Tacoma Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Accident Lawyer

In an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, the financial responsibility may fall heavily on the victim, even if they are not at fault. If the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage, the victim may face unexpected out-of-pocket costs. Without adequate uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, victims might have to rely on their own savings or health insurance to cover immediate expenses such as medical bills and vehicle repairs.

To further understand the legal nuances of being involved in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact the Tacoma uninsured/underinsured motorists accident lawyers at Brumley Law Firm to receive a free case consultation. Call (833) 832-2727 today.

Consequences of Being Involved in a UM/UIM Accident in Tacoma

Even with UM/UIM coverage, some victims might still face coverage limits that do not fully account for the extent of damages, leaving them in a vulnerable financial position. The costs can quickly escalate, creating significant stress, especially for those who do not have comprehensive policies that cover all potential expenses.

Difficulty in Recovering Damages from Uninsured Drivers

Recovering damages from an uninsured driver can be exceptionally difficult. Most uninsured drivers do not have the financial resources to pay for the damage they cause, leaving the victim with little to no compensation for their injuries or property damage. Even if the victim wins a lawsuit, the uninsured driver may not have assets to collect against, rendering the court judgment ineffective.

In such cases, the victim might have to pursue legal action or settlements, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Without the financial backing from an insurance company on the other side, these legal battles can take longer to resolve, adding to the victim’s financial strain.

Impact on Vehicle Repair, Medical Costs, and Lost Wages

The immediate aftermath of an accident often involves extensive damage to the victim’s vehicle, and the costs for repairs can be steep. Without the ability to recover these costs from the at-fault driver, victims may need to dip into their own funds, which can severely impact their financial stability.

Medical costs can be another significant burden, especially if the injuries are severe and require ongoing treatment. In the case of hospitalization, surgeries, or long-term rehabilitation, the expenses can quickly add up. Even with health insurance, co-pays, deductibles, and uncovered expenses might put victims under considerable financial pressure.

Lost wages can be one of the most financially devastating consequences of an accident. If the victim is unable to work due to injuries sustained in the accident, their livelihood is at risk. Whether they miss a few days or several months of work, the lost income can severely affect their ability to pay bills and support their family. Some victims may even be unable to return to their previous jobs due to long-term or permanent disabilities, further compounding their financial challenges.

Emotional and Physical Impact

Beyond the financial implications, the stress of being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist can take a heavy emotional toll on victims. The anxiety of handling insurance claims, legal disputes, and medical bills can lead to overwhelming feelings of frustration and helplessness, especially when dealing with long and drawn-out processes to recover compensation. A Tacoma car accident attorney can help alleviate some of this stress.

Physical injuries from accidents can range from minor to life-altering, and even those who suffer from minor injuries may face prolonged recovery times, painful rehabilitation, and limited mobility. The emotional impact of these physical injuries can be profound, often leading to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

tacoma uninsured and underinsured motorists accident lawyer

How to Protect Yourself from UM/UIM Accidents

Being proactive about your insurance coverage is the best way to protect yourself from the financial and emotional burdens that can come with an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM). Understanding and optimizing your insurance policy ensures that you are prepared for the worst-case scenario. Here’s the steps our Tacoma uninsured/underinsured motorists accident attorneys recommend you take to protect yourself:

Review Your Coverage Options

It’s essential to regularly review your auto insurance policy to ensure it meets your needs, especially as life circumstances and risk factors change. Many drivers are unaware of the limits and specific terms of their policies until they’re in an accident, which can be a costly mistake. By reviewing your policy, you can identify whether you are adequately covered in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Liability Coverage vs. UM/UIM Coverage

While liability coverage pays for damages you cause to others, it won’t help if you are hit by an uninsured driver. This is where UM/UIM coverage comes into play—it covers your own expenses if the at-fault driver doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover your medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.

Ensure You Have Adequate UM/UIM Coverage

Many insurance policies include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but the default limits may be insufficient. For example, if your UM/UIM coverage is low (e.g., $25,000 per person), it may not cover all your expenses in the event of a serious accident. Medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages can quickly exceed these limits, leaving you vulnerable to out-of-pocket expenses.

Consider increasing your UM/UIM coverage limits to provide better protection. While it may raise your premiums slightly, the added protection could save you thousands of dollars in the event of an accident. Discuss with your insurance agent the best coverage options based on your driving habits, risk factors, and financial situation.

Additional Insurance Options

Beyond UM/UIM coverage, there are additional insurance options that can further protect you in the event of an accident, particularly if you or your passengers are injured. These options provide extra layers of financial security for medical expenses and lost income, areas where UM/UIM coverage might not be enough.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional coverage that helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs regardless of who is at fault in an accident. PIP can be particularly helpful if you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, as it covers your medical bills even if the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient.

PIP typically covers a wide range of expenses:

  • Medical bills for you and your passengers.
  • Lost wages if you are unable to work due to injuries from the accident.
  • Rehabilitation costs for physical therapy or other forms of recovery.
  • Funeral costs if the accident leads to a fatality.

PIP coverage can be especially valuable in states with high rates of uninsured drivers or if you frequently travel in areas with a high risk of accidents. It ensures that you are not left with significant financial burdens while waiting for a UM/UIM claim to settle or if the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate.

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) is another optional insurance policy that helps pay for medical expenses related to injuries sustained in a car accident, regardless of fault. It’s similar to PIP but may have fewer coverage options and typically focuses more on medical costs.

MedPay typically covers:

  • Medical and hospital bills for you and your passengers.
  • Emergency medical treatment costs.
  • Ambulance fees.
  • Health insurance deductibles or co-pays not covered by your primary insurance.

MedPay is useful for drivers who want a lower-cost option for covering medical expenses after an accident. It can also work in conjunction with your health insurance to ensure that accident-related medical costs are fully covered. In cases where the uninsured motorist causes significant injuries, MedPay can provide immediate coverage, reducing the financial strain.

Contact a Tacoma Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Accident Lawyer Today

Involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver? Don’t let the financial burden fall on you! Contact the Tacoma injury attorneys at Brumley Law Firm at (833) 832-2727 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.