Too often I see clients come in with serious injuries after they have been struck by a vehicle carrying no or very limited liability insurance. The first question I ask is how much Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage (UM/UIM) they have through their own insurance carrier. More often than not, I receive a blank stare in response.
What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is coverage you purchase to protect yourself from uninsured or under-insured drivers. If you are seriously injured in a car accident or by a motor vehicle, the wrongdoer may not have enough insurance coverage to adequately compensate you for your injuries. The law requires, unless you specifically waive it, that UM/UIM coverage be a part of your car insurance policy. This is excellent protection against those in our society who do not play by the rules or who have little to no assets to protect. The best part though? It’s cheap coverage! For just a few dollars a year you can increase your UM/UIM coverage to help protect yourself on the roadways.
So talk to your insurance agent about UM/UIM coverage and make sure you have enough coverage to protect you if you are injured by a driver without adequate insurance. If you have an umbrella policy, make sure it includes UM/UIM coverage, as well.
If you have been injured by a motor vehicle and have been told the wrongdoer has little or no insurance coverage, call our Indianapolis injury attorneys today to set up a free consultation and discuss making a UM/UIM claim.
*Image courtesy of Naypong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net