Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
Insurance companies can complicate any car accident claim for victims and their families. When an accident involves an underinsured or uninsured motorist, the situation gets trickier. Some injured drivers may not understand what UI/UIM coverage is, if their insurance policy includes UI/UIM coverage and may be confused how they sue their own auto insurance carrier to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage and pain and suffering.
No attorney's fees unless you obtain money for your uninsured or underinsured motorist issues.
Imagine being hit by a driver who doesn't have adequate insurance — or doesn't have any insurance at all. Even if the crash was the other driver's fault, it will be difficult for you to get compensation through their insurance policy to cover the damages you incurred. So, what do you do?
You will have to file a claim against your own insurance policy. Many policies include coverage for exactly these situations: being hit by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured. At the Law Offices of Magnuson Lowell P.S. in Redmond, Washington, we can help you navigate the process and ensure that you get the compensation you need.
Every driver in Washington State is required by law to carry liability insurance in the event that they cause an accident. Unfortunately, more and more drivers either do not have enough insurance coverage or may even have none at all. To avoid the financial burden in an accident with an uninsured driver, you have the right to include UM/UIM coverage in your policy. This coverage means that your insurance company pays for your medical expenses, lost income and other costly expenses and damages.
Another way insurance companies work hard to make money at your expense is by encouraging you to decline UM/UIM coverage, so they avoid paying claims when these types of accidents occur. To be effective, however, any rejection of UM/UIM coverage must be in writing. If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, our uninsured or underinsured attorneys know how to handle these types of claims.
We can help examine your policy for UI/UIM coverage and handle your claim to ensure that you receive compensation in an accident:
If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, there may still be options we can use to recover monetary damages. Our decades of work as insurance defense lawyers give us valuable insight into preparing effective claims against insurance companies.
If you suspect the other driver involved in your auto accident does not have adequate insurance, you should contact your insurance company immediately. Most insurance companies have deadlines for when you must report a possible uninsured/underinsured claim. The sooner you call, the better.
The next thing you should do is call a lawyer. Our attorneys understand how insurance companies operate because they have experience representing them. We know the tactics your insurance company might use to give you less than you deserve. We will protect your rights and strive to ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your damages.
When you are seeking compensation from your own insurance company instead of another driver's, you lose the right to file a lawsuit if you cannot agree on a settlement. If you cannot reach a settlement with your insurance company, the matter can go to arbitration. The arbitrator's final decision will be difficult to appeal.
Most personal injury matters end in a settlement, and our lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation you need to recover from the damages you incurred. If arbitration is necessary, we will use our skills and experience to build a strong case on your behalf.
At our firm, your first consultation is free. To schedule yours, please call us at 425-885-7500 or contact us via email. Contact Magnuson Lowell in Redmond for a free consultation with an experienced underinsured and uninsured motorist claims attorney committed to helping you find a successful outcome to your legal troubles.