Dealing with Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in Orem

Collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers can leave you uncertain about your future. For a free case review, call Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks at (801) 500-4000 and learn about your best course of action.

Car accidents are stressful, but the situation becomes even more frustrating when the other driver has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your medical bills or car repairs. 

Finding out that the at-fault driver cannot fully compensate you is very frustrating. You may wonder who will pay for your expenses and how you will recover financially. The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself. Understanding how uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage works and knowing your legal options can help you avoid carrying the full burden alone.

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, our Orem car accident lawyers have helped many accident victims in Utah navigate complex insurance claims and recover the compensation they deserve.

If you are unsure what to do after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, we are here to help. Keep reading to learn about your rights, how insurance coverage applies, and the steps you can take to protect your financial future.

Understanding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is part of many car insurance plans. It helps protect you if you’re hit by a driver who either has no insurance (uninsured) or not enough insurance to cover the damage (underinsured).

This coverage can help pay for:

• Medical bills
• Car repairs
• Lost wages (if your policy includes it)

Do You Automatically Have UM/UIM Coverage?

In Utah, all car insurance policies include personal injury protection (PIP). However, PIP is not the same as UM/UIM coverage.

• You usually have to choose UM/UIM coverage when buying or renewing your policy.
• Some insurance plans include it by default, but you can opt out.
• If you get into an accident with someone who can’t pay for damages, UM/UIM coverage can help.

Why is UM/UIM Important in Orem?

Even though most drivers follow the law and carry insurance, some do not. Others only buy the cheapest policy, which may not cover serious injuries or car damage.

If you’re in a bad accident and the other driver’s insurance runs out, you could end up paying the rest of the costs yourself. UM/UIM coverage allows you to turn to your own insurance to cover the gap.

How UM/UIM Can Protect You

If you drive on busy roads or highways, your risk of an accident is higher. Imagine the difference in cost between a minor concussion and a spinal cord injury (which could lead to a long hospital stay and rehab).

If the at-fault driver is underinsured, it may not be enough coverage to address your bills. However, your own UM/UIM coverage can help pay the rest so you don’t have to.

Will Using UM/UIM Raise Your Insurance Rates?

Many people worry that using their UM/UIM coverage will make their insurance more expensive. But unlike an accident you cause, filing a UM/UIM claim usually does not raise your rates as much.

Since the accident wasn’t your fault, insurance companies treat these claims differently. However, it’s always a good idea to ask your insurance agent how a UM/UIM claim could affect your premium.

Does UM/UIM Cover Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Yes, in many cases. If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, your UM/UIM policy may cover the damage if you can prove that another driver caused the accident.

Important steps to take:

1. Call the police and report the accident.
2. Take pictures of the damage and scene.
3. Collect any witness statements if possible.

Why You Should Consider UM/UIM Coverage

UM/UIM coverage can be a financial lifesaver. It helps when the person who hit you can’t afford to pay for your injuries or car repairs.

Many experts recommend carrying a reasonable amount of UM/UIM coverage for peace of mind. It can save you from financial stress after an accident, making sure you’re not left to handle everything on your own.

Legal Options When the At-Fault Driver Lacks Adequate Insurance

Getting into a car accident is stressful, but it can be even worse if the driver who caused the crash doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages. Medical bills, car repairs, and lost wages can add up fast. Luckily, you still have legal options.

1. Use Your Own Insurance Coverage

If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, your own insurance company may help cover the costs. This type of coverage is designed for situations where the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance.

• Your insurance will review your medical bills, car repair costs, and other expenses.
• They will decide how much to pay, but only up to your policy limit.
• Sometimes, insurance companies try to pay less than what you deserve. If that happens, you may need to provide more evidence or hire an Orem car accident lawyer to negotiate for you.

2. Sue the At-Fault Driver

You can also file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident. This might work if the driver has personal assets, like savings or property, that could be used to pay you. However:

• Many uninsured or underinsured drivers don’t have enough money to pay a court judgment.
• Even if you win in court, actually getting the money can be difficult.
• You may need to go through wage garnishments or put a lien on their property to collect the money.

An Orem car accident lawyer can help you figure out if suing the driver is worth it.

3. Look for Other Parties Who Might Be Responsible

In some cases, someone else might also be responsible for the accident. For example:

• If the at-fault driver was on the job, their employer might be responsible.
• If a mechanical defect caused the crash, a car manufacturer or repair shop could be at fault.

These situations don’t happen in every case, but it’s worth investigating. If another party is responsible, you may be able to get more compensation.

