Dealing with Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in Sandy

With Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks on your side, you can focus on healing while we handle the legal complexities of your case. Our goal is to help you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve so you can move forward confidently.

Being involved in a car accident is frightening enough, but discovering that the at-fault driver has little or no insurance can make the situation even more challenging. Unfortunately, dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorists in Sandy is a reality on the roads, leaving many accident victims uncertain about how to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. 

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our experienced Sandy car accident lawyers help victims navigate the complex process of filing claims against uninsured and underinsured drivers, ensuring they explore all available avenues for financial recovery. 

Whether through your own insurance policy, legal action against the negligent driver, or other compensation sources, we are committed to protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. 

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Sandy, let our legal team fight for your financial recovery while you focus on healing. Contact us today to discuss your options.

Understanding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is an essential part of auto insurance policies, designed to protect drivers when they are involved in an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient insurance. While liability insurance is required in Utah, not all drivers comply with the law, leaving accident victims vulnerable. 

Additionally, many insured drivers carry only minimum coverage, which may not be enough to cover serious injuries and damages. UM/UIM coverage steps in to fill these financial gaps, ensuring that accident victims can still recover compensation even when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

What Does UM/UIM Coverage Pay For?

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, your own insurance policy can cover:

• Medical expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries that prevent you from working.
• Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages such as emotional distress and reduced quality of life.
• Vehicle repairs or replacement: If the at-fault driver cannot pay for property damage.

This coverage ensures that you are not left paying out-of-pocket for damages caused by another driver’s lack of responsibility.

Uninsured vs. Underinsured Motorist Claims

A UM claim applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all, while a UIM claim is used when the at-fault driver’s insurance is not enough to cover your full damages. 

For example, if your total damages are $50,000, but the at-fault driver only has $25,000 in liability coverage, you could file a UIM claim with your own insurer to cover the remaining costs.

Why You Need a Lawyer for UM/UIM Claims

Even though you are filing a claim with your own insurance company, insurers still try to limit payouts or deny valid claims. An experienced Sandy car accident lawyer at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can help by:

• Reviewing your insurance policy to ensure maximum coverage.
• Negotiating with your insurer to fight unfair settlement offers.
• Filing a lawsuit if necessary to recover the full compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t let the financial burden fall on you.  

Legal Options When the At-Fault Driver Lacks Adequate Insurance

When the at-fault driver in an accident is uninsured or underinsured, recovering compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages can be more complicated. 

Fortunately, Utah law provides several legal options for victims in Sandy who need financial recovery after a crash. At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we help injured clients explore all possible avenues to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.

Filing a Claim Through Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate coverage, your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist policy can provide compensation. If you carry UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company to cover:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
• Lost wages and future income loss
• Pain and suffering due to long-term injuries
• Property damage, if included in your policy

Even though you are filing a claim with your own insurer, your provider may try to reduce or deny your claim, making it crucial to have a lawyer negotiate on your behalf.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver

If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, you may have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit in Sandy directly against them. However, this is only viable if the driver has assets or income that can be used to satisfy a judgment. Our legal team can investigate the driver’s financial situation to determine if this option is worth pursuing.

Holding Other Liable Parties Accountable

In some cases, other parties may share liability for the accident. Our attorneys can investigate whether:

• A third-party driver contributed to the crash.
• A vehicle manufacturer is responsible for a mechanical defect.
• A government entity failed to maintain safe road conditions.

If another party is partially responsible, we can also pursue compensation from them.

Exploring Alternative Compensation Options

If insurance and legal claims do not fully cover your damages, additional financial relief may be available through:

• Personal assets of the at-fault driver, if they own valuable property.
• Victim compensation funds are available in certain qualifying cases.
• Negotiating medical liens to reduce unpaid medical bills.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we are dedicated to helping Sandy accident victims explore every possible legal option. If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, call us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

Steps to Take After an Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver in Sandy

Being involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Sandy can be frustrating and stressful. Without proper insurance coverage from the at-fault driver, recovering compensation for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other damages becomes more challenging. 

However, taking the right steps immediately after the accident can help protect your legal rights and improve your chances of securing compensation.

Call Law Enforcement and File a Police Report

Always call 911 after an accident, especially when the other driver lacks insurance. A police report will:

• Document the crash details and any traffic violations committed by the at-fault driver.
• Serve as crucial evidence when filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim.
• Help prevent fraudulent claims by ensuring all information is accurately recorded.

