Options Available After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Posted Friday, August 30, 2019 by Chris Thayer
The state of Washington requires that all motorists carry a minimum amount of automobile insurance in order to legally operate their vehicle on the road. At a minimum, Washington drivers are required to carry insurance that covers up to $25,000 in bodily injury liability, $50,000 coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. Even though this is a state law, this does not mean some motorists ignore it and drive without the required insurance. Usually, another’s lack of insurance would not affect your livelihood, but if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you might have difficulty recovering for your damages. The following options may be available to recover damages after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
*Additional Insurance*While the state of Washington requires a minimum amount of automobile insurance, there are additional types of insurance a motorist can choose to purchase. These include uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, personal injury protection (PIP), and collision coverage. UM insurance is what is sounds like — insurance to cover damages caused by another driver without insurance. To use this insurance, the other driver must be responsible for the accident.
PIP insurance offers compensation for various losses. These losses include medical expenses, lost wages, funeral expenses and other expenses that might have accumulated because of an injury. Additionally, there is collision coverage policies available to Washington drivers that cover the costs of damage to property following an accident.Health Insurance
If you are injured in a car accident, your own personal health insurance could be used for medical treatments necessary. The coverage available is dependent on the type of health insurance you personally have.
*Personal Injury Suit*Not every takes out every type of motorist insurance possible or has the ability to obtain health insurance that can cover the expenses associated with an accident. A personal injury suit may be the most favorable option. A personal injury suit holds the other driver responsible for causing the accident and the injuries sustained by other parties involved. Even if the other driver does not have insurance, you are able to sue them through a personal injury suit for the damages they have caused. The driver is still liable for whatever part they played in your injury. Not following the law and having the required insurance does not negate their responsibility and liability.
The personal injury attorneys at Pivotal Law Group are here for you following a car accident. It can be extremely frustrating when the other party does not carry the required insurance or adequate insurance to cover the damages they caused. Our experienced attorneys are here for you and available to help you determine what the best legal course of action might be in this situation. Do not let the other driver’s lack of insurance keep you from seeking out the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys can help you explore your options so you can arrive at the best option for your situation. Contact us today for a consultation.
(image courtesy of Ryan Everett)