Unfortunately, around 12 percent of drivers in Nevada ignore laws requiring insurance. Therefore, many individuals purchase uninsured motorist coverage. This type of coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. These policies will reimburse medical costs, loss of wages and other expenses if you are injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver.
UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS
According to Nevada law, if you are covered by uninsured motorist insurance, you also have underinsurance coverage. Underinsurance coverage will take affect if your damages exceed the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability coverage limits. This situation may occur if the at-fault driver purchased the minimum insurance required by law.
COLLECTING YOUR BENEFITS
When you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you will have to make a claim with your own insurance company to utilize your uninsured motorists insurance.
To begin, you must first establish that the uninsured/underinsured driver was at fault and that you suffered injuries. Once fault has been established, you must file the right type of claim with your insurance agency. Some states and policies allow you to "stack" your insurance coverage, which means that you can add together either insurance coverage from several motor vehicle policies or insurance coverage for several vehicles listed on one policy, maximizing your return.
Though insurance companies are supposed to work with your best interests in mind, they often do not. Even though the accident was not your fault, you may have trouble gaining reimbursement from your insurance agency. It is also important not to settle with the at-fault driver's insurance company without first speaking with your lawyer.
If you settle with the at-fault driver's insurance company first, some underinsured motorist policies will not require the insurance company to pay, ultimately costing you money. In any uninsured or underinsured accident case, it is important to seek the knowledgeable counsel of personal injury lawyers like those at High Stakes Injury Law in Las Vegas.
Some cases may include a need to sue your own insurance company in order to settle your uninsured motorist claim. Other cases may require the attention of your lawyer to ensure you are receiving maximum benefits. If you or a loved one were injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is important that you contact an experienced personal injury law firm immediately to avoid waiving your valuable legal rights.
Speak with the experienced personal injury attorneys at High Stakes Injury Law before settling any uninsured or underinsured cases.