When you are heading out on the roads it’s important to remember that not everyone has car insurance. You could potentially be getting into a serious collision with someone who can’t cover the costs of that accident. It’s essential to understand how your car insurance can help you and your loved ones when you are choosing your coverage because accidents happen. And if you ever find yourself in an accident with an uninsured driver you need to protect yourself.
Understanding Underinsured and Uninsured Drivers
What is uninsured motorist coverage? Thinking that they are saving money, drivers opt out of UM/UIM coverage. However, in a traditional fault system like in the state of Mississippi, drivers must pay for the other drivers' suffering from the accident including medical expenses, damages, lost wages, and any pain. If that driver doesn't have the proper coverage your coverage will pick up what the uninsured driver can't. If you don't have that coverage either you may find yourself with unexpected expenses in the thousands.
Underinsured Vs Uninsured Drivers (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM Covers Incidents like:
- Drivers that don’t have any car insurance
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Drivers whose insurance company denies coverage
- Drivers whose insurance company has gone out of business
Take Immediate Action at the Accident Scene
After an accident you need to:
- Look into everyone’s welfare
- Call the authorities for medical care
- Call the police for an official accident report
- Contact an attorney to help guide you through the case
If you are involved in a hit and run, the first thing to do is call all the necessary authorities to make sure that your medical needs are reported and the accident is properly investigated and reported. After contacting an attorney you will have an experienced legal team to help you recover any damages you’ve suffered.
Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company
Reporting the accident to your insurance company is tricky because you want to approach it carefully. Give them the facts as they are reported. Remember that although your insurance provider is there to help you with your coverage they don’t want to pay out for things they don’t have to. Having a Mississippi car accident lawyer they will speak with your insurance so that you don’t misspeak and they deny your claim.
When to Contact a Mississippi Car Accident Lawyer
Mississippi has some of the highest percentages of UM and UIM drivers on the road approaching 30% of drivers without the proper car insurance coverage. For most people, cars are an absolute necessity to live out their lives, and the insurance policies that you choose are a necessity to protect yourself. UM insurance coverage is a state law in Mississippi and the only way to waive that coverage is to do so in writing which if involved in an accident means that you are accepting that risk. After an accident, you should contact a car accident lawyer. They will help protect your interests and allow you to focus on recovery, your family, and getting your life back on track.
Richard Schwartz & Associates: We Fight for You After Car Accidents
Accidents happen and even if you weren’t at fault for a car accident you could be the victim of someone else’s negligence. Contact us today at Richard Schwartz & Associates to help you get the compensation that you need to move on with your life. We have seen how car accidents can change a person’s life, and bury them in debt. Let us help you and your loved ones.
Discuss Your Case with a Lawyer Today
Discussing your case with an experienced legal team is how you recover the maximum amount of compensation. Car accident lawsuits can be confusing and UM/UIM insurance claims add an extra level of frustration. Your legal team will know what you are entitled to and how to fight for it so you don’t leave significant and necessary amounts of money left on the table. Our legal team will make sure that your insurance company can’t pressure you into accepting an unfair settlement. Healing from an accident is more than enough to deal with, so let us battle the insurance companies on your behalf.
