Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Massachusetts
Getting into a car accident in Massachusetts is a stressful and traumatic experience for everyone involved. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, you may be dealing with physical injuries, damage to your vehicle, and the financial burdens that result from both.
In Massachusetts, it is illegal to drive without auto insurance coverage, but unfortunately some motorists do just that. Additionally, some Massachusetts drivers may only carry the minimum insurance coverage. This is especially common during recession periods. These coverage limits may not be sufficient to pay your medical bills and other damages in the event you are involved in an accident where an underinsured motorist is found to be at fault.
What should you do if you get into a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver? With the help of an experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorney, it is still possible to recover damages for your injuries.
UM / UIM Coverage
As a Massachusetts driver, you should carry what is known as UM/UIM insurance. This allows your own insurance coverage to pay for your medical bills when the negligent party in the accident is uninsured or underinsured.
An uninsured motorist provision can also often apply to hit-and-run accidents. In a hit-and-run, it is often impossible to identify the offending motorist in order to obtain their insurance information. Unless someone was able to get the negligent driver’s license plate, the case will be handled as one that includes an uninsured driver.
Pursuing a Claim Against An Uninsured/Underinsured Party
You may run into some difficulties when you pursue compensation from your insurance company following a auto accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
The uninsured or underinsured motorist was likely without adequate coverage because he or she could not afford it, so attempting to get them to pay damages out of their own funds will likely be a fruitless effort.
When your insurance company is asked to pay damages that the uninsured/underinsured driver is responsible for, it will likely watch out for its own bottom line and not necessarily act in your best interests. This may lead to payouts that do not fully cover the bills associated with your accident.
Your personal injury lawyer will be familiar with Massachusetts insurance requirements and can assist you with filing claims in accident cases involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. Your attorney can also help you negotiate with your insurance company and with the uninsured/underinsured negligent driver to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
An auto accident can ruin and completely change your life. If you have been injured in a car crash in Boston or Andover, you should contact an injury attorney to learn about your rights and determine liability. When you are interviewing personal injury attorneys ask critical questions, like: how long have you been practicing; what is the largest settlement or verdict you’ve obtained, and do you have experience with uninsured or underinsured drivers?
The Kiley Law Group, a law firm based in Boston and Andover, Massachusetts, takes time when speaking with you about your case and works with you on a contingent fee basis so there are NO FEES unless our trained personal injury lawyers win your case. Call now to schedule a FREE evaluation of your case.
Call (888) 208-1695 today.
