When you get into an accident, finding out the other driver doesn’t have insurance adds insult to injury. Suddenly, you face not just the physical aftermath but also the potential financial strain. That’s where Good Guys Injury Law steps in.
We understand how underinsured motorist coverage works in a car accident or motor vehicle accident in the local area. Your own insurance company should offer underinsured coverage that kicks in when the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your property damage and medical expenses.
Underinsured drivers are familiar with Utah car accidents, so learn more below. Then, call us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your injury claim.
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Secure Legal Representation From a Utah Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
Securing legal representation is a crucial first step. A skilled Good Guys Injury Law lawyer can provide your guidance and support. We work to explore every avenue for compensation, whether through your insurance or other legal remedies.
Insurance companies can be stubborn when you are recovering from a car accident. Our attorneys take the lead in communicating with your insurance provider to ensure your claim receives the attention it deserves. We understand the ins and outs of Utah’s insurance laws. We aim to prevent the insurance company from unjustly undervaluing or denying your claim.
What You Should Know About Uninsured Motorist Laws
Utah’s uninsured motorist laws are there to protect drivers like you. They require insurance companies to offer uninsured motorist coverage as part of their policies. This coverage steps in to cover costs when an at-fault driver lacks insurance. Understanding this coverage and how it applies to your situation is crucial.
Our Good Guys Injury Law lawyers can explain how these laws affect your claim. We help you understand your policy’s details, including coverage limits and exclusions. Navigating these laws can be tricky, but we have the expertise to guide you through them. We aim to ensure you’re fully informed about your rights and the compensation you’re entitled to.
Statistics: Prevalence of Uninsured Motorists in Utah
Uninsured drivers are more common than you might think. In Utah, many drivers need proper insurance to take to the road. According to a study released by the III, about one in eight drivers are uninsured. Many more are underinsured. The numbers in Utah, specifically, are similar. This exposes other motorists to potential financial risks in a motorcycle accident. Good Guys Injury Law is familiar with these statistics and their impact on Utah drivers.
Legal Requirements for Auto Insurance in Utah
Utah law mandates that all drivers carry certain minimum levels of auto insurance. This includes liability coverage for both bodily injury and property damage. In Utah, drivers must have at least $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident in property coverage.
Reasons People Drive Without Insurance
- Cost Concerns: Some drivers might skip out on insurance because they think it’s too expensive. They might take the risk to save money, not considering the potential costs of an accident.
- Lack of Knowledge: Others might need help understanding the importance of insurance. They might need to realize that insurance is legally required.
- Forgetting to Renew: Life gets busy, and sometimes, people must remember to renew their policies. This oversight can lead to unintended uninsured driving.
- Difficulty Qualifying: Some drivers with poor driving records may need help to get insurance. High-risk drivers can face rejection from standard insurance providers.
- Intentional Risk-Taking: A few might drive without insurance as a deliberate gamble. They might believe they can avoid accidents or evade law enforcement.
Consequences of Driving Without Insurance in Utah
- Fines and Fees: Driving without insurance can lead to hefty fines in Utah. The state takes this violation seriously and imposes financial penalties to discourage this behavior.
- License Suspension: The state can suspend the driver’s license of anyone caught driving uninsured. This loss of driving privileges serves as a significant deterrent.
- Vehicle Impoundment: Law enforcement may impound the vehicle of an uninsured driver. Retrieving the vehicle can involve additional fees and complications.
- SR-22 Requirement: Drivers may need to file an SR-22 form after a violation. This is a certificate of financial coverage that proves you have insurance.
- Legal Troubles and Potential Criminal Charges: Uninsured drivers can face legal troubles beyond fines. Depending on the circumstances, they may even face criminal charges.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Once drivers get insurance after a violation, their premiums can skyrocket. Insurance companies view uninsured driving as a risky behavior.
- Difficulty Finding Insurance: Finding insurance can become more challenging after a violation. Insurance companies might consider an uninsured driver to be high-risk.
- Personal Liability for Damages in Accidents: If uninsured drivers cause an accident, they are personally liable for damages. This can lead to significant financial strain.
