West Virginia Lawyers For Uninsured And Underinsured Car Accidents
While a car crash can happen in seconds, it can upend people’s lives for months, even years. On top of the pain and suffering you endure from your injury, you may also have to deal with expensive medical bills and lost wages from an inability to work. Wondering how you will afford your medical treatment and provide for your family may keep you up at night. ‘
A motor vehicle accident can be even more stressful if the driver who hit you fled the scene or was uninsured/underinsured. If you find yourself in this situation, you can seek help from the seasoned personal injury attorneys at Bottner & Associates, Attorneys at Law.
We can help you navigate the process and laws surrounding uninsured and underinsured car accidents in West Virginia. Call 304-885-4265 to learn more about how we can help you seek full and fair compensation today.
What ‘Uninsured’ And ‘Underinsured’ (UM And UIM) Really Mean For You
Uninsured motorist claims typically arise when the at-fault driver has no coverage, flees the scene or otherwise cannot be identified. Underinsured motorists are drivers who have liability coverage, but the policy limits are too low to cover the full cost of your injuries and losses.
In underinsured car accidents, you can recover some money from the other driver’s policy, but you may need to rely on your own UM/UIM insurance coverage to make up the difference. We can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions without guesswork.
How Your Own Insurance Can Help And Why Uninsured / Underinsured Car Accident Claims Get Complicated
Many people don’t realize their own policy may be the key to seeking fair compensation after an uninsured or underinsured car accident. However, even though it’s your insurer, the process can still feel adversarial when it questions your medical care, the severity of your injuries or how much the accident cost you. We can gather records, coordinate documentation, and present your claim in a way that your insurer can’t ignore and must take seriously.
West Virginia Underinsured / Uninsured Motorist FAQs
These are a few of the most common questions we get from our clients about uninsured and underinsured car accidents:
What should you do if the other driver has no liability insurance?
If the other driver has no liability insurance, make sure you:
- Call the police
- Call paramedics
- Document the scene
- Seek medical care
- Report the crash to your insurer
- Seek help from a seasoned West Virginia car accident lawyer
Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection may apply, but timing and documentation matter. We can help you preserve evidence and present your injuries and losses clearly. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the fewer pitfalls you face.
Can you use your own policy after an underinsured car accident?
Yes, you can typically use your own insurance policy after an uninsured car accident. When the at-fault driver has coverage liability limits that are too low, your underinsured coverage can help bridge the gap in compensation. We can evaluate policy limits, damages and available coverages to help you determine a path forward. Underinsured car accidents can often involve layered claims; our job is to keep the process organized and assertive.
Will filing a UM/UIM claim raise your insurance rates?
Rate impacts can depend on your policy and circumstances, and insurers consider many factors. What’s most important is protecting your right to compensation and avoiding missteps in making statements or completing paperwork. We can communicate with insurers on your behalf and push back on unfair claim tactics. Getting guidance early can help you strengthen your position.
You Don’t Have To Deal With This Alone
In a crash? Call The Stache. Getting hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist can be painful, frustrating and anxiety-inducing. However, just because the other driver failed to carry the proper coverage does not mean you have to suffer.
Schedule a consultation with us today. Email us or call 304-885-4265. We can fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve so you and your family can have peace of mind.