Car accidents are stressful enough, but discovering that the other driver doesn’t have insurance can add a whole new layer of uncertainty. While Utah law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, not everyone follows the rules.
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Utah, you might wonder how you’ll cover medical bills, vehicle repairs, or lost wages. Fortunately, there are legal options available, and our Utah car accident lawyer at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks can help you explore every avenue for compensation.
Understanding Utah’s Auto Insurance Requirements
Utah is a no-fault state, which means that after most accidents, your own insurance company pays for your medical expenses and lost income, up to the limits of your policy, regardless of who caused the crash. This system is designed to reduce the need for litigation in minor accidents. However, when the injuries are serious, or when the at-fault driver is uninsured, things can get more complicated.
All Utah drivers are required to carry the following minimum insurance coverage:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $65,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people
- $15,000 for property damage
- $3,000 in Personal Injury Protection
But not every driver follows these laws. If you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance or who flees the scene, it can feel like you’re left without a safety net. That’s where uninsured motorist claims in Utah come in.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional but highly recommended part of your auto insurance policy. It provides financial protection if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or if you’re the victim of a hit-and-run accident. In Utah, insurance companies are required to offer UM coverage when you buy a policy, although you can decline it in writing.
UM coverage helps pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in fatal cases
If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurer to help cover your losses. It essentially steps into the shoes of the uninsured driver and pays what they would have been legally obligated to pay.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
The steps you take after an accident with an uninsured driver are crucial to preserving your right to compensation. Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident to law enforcement. In addition, you should get a copy of the crash report.
- Get medical attention even if your injuries seem minor.
- Exchange contact information, but don’t expect insurance details from the other driver.
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries.
- Contact your insurance company and inform them of the accident.
Even if the other driver admits they don’t have insurance, you’ll need documentation to support your uninsured motorist claim in Utah. A police report can serve as valuable evidence, especially if the other driver tries to deny responsibility later.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Utah
Filing a UM claim involves working with your own insurance company. While that may sound simple, don’t be fooled; insurance providers often look for ways to minimize payouts, even when dealing with their own policyholders. You may need to provide evidence of the other driver’s lack of coverage, medical records, proof of income loss, and detailed accounts of your pain and suffering.
That’s why it’s wise to work with an experienced Utah car accident lawyer. Your attorney can help you:
- Gather the necessary documentation for your claim
- Handle communications with your insurance company
- Negotiate a fair settlement
- Pursue a lawsuit if your insurer acts in bad faith
If your damages exceed the limits of your UM coverage, you may have additional options, including suing the at-fault driver directly. However, collecting from an uninsured driver is often difficult, as they may not have the assets to pay a judgment.
What If You Don’t Have UM Coverage?
If you declined uninsured motorist coverage when you purchased your policy, your options are more limited. However, you may still be able to recover some costs through:
- Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which covers up to $3,000 in medical expenses
- Collision coverage, which can help pay for vehicle repairs
- Health insurance, for additional medical expenses
Unfortunately, without UM coverage, you’ll likely be on the hook for most costs unless the at-fault driver can somehow be made to pay.
Why You Need a Utah Car Accident Lawyer
Dealing with the aftermath of an accident involving an uninsured driver is complicated, and going it alone can lead to missed opportunities for compensation. A knowledgeable Utah car accident lawyer can evaluate your case, determine your best legal options, and advocate for your rights every step of the way. Whether that means pursuing a UM claim, dealing with a difficult insurer, or helping you understand your policy limits, having legal support makes a significant difference.
At Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks, we’ve helped countless Utah residents navigate the complex process of recovering after accidents involving uninsured drivers. We know how to protect your interests and ensure your voice is heard, especially when you’re dealing with reluctant insurance companies.
Contact Flickinger Boulton Robson Weeks Today
If an uninsured driver hits you in Utah, don’t wait to get the help you need. Let a trusted legal team guide you through the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim in Utah and fight for the compensation you deserve.
For these reasons and more, call Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks today at (801) 500-4000 to schedule a free consultation with our efficient Utah car accident lawyer.
