Utah Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

The aftermath can be tough when you collide with a driver who lacks enough insurance. You might find your bills piling up without enough coverage from the other side to help. That’s where a Utah Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer steps in. Our team understands the stress and fights to get you the compensation you deserve.

At Good Guys Injury Law, we understand that uninsured motorist coverage is a significant concern in the local area. With uninsured motorist insurance coverage, your insurance policy will step in if a car accident occurs and the other driver does not have enough insurance. If an uninsured driver hits you, you might wonder what to do next. We can pursue the at-fault driver and seek justice on your behalf.

Learn more about uninsured drivers, underinsured drivers, and car insurance below. Then contact us for help with your uninsured motorist claim.

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Experienced Representation From a Utah Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer for Your Case

Opting for a skilled lawyer is vital when dealing with an underinsured motorist claim after a car accident. You need someone who knows the law and understands your struggle. Our attorneys bring years of experience, specializing in underinsured motorist cases across Utah.

Our approach involves a deep dive into every aspect of your case. We look at the accident details, insurance policies, and all available evidence to build a strong claim. We stand by our clients every step of the way, from the first consultation to the final verdict or settlement. With Good Guys Injury Law, you have a dedicated advocate fighting for your rights.

Understanding Underinsured Motorist Accidents

What Is an Underinsured Motorist Accident?

An underinsured motorist accident happens when the at-fault driver’s insurance can’t cover your damages. This leaves you with expenses that exceed what their policy pays out. In these cases, your own underinsured motorist coverage can kick in. However, getting your insurance company to pay requires a solid understanding of your policy and your rights.

Common Causes and Consequences

Underinsured accidents often come from the same issues as any car crash: speeding, distraction, and more. The difference lies in the aftermath. Victims face not only physical and emotional pain but also financial strain. The consequences can be long-lasting, impacting your life well beyond the initial accident.

Insurance Requirements in Utah

Utah law requires drivers to have minimum levels of insurance coverage, which we detail below. This includes liability insurance to cover harm to others if you cause an accident. However, these minimums often don’t cover all the expenses of a serious crash. That’s why having additional underinsured motorist coverage is a smart move for protection.

Legal Framework in Utah

In Utah, the laws governing auto insurance and accidents are there to ensure victims receive fair compensation. These laws include specific requirements for insurance coverage and how victims can pursue additional damages. They are designed to provide a legal path for recovering costs not covered by the at-fault driver’s policy.

Utah’s Insurance Laws

Utah’s insurance laws require drivers to carry certain types of insurance. This includes personal injury protection (PIP) as part of Utah’s no-fault system. With PIP, your own insurance pays for some of your healthcare expenses after an accident, regardless of who caused it. But when costs exceed these limits, that’s when underinsured coverage becomes vital.

The laws also regulate how insurance companies handle claims. They must act in good faith and make fair settlements. When they don’t, a lawyer can hold them accountable. Having legal representation ensures you navigate these laws effectively.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

Every driver in Utah must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person. They also need $65,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage, as stated by the Utah Insurance Department. These amounts can quickly be exhausted in a serious accident. That’s why it’s often not enough to just rely on the other driver’s minimum coverage.

The state also mandates that insurance companies offer underinsured motorist coverage. However, drivers can choose to decline this in writing. Without it, they risk being left with unpaid bills after an accident with an underinsured driver.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is for when the other driver either has no insurance or not enough. This coverage pays for your losses that exceed the at-fault driver’s limits. While it’s optional in Utah, it’s a safeguard against the high costs of accidents.

Even if you have this coverage, collecting from your own insurance company can be a battle. They might dispute your claim or offer less than you deserve. That’s where having an experienced attorney becomes crucial. They can argue your case and push for the coverage you’ve paid for.

Steps To Take After an Underinsured Motorist Accident

A few key steps to take include:

Immediate Actions

Right after an accident, check for injuries and call 911. Your safety and health are the top priority. Then, make sure to exchange information with the other driver. Even if they’re underinsured, having their details is critical for any legal action.

Gathering Evidence

Document everything at the accident scene. Take pictures, look for witnesses, and get their statements. This evidence can prove invaluable later on. It paints a clear picture of what happened and helps establish fault.

