When another driver causes a car accident, their insurance would typically be one source of compensation for the people they injure. But what happens when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all? In this article, Minnesota personal injury attorney Eric Beyer explains the protections available to people injured by uninsured drivers and the steps they can take to protect their rights after a crash.
Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means drivers generally turn first to their own personal injury protection, or PIP, coverage for certain accident-related expenses regardless of who caused the collision. PIP can help cover medical expenses, lost wages and other qualifying costs. However, serious injuries can quickly exceed the limits of this coverage.
That's where uninsured motorist, or UM, coverage can become especially important. Minnesota requires drivers to carry UM coverage, which is designed to provide additional protection when the person responsible for a crash doesn't have auto insurance. Depending on the circumstances and available coverage, UM benefits may help compensate an injured person for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses that aren't fully addressed by PIP.
Eric also explains the distinction between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. While UM coverage applies when an at-fault driver has no insurance, underinsured motorist, or UIM, coverage may apply when the responsible driver has insurance but their policy limits aren't sufficient to cover the full extent of the damages.
Taking the right steps immediately after an accident can help preserve an injured person's ability to pursue compensation. This includes contacting police, gathering information and evidence at the scene, seeking medical attention, and promptly notifying your insurance company. Police reports, photographs, witness information, medical records and documentation of the other driver's insurance status can all become important when filing a claim.
Even though a UM claim involves your own insurance company, the process can still become complicated, particularly when serious injuries or significant financial losses are involved. An insurer may investigate the claim, evaluate the available evidence and make a settlement offer. If that offer doesn't adequately account for the losses suffered, further negotiation or legal action may be necessary.
Understanding your insurance coverage before an accident happens can also make a significant difference. Eric encourages Minnesota drivers to review their policies periodically and consider whether their coverage provides sufficient protection if they're ever injured by someone without adequate insurance.
Read the full article: Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver: Know Your Rights.
