirements applicable to Uninsured benefits. You should notify your insurer promptly, at least within 48 hours. If you do not, there are some ways around the omission, and again an experienced lawyer knows them.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
There are many different scenarios that would lead to a claim for Uninsured Motorist insurance.
- Hit & Run Accidents: Sometimes, drivers cause car accidents and leave the scene. Even though doing so could be a crime, it happens more than you think.
- Single Vehicle Accidents: Erratic drivers may force you to react in a way that causes you to hit something else, and the out of control vehicle may never hit you and just keep going.
Again, this is the reason you want to talk with one of our lawyers when you are in a collision. You may think it will be a waste of time, and you probably will be wrong.
If you are hurt and think you cannot have a remedy because the at fault operator fled or had no insurance, you definitely want to call Marcotte Law Firm. We deal with these issues every day, and will guide you to a maximized remedy.
