Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorneys in Colorado Springs

Being involved in a car accident is oftentimes a stressful and lengthy process that can seriously impact your day-to-day life for months at a time. Auto accidents become even more complicated when you find out that the other driver either does not have insurance or is underinsured. In these instances, it can be incredibly helpful to have an experienced car accident attorney by your side for legal support. 

If you or somebody you know has been involved in an uninsured motorist accident in Colorado Springs, do not hesitate to reach out to the Shakeshaft Law Firm and our team of skilled lawyers.

Does Colorado Law Require Auto Insurance?

In the state of Colorado, it is mandatory for all drivers to carry auto insurance. Drivers should carry proof of insurance at all times. Drivers who are caught without insurance could receive 4 points against their license and may be subject to penalties like fines and license suspensions. Repeat offenders will be met with larger fines, longer license suspensions, and possibly even mandatory community service. 

Colorado requires a minimum liability coverage that aims to ensure that the at-fault party in the accident is able to cover any damages or injuries they may have caused. 

While higher coverages may be purchased, the minimum coverage required is $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death, and $50,000 for bodily injury or death for all people involved in one accident. For minimum liability coverage, $15,000 is the maximum that insurance providers in Colorado will cover for property damage per accident. 

It is recommended to consider purchasing additional coverage like comprehensive, collision, Med Pay, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages to help protect yourself from further costs. 

Uninsured Motorist Accidents

An uninsured motorist accident is defined as any accident where the at-fault party does not have any auto insurance coverage. This will typically cause some problems for the victims of the accident when trying to seek compensation. Colorado has an estimated 17.5% of uninsured drivers on the road.

In these instances, the driver without insurance is often unable to cover the damages themselves, meaning that victims will be forced to rely on their own insurance. For these situations, it is extremely helpful to have uninsured motorist, or UM, coverage. UM coverage will generally assist victims in receiving compensation for any damages, injuries, or lost wages. This coverage exists as a way to help protect yourself against uninsured motorists. 

If the at-fault driver does not possess auto insurance, victims have the option to sue them personally, though recovery for damages is not guaranteed. Compensation is often more difficult to secure if the at-fault driver lacks assets. 

Underinsured Motorist Accidents

Underinsured motorist accidents occur when the at-fault driver does have auto insurance, but their coverage does not cover the full extent of the damages caused by the accident. Insurance providers also offer underinsured motorist, or UIM, coverage. Your insurance provider will generally work with the at-fault party and their insurance to help you determine and secure compensation for your damages. 

In Colorado, it is a requirement for all auto insurance providers to offer UM/UIM coverage in every policy, though drivers are permitted to decline. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

After an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident, Colorado allows up to 3 years to file a claim. All personal injury claims caused by an auto accident, including uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents, will have a statute of limitations of 3 years.

Colorado’s deadlines may differ from your insurance provider’s, so it is advisable that you check your policy and meet the proper deadlines. You should reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible if you have been involved in an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident to avoid any further complications. 

Working with one of our Colorado Springs attorneys can help simplify this chaotic experience for you by assisting in the handling of the claims process and ensuring that all deadlines are met. Our team of auto accident lawyers is well-prepared to take on your case and help you secure the compensation that you deserve. 

Can I Still Receive compensation if the Other Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured?

In Colorado Springs, there are avenues for ensuring that you are compensated for your damages if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. UM/UIM coverage is strongly encouraged for any driver as a means to help protect yourself in the event of an accident. 

As mentioned before, you are still able to file a lawsuit against another driver if they were not carrying insurance at the time of the accident. However, the time and costs of hiring a lawyer may not be worth it if the at-fault driver does not have the assets or resources to compensate you for the damage. For this reason, it is typically recommended to go through your insurance provider for better results. 

Working with a lawyer who has experience dealing with uninsured and underinsured motorist accidents can be highly beneficial. If you are facing challenges with your insurance provider, an attorney may be able to help negotiate with your insurance company to help secure the appropriate compensation. An auto accident attorney will also be able to provide invaluable legal representation if you do choose to go to court. 

Contact Shakeshaft Law Firm Today

We strongly encourage you to consult with one of our Colorado Springs uninsured motorist attorneys today if you have been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. It is important to act quickly after an accident to start gathering all of the necessary information and help maximize your claim. If you or somebody close to you has been in an auto accident and is seeking legal representation, call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Information in Colorado Springs, Colorado

• SB17-182: Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Medical Coverage: This legislative bill addresses the limitations on coverage for damages resulting from motor vehicle accidents when uninsured motorist insurance is available. It specifies insurer obligations and conditions for policy stacking, ensuring consumers are aware of their rights and the extent of their coverage in such scenarios.
• Colorado Division of Insurance - Consumer Advisory: This advisory provides valuable advice and information for consumers dealing with insurance claims, particularly in cases involving uninsured motorist accidents. It aims to guide consumers through the claims process, highlighting key considerations and steps to take to ensure fair and effective resolution.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Motor Vehicle Insurance: This guide offers a comprehensive overview of motor vehicle insurance coverage, explaining its importance and the various types available to consumers. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding how insurance works, what coverage is necessary, and how to make informed decisions when purchasing insurance.