The driver who hit me has no insurance. What should I do?
TL;DR
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when the driver who caused the accident has no insurance or cannot be identified.
Underinsured motorist coverage may provide additional compensation when the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough to cover your injuries.
You may be protected even if you do not own a car, depending on your household and the vehicle involved in the accident.
Many people do not realize that they may still have insurance coverage even if the driver who caused the accident has no insurance.
If you own a vehicle, your auto insurance policy likely includes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Even if you do not own a car, you may still be covered if you live with a household member who has an insured vehicle.
A household member is generally someone related to you by blood, marriage, or adoption who lives in the same home.
You may also be protected if you do not own a vehicle but live with a household member who does. Likewise, if neither you nor anyone in your household owns a car, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may still apply if you were riding in an insured vehicle at the time of the accident.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you are injured by a vehicle that does not have insurance. This can happen in several situations, including:
The at-fault vehicle has no insurance.
The insurance policy was canceled.
The vehicle was being driven without authorization.
The vehicle was stolen.
The accident was a hit-and-run, and the vehicle cannot be identified.
When the vehicle that caused the accident is uninsured, you may be able to make a claim under the applicable uninsured motorist coverage.
Many policies also allow drivers to purchase additional uninsured motorist coverage for greater protection.
What is underinsured motorist coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the driver who caused the accident has insurance, but it is not enough to fully cover your injuries.
For example, if the other driver's insurance has low coverage limits and your injuries are serious, your own underinsured motorist coverage may help pay for the remaining damages.
Its purpose is to provide additional protection when the at-fault driver's insurance is not enough.
Why do these coverages matter?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are important protections. They help ensure that people can still be compensated for their injuries even when they are struck by:
An uninsured driver.
A driver with inadequate insurance coverage.
A hit-and-run driver.
An unidentified vehicle.
These coverages can make a significant difference when an accident occurs, and the responsible driver lacks sufficient insurance.
Contact us!
If you have been injured in an accident involving an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Louis S. Haskell at (978) 459-8359 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