Reporting the Accident to Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurance company about the accident promptly. Be clear but careful with your words; don’t admit fault or downplay your injuries. This report starts the claim process, and what you say can affect your compensation. Reach out to us before speaking to your insurance company.

Legal Process and Settlement

Filing a Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit might be your best move when insurance doesn’t cover all your damages. This legal action formally demands compensation from the underinsured driver. It can be a complex process, but a good lawyer can handle the paperwork and guide you through it.

Negotiating With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

Negotiating with insurance companies is tough. They have teams dedicated to paying as little as possible. A seasoned lawyer understands how to negotiate effectively. They can push back against lowball offers and work towards a fair settlement.

Mediation and Arbitration

Mediation and arbitration are ways to solve the dispute without a full court trial. They involve a neutral third party who helps both sides reach an agreement. This might be quicker and less costly than going to court. But you still need a lawyer to represent your interests.

Going to Trial if Necessary

Sometimes, the only way to get fair compensation is to go to trial. This means presenting your case in front of a judge or jury. Trials can be unpredictable and time-consuming. But with a strong legal team, you can make a compelling case for the damages you’re owed.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Navigating the Claims Process

The insurance claim process can be a maze of paperwork and red tape. You need to understand the terms of your policy and the law to navigate it successfully. A lawyer can manage this process for you, dealing with the insurance company and making sure they respect your claim.

Common Challenges and Tactics Used by Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often use tactics to minimize what they pay. They might delay the process, question your injuries, or argue you were at fault. A lawyer who’s seen these tricks before can counter them effectively. They work to keep the insurance company honest and focused on a fair payout.

Maximizing Compensation

To get the most out of your claim, you must detail all your damages thoroughly. This can cover current and future medical bills, lost wages, and more. A lawyer can help quantify these costs. They fight to get you a settlement that covers your full range of losses.

Determining Liability

Investigating the Underinsured Driver’s Liability

Determining who’s at fault is key in underinsured motorist accidents. Your lawyer will look into the crash, gathering evidence to show the other driver’s liability. They might collect traffic cam footage, police reports, and more to build your case.

Comparative Fault in Utah

Utah follows a comparative fault rule. This means your compensation can be reduced if you’re partly to blame for the accident. The law allows you to collect damages only if you’re less than 50% responsible. An attorney can work to show that you were not at fault or that your share of the blame is minimal.

Establishing Negligence

To get compensation, you must prove the other driver was negligent. This involves showing they owed you a duty of care and breached it, leading to your injuries. A lawyer can help make this case, demonstrating the other driver’s failure to act responsibly on the road.

Underinsured Motorist Accident Statute of Limitations

Utah sets a time limit for filing an underinsured motorist claim, known as the statute of limitations. You have four years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit for personal injury (Utah Code § 78B-2-307). You must file by this deadline to pursue compensation. A lawyer can ensure you meet all critical deadlines.

Calculating Damages for Underinsured Motorist Accidents

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the out-of-pocket expenses you face after an accident. These can include medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income if you can’t work. A lawyer will add up these costs to calculate the economic damages you’re owed.

Calculating future expenses is also part of this process. If your injuries lead to long-term needs, like ongoing care or adaptations to your home, these should be part of your claim. An attorney will consider all these factors to ensure your settlement covers them.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the less tangible effects of an accident. This might cover suffering and pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages deserve compensation, even though they don’t come with a receipt.

Calculating these damages is less straightforward than adding up bills. Your lawyer will use their experience and legal methods to assign a value to your non-economic damages.

Our Utah Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You With an Underinsured Motorist Claim

If you’re struggling after an accident with an underinsured driver, our Utah personal injury attorneys are here to help. We know the complex insurance landscape and advocate for your right to fair compensation. With an understanding of both the tangible and intangible losses you have suffered, they will build a comprehensive claim that addresses your full range of damages. Our attorneys are committed to personal attention and aggressive representation, ensuring that your case is handled with the care it deserves.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Utah Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer To Discuss Your Claim | Call Good Guys Injury Law Today!

Don’t let an accident with an underinsured motorist derail your life. Reach out to Good Guys Injury Law today for help from our skilled Utah underinsured motorist accident lawyers. We will provide the clarity and guidance you need to understand your options and the strength and advocacy you require to pursue them.