A car accident can be quite a traumatic event, but it is important to remember that you need to get in touch with your car insurance company. The sooner you do and the more details you can provide them about the accident, the better your chances of protecting your own interests with your car accident coverage. You need to let them know about the other party involved in the accident; including the person’s name and contact details.
In the event that the other person is uninsured or not insured sufficiently, i.e. underinsured, you will need to make a car accident claim with your insurance company. You can only make such a claim if you have an add-on to your car accident coverage called Uninsured Motorist (UM) / Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. This isn’t included with basic coverage and will add to your premium payments. If you do have such coverage and the other driver has basic coverage, you will first need to settle with the other person’s insurance company. You will receive compensation up to that person’s policy limit, and you can then obtain the rest from your own insurance company as per the terms of UIM coverage. In the event that the other driver is uninsured, you will first need to obtain a signed declaration from the other party stating that he or she is not insured. You can then claim damages from your insurance company as per the terms of UM car accident coverage.
Insurance is usually a complicated matter of course and there are situations where you will have a difference in opinion with your insurance company, if not the other party’s insurance company. If you get into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, your insurance company will significantly reduce the damages you are awarded if they believe you were at fault or caused the accident. Even if you played a very minor role in causing the accident, they will most likely take advantage of the circumstances and you will end up receiving a lot less than you should. A lawyer can help you to deal with such complex accident claims. Do not hesitate in seeking legal counsel as an attorney experienced in UM and UIM cases can make sure you receive the maximum possible compensation from the insurance companies.
