What Happens after an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident?

In Washington, motorists are expected to carry auto insurance in case of a crash.  Most drivers live up to this responsibility by buying a policy or using another method to ensure they have coverage if a crash occurs. However, some drivers don’t carry insurance, or they don’t carry enough insurance to cover all the bills in a serious accident.

When you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it adds another complication to an already rough situation.  Your options after an uninsured motorist accident depend on your own insurance coverage, as well as other factors.  If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the skilled Seattle uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Some drivers opt to buy insurance coverage that directly addresses the problem of uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents.  If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to cover the bills that would have been covered if the other driver had had the proper insurance.

Working your way through an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage claim can be difficult if you’re also working to recover from serious injuries.  You may find the help of an experienced attorney invaluable when it comes to filing a claim or succeeding in settlement negotiations.

Other Auto Insurance Coverage Options

If you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist and you don’t have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, other parts of your own insurance may nevertheless cover your bills, depending on your policy.  For instance, you may have collision coverage or personal injury protection that will pay for car repairs or medical bills.

Like an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim, navigating a collision or personal injury protection claim isn’t always smooth sailing.  Knowing your rights and having a strong advocate to help you defend them are key to getting the insurance settlement you need.

Third-Party Claims

In some auto accidents, a person injured by an uninsured or underinsured motorist doesn’t have insurance coverage that will meet his or her own expenses from the accident.  When insurance isn’t an option or an insurance company’s settlement won’t pay the accident bills, Washington law allows injured individuals to go to court to seek compensation directly from a driver whose negligence caused harm.

Court claims after a car accident can also be extended to cover other parties whose negligence may have caused the accident. For instance, if a hidden defect in a vehicle part led to brake failure or an inability to steer safely away from danger, an injured person may seek compensation from a manufacturer or repairperson who may have failed to use reasonable care in making, assembling, or fixing the vehicle.

Providing Effective Legal Representation

Car accident injuries can be devastating, and having a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist can complicate matters. But you don’t have to fight for compensation on your own. The experienced Seattle uninsured and underinsured motorist accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help. Contact us today at (888) 228-3860 to learn more.