Experienced Mississippi Uninsured And Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Car accidents are stressful but become even more complicated when the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. In Mississippi, drivers may find themselves dealing with unexpected medical bills, vehicle repair costs and limited compensation options. Handling these situations requires understanding insurance laws and knowing how to approach claims.
At Germany Law Firm PLLC, our attorney, Bob Germany, offers a relentless pursuit of justice to victims with limited compensation options after accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers in Jackson, Mississippi. With over four decades of experience, he will scrutinize your case to ensure he has explored all legal options for the best possible outcome.
What Should You Do After An Accident With An Uninsured Driver?
A traditional car accident involves two insured drivers. It means that the at-fault driver’s insurance is responsible for covering the damages. However, the process changes if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. Without insurance coverage from the responsible party, victims may struggle to recover expenses such as medical costs, lost wages and property damage.
The first step after any car accident is to help ensure everyone’s safety and seek medical attention if necessary. Then, you should call the police to report the accident and obtain a copy of the police report to support your accident claim. Also, document the accident scene, gather witness information and notify your insurance company.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work In Mississippi?
Mississippi’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy. Although not required by law, it is highly recommended for drivers. UM coverage can protect you if injured in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance or whose insurance limits are insufficient to cover your damages.
In cases where a victim has UM coverage, their insurance will cover the expenses that the at-fault driver’s insurance would have paid. If you do not have UM coverage, you may be left relying on your health insurance or finances to cover the costs, making the situation far more challenging.
What Happens If You Do Not Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage helps fill the financial gap when someone causes an accident but lacks insurance. Without UM coverage, you can use your own health insurance to pay for medical bills or directly sue the driver who caused the crash.
However, the problem with a lawsuit is that a driver who cannot afford car insurance is unlikely to have the financial means to cover all your accident-related expenses. Even if you were not at fault in the crash and you win the lawsuit, can they afford to pay out? If not, you could be stuck holding the bill.
What Should You Expect From The Insurance Company After An Uninsured Motorist Accident?
Ideally, you should be able to anticipate fair treatment from your insurance carrier after a UM accident. They should cover your damages through your uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. Additional insurer responsibilities include properly investigating the accident, fairly assessing the damages and determining fair compensation based on your policy limits.
However, in the real world, do not expect them to offer the maximum allowable compensation voluntarily, as many insurance companies consistently offer lowball settlements. A lawyer can be invaluable in these situations by advocating for your rights.
You can improve the odds of a favorable outcome by reporting the accident to your insurer promptly and providing the required documentation. Be careful not to imply fault and discuss the accident with your provider to determine your next steps and how your UM coverage will be applied. Alternatively, your attorney can communicate with them on your behalf, reducing the odds of an unfair offer.
How Common Are Uninsured Motorists In Mississippi?
This is a major issue in Mississippi, more so than almost any other state. For instance, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that 22.2% of all drivers in Mississippi are uninsured. This is the third-highest rate in the entire country, trailing only New Mexico (24.9%) and Washington, D.C. (25.2%).
In Mississippi communities with lower household incomes, insurance coverage is less common because many residents need to drive but cannot afford the insurance coverage required by law. With almost one out of every four drivers deciding to skip purchasing an insurance policy, the odds are unfortunately high that you could be hit by someone without coverage.
Contact A Dedicated Advocate Today
If you find yourself injured in an accident with limited compensation options, work with Germany Law Firm PLLC. Mr. Germany is a dedicated motor vehicle accident lawyer in Jackson, Mississippi, who can guide you through your options and work to secure compensation. Call 601-812-5524 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation today.