The Benefits of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Having an uninsured coverage plan isn’t mandatory in Arizona, but it’s highly advisable nonetheless. As many as one in eight drivers are uninsured nationwide, with 12 percent of motorists in Arizona lacking insurance. If you get into an auto accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, your only hope of compensation might be a comprehensive insurance plan.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works

Uninsured (and underinsured) motorist coverage is included in most comprehensive insurance plans as an extra safeguard on the road. If you get into an accident with an at-fault driver, you would normally file a claim with their insurance company for compensation—however, if they don’t have an insurance company, you’ll need to turn elsewhere. With an uninsured motorist plan, you’ll instead file your claim through your insurance company, who will take the place of the at-fault driver’s insurance. This can be an excellent deal for the driver, as most insurance companies will offer their clients fair, reasonable settlements and avoid underhanded tactics for the sake of keeping their business. 

Underinsured motorist coverage serves the same purpose but for whenever a driver doesn’t have sufficient coverage. In Arizona, having car insurance isn’t technically mandatory—drivers only need a certain minimum of financial coverage, which could alternatively take the form of bonds and verifiable securities of at least $40,000. When your damages exceed their securities, you’ll settle the remainder through your insurance provider, just like with an uninsured motorist claim.

Can I Sue Instead?

Yes, you can sue an uninsured motorist—but it might not be worth it. In cases where you only suffered minor damages, such as fender benders and other low-speed collisions that cause only mild injuries, a lawsuit is an expensive, time-consuming endeavor that won’t net you much. An uninsured motorist claim can cover your losses in full, but without that coverage, you might find yourself between a rock and a hard place and be forced to pay out of pocket despite having the ability to sue. Although uninsured drivers face legal consequences, those penalties won’t compensate you for your loss and suffering. As your losses grow more severe, the prospect of a lawsuit becomes more favorable—conversely, however, uninsured motorists will be able to sue you in full in Arizona if you were even partially at fault. To combat a potential countersuit and secure a fair, reasonable settlement that covers your losses, pain, and suffering in full, you’ll likely need the assistance of an experienced auto accident attorney.

Arizona Auto Accidents with Uninsured Drivers

If you don’t have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company isn’t offering a fair settlement, or if you need to pursue a lawsuit for additional compensation in Arizona, ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS can help. The aftermath of an accident is stressful enough already, and the legal overhead and paperwork of a lawsuit or series of settlement counteroffers can needlessly add to that burden. Our compassionate, talented attorneys can take that burden off your shoulders and maximize your settlement, so please, call us today at (623) 877-3600 to schedule your free consultation.