Car owners are required by law to carry a no-fault auto insurance policy in the state of Michigan. Nevertheless, thousands of Michigan drivers go without any type of auto insurance, usually because they cannot afford the coverage and opt to take their chances should they be involved in an auto accident. Unfortunately for the person who is in an underinsured car accident in Michigan, there may never be any compensation from the at-fault party. Call our car accident attorneys for legal support.
How Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage Works
If you are in a car accident in Michigan and the at-fault driver does not carry liability insurance, your own uninsured motorist coverage kicks in. This type of car insurance is intended to take care of the costs and losses that result from your accident.
There are typically two coverage types:
- Bodily injury coverage: This insurance covers medical expenses, lost wages, expenses related to injuries, and injury to passengers, even in the case of a hit-and-run.
- Property damage coverage: Damage to your vehicle after an accident with an uninsured motorist can be covered with this insurance policy, though it does not protect against any damage caused by a hit-and-run.
Your uninsured motorist coverage essentially takes the place of the coverage that the at-fault driver should have.
What Happens to the At-Fault Uninsured Driver After a Car Accident
Even if someone does not have auto insurance, you have the option to sue them and hold them personally liable for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage. That is, if you even know who the other motorist is. Typically, the most common uninsured motorist claim in Michigan is a hit-and-run accident. It makes sense – if someone doesn’t have any car insurance and causes an accident, whether it results in injury or not, they are more likely to take off.
Even if the other party is identified, chances are that you are unlikely to see any financial compensation. Even if there is a judgment against the at-fault driver, if that person could not afford car insurance, going after them for compensation is likely to be unsuccessful.
Since you probably won’t see a dime, it’s essential to protect yourself in case of a car accident. An attorney will do battle with your insurance company to make sure you are compensated for injuries and more under your own uninsured motorist policy. They will also advise you on the best course of action to take after an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver. Suing may not be worth the effort.
Insurance Problems After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Most car insurance policies have a checklist of items that must be completed before any claims will be paid, such as the timing of the police report, the amount of time that has passed before making a claim, and how fault has been assigned in the accident.
When you are shaken up after a collision, even if you are lucky enough to walk away without injuries, it is difficult to know what the smartest move is to make and in what order. Your insurance company will want to talk to you right away, when you are distracted and overwhelmed. The person you should be talking to first is your attorney. They will guide you and play the middleman between you and your insurance company to ensure that you are fully compensated.
Hire a Michigan Auto Accident Lawyer After Your Crash with an Uninsured Motorist
Insurance companies operate under the guise of helping you, but when it comes to large claims, things can get tricky. Once you have received a check from your insurance company, you can’t go back and ask for more.
Your lawyer is experienced in dealing with insurance companies and making sure that you are compensated thoroughly under your uninsured motorist policy. Contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Thurswell Law to discuss your situation before you talk to any insurance company after an underinsured car accident in Michigan.
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