4. Seek Help with Medical Bills

If you’re struggling with medical bills, you may have other options:

• Health insurance (Medicaid, Medicare, or private insurance) can help pay bills while your case is being settled.
• Some doctors and hospitals offer payment plans or wait for your settlement before requiring full payment.

These options can help relieve financial stress while you work through your legal claim.

5. Maximize Your Insurance Coverage

If you have multiple insurance policies, you may be able to combine (or “stack”) coverage to get more compensation. For example:

• If you have UM/UIM coverage on more than one vehicle, you might be able to add them together for a larger payout.
• If you’re covered under a family member’s insurance, that coverage might also help.

Laws about stacking coverage vary, so an attorney can help you figure out if this is an option for you.

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

The minutes and days following a collision can feel chaotic, especially if you discover the other driver has little or no insurance. Knowing the right steps to take can help protect your health and your potential claim.

• Seek Medical Attention: Your well-being comes first. If you or anyone else is hurt, call for medical help right away. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, might not be obvious at the scene. Getting checked by a doctor ensures you have an accurate record of your condition, which is also important for insurance claims.
• Call the Police: Always notify law enforcement after a car crash, especially if there is property damage or injuries. The police report can serve as a neutral account of what happened, including details about the other driver’s lack of insurance. This document might play a key role when you file a UM/UIM claim with your insurance company.
• Gather Information: Try to collect the other driver’s contact details, even if they do not have insurance. Ask for their driver’s license and vehicle information. Take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Proper documentation can support your story later.
• Inform Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible. Stick to the basic facts, like where and when the crash happened. Do not accept blame or downplay your injuries. If the insurer needs more details, you can provide them after you have had a chance to talk to a lawyer.
• Check Your Coverage: Look at your own auto policy to see if you have UM/UIM benefits. This coverage might help pay medical bills or property damage. If you are unsure about policy details, an insurance agent or attorney can explain what you are entitled to.
• Keep Track of Expenses: Save all receipts and bills related to the accident. This includes medical services, medications, car repairs, and even the cost of a rental vehicle if your car is not drivable. Also, note any missed workdays. This information helps prove the value of your claim.
• Consult a Lawyer: If the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little coverage, it is wise to get legal advice. A lawyer can examine your policy for UM/UIM options, negotiate with your insurance, and explore whether there are other liable parties. They can also guide you if you decide to take legal action against the at-fault driver.
• Avoid Quick Settlements: You might receive a low offer from your insurance company soon after the crash. Resist the urge to accept until you are sure you understand your total losses. Once you agree, you usually cannot ask for more if your injuries worsen or you discover new expenses.

By following these steps, you stand a better chance of securing fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Even when you face an uninsured or underinsured driver, there are still avenues for relief, especially if you act promptly and gather solid evidence.

How Our Firm Assists Clients Dealing with Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists in Orem

At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we understand how stressful an accident can be, especially if the other driver has little or no insurance. You shouldn’t have to deal with complicated claims while recovering from injuries and financial worries. Our Orem personal injury lawyers are here to support you every step of the way.

Listening to Your Story

The first thing we do is listen. We want to understand what happened, how the accident has affected you, and what concerns you most. Every case is different, and we believe giving personal attention leads to the best results.

Investigating the Accident

Once we know your situation, we start gathering evidence. This may include:

• Police reports
• Photos of the accident scene
• Medical records
• Witness statements

If needed, we work with experts who can recreate the accident to prove what happened.

Reviewing Your Insurance Coverage

Many people don’t realize they have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. We carefully review your policy to see if you have protection. If you have multiple policies—such as coverage on more than one car or through a family member—we explore ways to combine them to increase your compensation.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies don’t always offer fair settlements. We handle all negotiations for you, showing proof of:

• Your injuries
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If the insurance company tries to minimize your claim, we push back with strong evidence from medical reports and expert opinions.

Looking for Additional Compensation

If the at-fault driver has some insurance, we check if their policy can contribute to your recovery. In some cases, we may find that another party is also responsible, such as:

• A manufacturer if a vehicle defect caused the accident
• The city if poor road conditions played a role

Finding extra sources of compensation can make a big difference in covering your losses.

Taking Your Case to Court if Needed

If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we are ready to take your case to court. Our experienced attorneys know how to present cases before judges and juries. We’ve won major settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases.

Keeping You Informed

We believe in clear communication. We return calls quickly and explain everything in simple terms. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case.

Even when insurance options seem limited, we work hard to find solutions that help you move forward. Our goal is to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.