Getting into a car accident can be bad enough, but finding out that the at-fault driver for the accident doesn’t have enough insurance coverage or no coverage at all can add an extra layer of stress to an already difficult situation. This is where a trusted car accident lawyer can step in and handle an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim for you.

A skilled car accident lawyer will assert your rights and negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. So, if you are in this situation, don’t hesitate to contact a Steamboat Springs car accident attorney near you to pursue your UM/UIM claim.

Why a Lawyer Should Handle Your UM/UIM Claim

You might expect an at-fault driver’s insurance company to give you a hard time, but you likely assume your own provider will want to help you. After all, you pay premiums and might have been a dedicated policyholder of the same company for years. You have lived up to your end of the bargain regarding your policy terms, so shouldn’t your provider?

Even if you believe you can trust your insurance provider, it is still a business like any other insurer. These corporations want to protect their profits, avoiding claim payments or minimizing them whenever possible. They have many tactics to limit the company’s liability, and policyholders can make many common mistakes when trying to handle their own claims.

Limit Your Communications with Adjusters

First, avoid discussing the matter with your insurer in detail without legal representation. Anything you say might later be used against your claim. For example, if you say you are “fine” or your injuries are not as bad as expected, your insurer will take note. Later, when you seek compensation for serious injuries, the adjuster might use your offhand comments to challenge the severity of your injuries and limit your compensation.

All insurance companies can make claims challenging, and a UM/UIM claim is no different. That is why you should hire a car accident attorney, just like you should for an at-fault claim. Having a legal professional handle all communications can change the conversation with adjusters and make the UM/UIM process go smoother in many cases.

A lawyer experienced in handling UM/UIM claims understands the insurance process and knows what to say – and not to say – to adjusters. If you need to file this type of claim, seek a free consultation with a car accident attorney immediately before giving any in-depth statements to insurance representatives.

You Must Still Prove Fault for a Successful UM/UIM Claim

When filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim, you still need to prove the other driver’s negligence and fault to have a successful claim. This can be a legally complicated process, which is yet another reason to have a car accident lawyer by your side.

A car accident attorney will gather evidence of liability to present to your insurance company. This includes obtaining police reports, witness statements, and any available surveillance footage. They might also interview experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to determine who was at fault for the accident.

Having a lawyer to handle this process is essential, as they have the knowledge and experience to sufficiently prove fault. They understand the specific laws and regulations regarding car accidents in your state and will build a strong case on your behalf.

Ultimately, having a car accident lawyer on your side can significantly increase your chances of success when filing a UM/UIM claim. They will gather and present all necessary evidence to your insurance company, giving you the best possible chance at obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Never Accept a UM/UIM Settlement Without Legal Guidance

One of the most important things to remember is to always seek legal guidance before accepting any settlement offers from your insurance company.  All insurance companies can make lowball offers, hoping you will accept the settlement without fully understanding your rights. This is also true of your UM/UIM provider.

Many people do not realize the true nature of their current and future losses, including non-economic losses. A car accident attorney can assess your full damages, including:

• Medical expenses 
• Lost income and future earnings
• Pain and suffering

They can determine what the at-fault driver’s insurance may cover (if anything) and then present a strong case for the remaining compensation to your provider.

By working with a car accident lawyer, you can ensure you do not accept less than the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. If you accept an insufficient amount without legal representation, there is little you can do to seek more once you realize the mistake. A lawyer can explain your policy and coverage limits, evaluate the value of your claim, and advise when offers are fair or not.

Insurance companies may try to minimize the amount they have to pay by arguing that you were partially at fault for the accident or that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. A lawyer can present evidence to counter these arguments and build a strong case for maximum compensation.

Accepting a UM/UIM settlement without legal guidance can leave you at the mercy of your insurance company, potentially resulting in inadequate compensation for your injuries and damages. Hiring a skilled car accident lawyer can level the playing field and increase your chances of receiving the full compensation you need.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney Near You

If you’ve suffered an injury in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, it’s important to seek legal representation. Contact a car accident attorney near you who can guide you through filing an UM/UIM claim and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait; reach out to an experienced Steamboat Springs personal injury lawyer today and protect your rights. Consultations are free, so there is no risk in speaking with a local law firm today.