What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

10/9/2020 Car Accidents John Whitfield

It happens every day. You turn on the news and hear about another car accident in which the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance. The driver that was hit may be left wondering what they will be able to do about their injuries or damage to their vehicle. Sadly, in Tennessee approximately 20% of all drivers on the road are driving without car insurance. You may feel worried about contacting your own car insurance company to make a claim for damages after a car accident, but, if your policy includes uninsured motorist coverage, you may still be able to be compensated.

Uninsured motorist coverage is supplemental auto insurance coverage that helps you when a driver who does not have insurance hits you, or their car insurance policy will not cover your injuries or vehicle damages. The truth about uninsured motorist coverage is that it will only be equal to your car insurance policy’s liability coverage percentages. That means it will determine how much the insurance company will pay for bodily injury and property damage and does not necessarily guarantee they will pay.

Tennessee law requires insurance companies to provide uninsured motorist coverage, but as the policy owner you have the option to waive your right to this coverage or to lower its limits. Some insurance companies will try to convince you to waive supplemental coverage. Opting out of uninsured motorist coverage is not recommended, even if it will save you money up front. It may be vital to helping pay for damages in the future if something unexpected should occur.

By purchasing uninsured motorist coverage, your car insurance policy can help cover the costs associated with a car accident with an uninsured driver. These costs can include medical bills, lost income, loss of earning potential, and pain and suffering. You and your household will be covered by this supplemental coverage.

Obtaining enough uninsured motorist coverage for your family will not cost you more than a few extra dollars per month. Doubling your uninsured motorist coverage does not mean that you are doubling the full cost of your car insurance. If you are in an unexpected motor vehicle crash and the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you will be liable for paying for your bills. Being prepared for a potential wreck by having this coverage will give you and your family peace of mind knowing you will be covered. 

Review your current car insurance policy, going through all of the details, and determine if you have enough uninsured motorist coverage just in case you or your family members are in a serious car accident. If you feel as though you may not have enough coverage, give your insurance agent a call and talk to them about adding or increasing uninsured motorist coverage.

What to Do After a Car Accident

The first steps to take when in any car accident are to call the police to and to make sure your bodily injuries are taken care of. When getting information from the other driver, if they do not have insurance you should still get their identification (ID) information as well as a license plate number, unless they have driven away. In the case of a hit-and-run, let the police know as many details as you can about the vehicle that hit you.

After the accident, call your insurance company to let them know what happened and that the other driver did not have insurance or it was a hit-and-run accident. Your insurance company should proceed through the proper steps to getting you compensation for your damages. If your insurance company is fighting you and does not want to pay you fair compensation, it is time to seek an experienced personal injury trial attorney.

Nashville Car Accident Lawyers

Car accidents can be traumatic and when the driver that hit you does not have insurance, it becomes an even more stressful process just to receive fair compensation for the damages caused. Nashville car accident victims can call upon the guidance of Whitfield Bryson LLP to support them throughout the insurance claims process. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a car accident, contact the Nashville car accident lawyers at Whitfield Bryson LLP today to discuss your case. Remember, you only have one year following the date of your accident to take action, so don’t delay.