Drivers who live in Las Vegas or elsewhere in Nevada and own a motor vehicle are required to carry liability insurance in the amount of at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident. Drivers must have this coverage before they can register a vehicle. That way, if a driver is at fault for a car accident, his or her insurance policy will cover the damages of the other party involved ─ up to the policy limits.
However, with many car accidents, the at-fault driver may have minimum insurance coverage, but the actual damages are much greater than that. In the most frustrating cases, the at-fault driver may have no insurance at all. This is where the benefits of uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage come into play. If you have this type of coverage, you may be able to recover much-needed compensation through your own insurance, even if you were not at fault for the accident.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, our experienced and compassionate car accident lawyers in Las Vegas, NV can answer all your questions regarding uninsured or underinsured insurance coverage. These policies can be very complex and difficult to understand. If you are dealing with a car accident where you are trying to determine what your policy will cover, our lawyers are here to help.
Contact us now to schedule a free initial consultation.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is another layer of protection you can add to your auto insurance policy. UM insurance will cover you (and your passengers) when you have been injured by an uninsured driver. In other words, UM coverage takes effect whenever the other driver in a car accident lacks insurance and is at fault.
While UM insurance is not required in Nevada, it can be very beneficial to have in the event of a car accident that involves injuries. It is also worth noting that UM insurance covers damages related to personal injuries, not property damage, caused by uninsured motorists.
What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM), which is also not legally required in Nevada, protects you in the event that the other driver’s insurance policy limits are too low so that they do not cover all your damages. Under Nevada law, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage are combined into one policy. If you purchase uninsured motorist coverage, you will automatically be covered for losses in excess of the policy limits carried by an underinsured motorist.
Why You Need UM/UIM Coverage
Every driver should carry UM/UIM coverage in addition to the mandatory liability insurance. UM/UIM coverage offers additional protection to you and your passengers, taking care of you if you are injured and the at-fault driver doesn’t have any or enough insurance to pay for your injuries. Furthermore, this insurance is important for coverage in instances such as hit-and-run accidents.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
When you are in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Nevada, you need to take several steps to protect your right to compensation:
- Contact law enforcement immediately. Not only is this driver breaking Nevada law by not having proof of insurance, but a police report can prove to be critical to your case.
- Get the driver’s name, driver’s license number, and contact information. Sometimes, a driver may say they have valid insurance coverage but just don’t have proof on them. Get any insurance information they have, but keep in mind that you may discover the driver was dishonest and is actually uninsured.
- Seek immediate medical attention. Do not hesitate to get treatment for your injuries, and save all paperwork such as receipts, bills, and medical records.
- Save any evidence from the scene. This includes photos of the vehicles, your injuries, and the crash scene as a whole. Also, get the names and contact information for any witnesses to the crash.
- Contact a Nevada car accident attorney to discuss your options. Bring a copy of your auto insurance policy for our lawyers to review. Also bring any evidence you saved from the scene, such as photos, and any paperwork related to your crash.
Talk to a Knowledgeable Car Accident Lawyer Now
Have you been injured in a car accident in Las Vegas that was caused by an uninsured driver? If so, let our experienced and compassionate personal injury lawyers review your case for free and explain your legal options. We will be able to answer all of your questions about UM/UIM insurance, and we can fight for the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
At THE702FIRM Injury Attorneys, we have the skills and resources needed to take on deep-pocketed insurance companies. We know how these insurers operate and the strategies they use to minimize or deny personal injury claims. Our Las Vegas car accident attorneys can begin work on your uninsured motorist accident case immediately, and we will fight for every bit of compensation you are owed.
Contact us today to get started on your case. We offer free and confidential consultations. Our uninsured motorist coverage claim lawyers in Las Vegas work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t owe us a dime unless we recover compensation for you.