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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Underinsured motorist claims involve situations where the at-fault driver has insurance, but the coverage limits are insufficient to cover all damages. Uninsured motorist claims occur when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Both types of claims require a thorough evaluation of your insurance policy and potential legal action to ensure fair compensation.
When selecting an uninsured motorist accident attorney in Colorado Springs, consider their experience with similar cases, success rate, client testimonials, and their willingness to provide a free consultation. A good attorney will be knowledgeable, communicative, and dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Colorado law mandates that insurance companies offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to protect accident victims. This coverage helps pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. Understanding these legal protections ensures you are adequately covered and can seek the necessary compensation. If you need legal assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to Shakeshaft Law Firm for a consultation.