Gather Evidence at the Scene

Because uninsured drivers may be more likely to leave the scene or provide false information, collect as much evidence as possible, including:

• Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, and the accident scene.
• The other driver’s name, contact details, and vehicle information.
• Statements and contact information from witnesses who saw the crash.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage, you may be able to file a claim through your own policy. However, insurance companies may try to limit payouts, so be cautious when speaking with adjusters and avoid accepting an early settlement offer.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if injuries appear minor, it’s imperative to see a doctor immediately. Delaying medical treatment can:

• Worsen injuries and prolong recovery.
• Give insurance companies a reason to deny or reduce your claim.
• Weaken your legal case if you pursue additional compensation later.

Consult an Auto Accident Lawyer

Recovering compensation from an uninsured or underinsured driver can be complex, and dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating. A Sandy car accident lawyer at Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks can:

• Evaluate your insurance policy to determine your coverage options.
• Negotiate with your insurer to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Explore legal options, including filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.

If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, don’t navigate the claims process alone.  

How Our Firm Assists Clients in These Situations

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand the frustration and uncertainty that come with being involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Sandy. These situations can leave accident victims struggling with medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs, unsure of where to turn for compensation. 

Our firm is committed to guiding clients through the legal and insurance processes, ensuring that they explore all available options for financial recovery.

Evaluating Your Legal and Insurance Options

The first step we take is assessing the details of the accident and identifying all possible sources of compensation. Since Utah follows a no-fault insurance system, we start by determining if a client’s Personal Injury Protection benefits can cover their immediate medical expenses and lost wages. 

However, in cases where damages exceed PIP limits, we explore other legal options, including:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist claims: If the client has UM/UIM coverage, we help them file a claim with their own insurance company to recover additional damages.
• Personal injury lawsuits: If the uninsured driver has personal assets, we investigate whether a lawsuit against them is a viable option.
• Third-party liability claims: In some cases, another party (such as a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity) may be partially responsible for the accident.

By thoroughly analyzing all potential compensation sources, we ensure that clients do not miss any opportunities to recover the damages they are entitled to.

Handling Insurance Negotiations on Behalf of Clients

Even when filing a claim with their insurance provider, clients often face resistance from insurers seeking to minimize payouts. Our attorneys take over all communications and negotiations, ensuring that insurance adjusters:

• Do not pressure clients into accepting low settlements
• Fairly assess the full extent of the client’s injuries and damages
• Comply with the terms of the insurance policy

By having our firm handle all discussions with the insurance company, clients can avoid common pitfalls that lead to delayed or reduced compensation. 

Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks has been dedicated to representing injury victims throughout Utah, with offices in Provo and South Jordan for over three decades. As the first law firm south of Salt Lake County to focus exclusively on personal injury law, we have built a reputation for skilled advocacy and dedicated client service. With over 150 years of combined experience, our trial attorneys have successfully fought for justice in countless cases. 

We are dedicated to assisting injured individuals in obtaining the compensation they deserve, and we take pride in providing personalized attention that helps our clients feel supported throughout the entire process.

Gathering Evidence to Strengthen the Case

A strong case requires compelling evidence, and we take the lead in collecting and organizing critical documentation that proves the client’s right to compensation. This may include:

• Accident reports that detail what happened and confirm the at-fault driver’s lack of insurance
• Medical records and expert opinions to establish the severity of injuries and long-term care needs
• Witness statements and surveillance footage to support the client’s version of events
• Financial records and employment documentation to calculate lost wages and future income loss

By building a solid case, we eliminate insurance company arguments that attempt to undervalue the claim and ensure our clients receive the full compensation they deserve.

Exploring Alternative Compensation Options

For clients whose UM/UIM coverage is insufficient or who do not carry this type of insurance, we explore additional avenues for compensation, such as:

• Holding other liable parties accountable: If road conditions or a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, we may pursue compensation from a government agency or manufacturer.
• Negotiating with medical providers: In some cases, we work to reduce outstanding medical bills so clients are not left with unmanageable debt.
• Structured settlements: If the at-fault driver can only pay over time, we help arrange payment plans that ensure clients receive some level of compensation.

Providing Personalized Legal Support

Every uninsured or underinsured motorist case is different, and we tailor our legal strategies to meet each client’s specific needs. We understand that these cases involve financial stress and emotional hardship, so we offer compassionate guidance throughout the process. 

From handling paperwork and legal filings to representing clients in court if necessary, our team ensures that accident victims in Sandy receive the advocacy and support they need to move forward.