What Is An Underinsured Motorist Claim?

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Car accidents happen suddenly and can cause a lot of harm and damage. Sometimes, the person who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance to pay for all the costs. This makes it hard for the injured person to get the money they need to cover their expenses. That’s when an underinsured motorist claim can help. It’s a way for the injured person to ask their own insurance company for help when the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough, somewhat like a safety net to make sure they get the compensation they deserve.  Underinsured coverage is based on your own policy and we will need to review your policy to determine if you are eligible for this coverage.

Importance Of Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage is of crucial importance for several reasons.

  • Protection Against Underinsured Drivers. A report by the Insurance Research Council found that about one out of every eight drivers in the US doesn’t have insurance. If you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough insurance, it can be really tough to get the money you need to cover your expenses.
  • Adequate Compensation For Damages. When you’re in a car accident, it can cause a lot of different problems and costs. You might have to pay for medical bills, fix your car, and lose money because you can’t work. If the person who caused the accident doesn’t have enough insurance to cover these costs, you’ll have to pay for everything by yourself. Having this kind of coverage can assist you with the financial side of things.
  • Timely Resolution Of Claims. When you submit an underinsured motorist claim to your own insurance company, the process is usually quicker and more streamlined than dealing with the other driver’s insurance company. Your insurance company will give priority to your claim and work efficiently to reach a resolution. This speeds up the process of getting the money you need to pay for your expenses and recover from the accident.

Filing For An Underinsured Motorist Claim

Filing an underinsured motorist claim can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can do it successfully.

  • Complete Claim Forms. After you get in touch with your insurance company, they will give you forms to fill out for your claim. It’s important to complete them accurately and provide all the information they ask for. Include details about the accident, the underinsured driver, and the damages you experienced. Don’t forget to attach any papers or evidence you collected.
  • Evaluation And Settlement. The insurance company will review your claim and look at how much coverage you have for underinsured motorists and the extent of your damages. They might ask for more documents or information to support your claim. Once they finish evaluating everything, they will make an offer to settle the claim based on what they think is fair.
  • Arbitration Or Legal Action. If you can’t agree on a settlement through discussions, there are other ways to resolve the issue. One option is arbitration, where an independent person helps settle the dispute. Keep in mind that some insurance policies have rules for arbitration. Another option is taking legal action by going to court. It’s a good idea to consult with a lawyer who knows about insurance claims to help you with this process.

Let’s File That Underinsured Motorist Claim Together

If you or a loved one has been severely injured, don’t delay – call (800) 529-0804 right now for a free consultation with an expert car accident lawyer. When dealing with a stressful situation, you need a knowledgeable team to guide you through the recovery process. Contact Tatum & Atkinson, PLLC right away! There is no obligation, and it will not cost you anything to learn about your legal possibilities for pursuing compensation.

CALL THE HEAVY HITTERS AT 1-800-LAW-0804 TODAY!