Three Reasons Why Every Washingtonian Should Carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Insurance
Posted Friday, February 5, 2021 by Chris Thayer
For Seattle area residents who drive their vehicles every day for work and school, there is always a real threat of potential danger. As the population continues to grow and the traffic density increases, car accidents are on the rise. Despite slight lulls in auto travel during the pandemic, the Seattle Times reports that last year saw record traffic fatalities. While it is the responsibility of the wrongdoer to make it right when they cause injuries to others, none of us should rely solely on the insurance coverage provided by someone else on the road. This is why there is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage available. Many people do not really understand what this type of coverage is used for and when it kicks in. So, here are five clear reasons why experienced injury lawyers recommend that you carry sufficient policy limits and always carry uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance to protect yourself.
*There are a Lot of Uninsured Drivers *Komo News explains that nearly 20% 20% of all Washington motorists are operating without insurance. Think about that for a moment. If that statistics holds true, then one in five people driving around on the road will have no insurance coverage. This means if one of those people should hit you or someone you love, there is a real possibility that there will be no money available to compensate for your injuries, medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Hence, it is important to carry insurance for yourself.
*Minimum Limits are Not Enough*Washington State law only requires vehicle owners to carry $25,000 in liability insurance coverage per person they injure. With the average cost of emergency medical care on the rise, this is rarely sufficient to cover even minor injuries. A broken arm and some lacerations could easily exceed the amount of insurance the other driver carries. This is why it is important to carry underinsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance kicks in to make up the difference between your own coverage and what the other person carried.
*Lots of Accidents Give Insurance Companies the Right to Disclaim Coverage*It is not just uninsured motorists that can cause problems. There are numerous types of incidents that create uninsured motorist issues. Consider just a few situations in which an otherwise insured vehicle may still not give way to coverage for your injuries:
- Stolen vehicles
- Rental vehicles
- Undocumented workers
- Out of state drivers without coverage
- Hit and run scenarios
- Pedestrian collisions
*You May Still Have a Right to Compensation Even if the Other Driver is Uninsured*Even if the other driver is uninsured, a skilled Seattle auto accident lawyer may still be able to obtain significant compensation for your injuries, so long as you carry uninsured motorist insurance. The procedures are slightly different, but the compensation can be just as significant, assuming you have decent limits. For help after a car accident in Seattle, call Pivotal Law Group today to schedule a free consultation.