- Risk of Losing Personal Assets in Lawsuits: In the event of a lawsuit, uninsured drivers risk losing personal assets. Victims may seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver’s assets.
Steps To Take After an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Utah
A few key steps to follow include:
Documenting the Accident Scene and Collecting Evidence
Right after the accident, start gathering evidence. Be sure to take some pictures of the crash, the location, and your injuries. Collecting this evidence will support your claim and provide a clear incident record.
Seeking Medical Attention and Filing a Police Report
Your health is the top priority, so see a doctor immediately. Even if you feel fine, some injuries take time to show symptoms. Filing a police report also creates an official accident record, which is crucial for your claim.
Notifying Your Insurance Company
Tell your insurance company about the crash. Be careful with your words and stick to the facts. Your insurer will start the claims process based on the information you provide.
Contacting an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
It’s wise to contact an uninsured motorist accident lawyer quickly. We can protect your rights and know how to proceed with your claim. Good Guys Injury Law is ready to support you when you call us.
Filing Claims Against Your Insurance
If an uninsured driver hits you, you’ll likely file a claim against your insurance policy. This type of coverage is designed to cover your losses when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Filing this claim can be complicated, but we’ll guide you.
Your insurance company may not always have your best interests at heart. They might minimize what they pay out for your claim. Our Good Guys Injury Law attorneys know how to negotiate with insurance companies. We ensure they treat your claim fairly and provide the compensation you deserve.
Determining Liability in an Uninsured Motorist Accident in Utah
Figuring out who is at fault in an accident is essential. Even if the other driver lacks insurance, we must prove they caused the accident. This involves showing that their actions led to the collision and your injuries.
In some cases, liability might need to be clarified. There could be several factors or parties involved. Our lawyers will analyze the evidence to determine fault accurately. We aim to hold the right people accountable for your losses.
Uninsured Motorist Accident Statute of Limitations
Utah has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing an uninsured motorist claim. You usually have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but you must act immediately. It can make collecting evidence and proving your case easier. Good Guys Injury Law will help you keep track of important deadlines and take action on time.
Recoverable Damages You May Pursue After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
After an uninsured motorist accident, you can pursue various damages. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We aim to help you recover the total amount you’re entitled to.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible costs related to the accident. This covers lost wages or income, medical expenses, and property damage. We work to quantify these damages and pursue compensation that covers all your financial losses.
Economic damages can also include costs you might not immediately think of. Things like rehabilitation expenses, modifications to your home if you’re disabled, and any long-term care you might need. We consider the full scope of your economic losses to ensure your claim is comprehensive.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of an accident. This can cover emotional trauma, pain, and suffering. These damages are subjective but just as crucial as economic damages.
Calculating non-economic damages can be complex. We look at the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and how the accident has affected your mental health. Our attorneys strive to secure compensation that acknowledges the full extent of your suffering.
What Our Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyers Can Do for You
1. Explaining the Legal Responsibilities of Uninsured Motorists
Our attorneys can explain the legal responsibilities of uninsured motorists in Utah after an accident. We’ll clarify what the law expects from them and how it affects your claim. They should compensate you for the damages they caused, and we’ll outline the steps to ensure they’re held accountable.
2. A Lawyer Can Help Victims Seek Compensation
At Good Guys Injury Law, we assist victims in seeking the compensation they need to recover from an accident with an uninsured driver. We explore every possible source of compensation, whether through your insurance or by taking legal action against the at-fault driver. We focus on getting you the money you need to heal and move on with your life.
3. Handling Insurance Claims and Negotiations
We handle all the insurance claims and negotiations for you. We understand that insurance companies can be difficult and obstinate. Our lawyers have the negotiation skills to ensure that insurance companies offer fair settlements. We are ready to take your case to court if they don’t.
Contact Our Utah Uninsured Motorist Attorneys at Good Guys Injury Law for an Initial Consultation Today
If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured motorist, don’t wait to get help. Contact Good Guys Injury Law today for an initial consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and discuss how we can support you.
Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s start getting you the justice and recovery you’re entitled to.