Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Claims in Alabama: Your Rights & Options
A car accident is a stressful and jarring experience, and discovering that the at-fault driver either has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages adds another layer of difficulty. Seeking legal assistance is important because these claims have specific rules and deadlines, and an insurance company's initial offer may not fully cover your losses.
At Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, we understand the frustration and uncertainty you face. Our attorney is experienced in handling uninsured/underinsured motorist cases and can help you explore your rights and options. If you've been involved in an accident in Baldwin County, Mobile County, Escambia County, or Monroe County, Alabama, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Most drivers believe that if they are hit by another driver, that person's insurance will cover their medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. While this is often the case, a significant number of drivers on the road lack liability insurance. Others carry only the minimum required by law, which may not be enough to cover serious injuries.
This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes into play. UM/UIM coverage is typically a part of your own auto insurance policy that you pay for. It is designed to protect you financially if you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you are in an accident caused by a driver who has no liability insurance. This also includes "hit-and-run" situations where the at-fault driver cannot be identified. In these cases, your own UM coverage acts as the at-fault driver's insurance, providing compensation for your injuries and related damages up to your policy limits.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage
Underinsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of your damages.
For example, if you sustain $100,000 in medical bills and lost wages, but the at-fault driver has only a $25,000 liability policy, their insurance will pay only up to that limit. Your UIM coverage can then be used to cover the remaining $75,000, up to your own policy’s limits.
Alabama Law Governing Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In Alabama, every auto insurance policy issued in the state must include UM coverage unless the policyholder specifically rejects it in writing. The minimum amount of UM coverage an insurer must offer is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
You can purchase higher UM/UIM limits, which is often a wise decision for greater financial protection. You can also "stack" UM/UIM coverage. Stacking allows you to combine the UM/UIM coverage limits from multiple vehicles on your policy.
For instance, if you have two cars on your policy, each with $25,000 in UM coverage, you may be able to stack them to have a total of $50,000 in available coverage for a single accident. This can provide a significant benefit if the damages you experience after an accident are substantial.
However, it's important to understand the notice requirements when pursuing a UM/UIM claim. You must notify your own insurance company of the accident and your intent to file a claim. Failing to provide timely notice could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
How a Lawyer Can Help with a UM/UIM Claim
It's common to think that dealing with your own insurance company will be simple. Unfortunately, that is not always how it works. While serving you, your insurance provider is still a business focused on its bottom line. Their goal is often to pay out as little as possible, which can make the company you have paid premiums to for years suddenly feel like an opponent.
An experienced personal injury attorney can stand up for your rights and manage your claim on your behalf. At Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, we can gather the necessary evidence, including your medical records, proof of lost income, and accident reports, to build a strong case on your behalf. We will handle all communications with the insurance company, so you can focus on your recovery.
Our experience with these types of claims enables us to accurately value your case to make sure any settlement offer includes compensation for your future medical needs and pain and suffering, not just your current bills. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorney Serving Baldwin County, Alabama, Today
You never expect your day to end with an injury, and dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, especially when someone else's carelessness was the cause. These situations should be handled seriously, but you don't have to handle them by yourself.
At Whit A. Thomas, Attorney at Law, we are experienced in managing uninsured/underinsured motorist claims with compassion and help you pursue the compensation you need. If you have been injured in an accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help.
We serve clients throughout Baldwin County, Alabama, as well as the surrounding counties of Mobile, Escambia, and Monroe. Our service area includes communities such as Bay Minette, Daphne, Elberta, Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Summerdale, Magnolia Springs, Bon Secour, Fort Morgan, Lillian, Silverhill, Loxley, Robertsdale, Spanish Fort, Atmore, Brewton, Citronelle, Eight Mile, Grand Bay, Irvington, Mobile, Prichard, Saraland, Satsuma, Semmes, Theodore, Tillmans Corner, Wilmer, and Monroeville.