Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage and What You May Not Know
It is not legal to drive a vehicle in the United States without possessing some form of car insurance. Despite this, an alarming number of drivers are uninsured. If you or someone you know has suffered injury as a result of negligence by an uninsured driver, you may need a car accident lawyer like the attorneys at Reasonover Law Firm.
This article discusses something called uninsured motorist coverage, which is available through most auto insurance companies as part of an existing policy. This type of coverage provides financial protection in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.
Should I Consider Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Forbes magazine provides annual estimates for the number of uninsured drivers in all fifty states. According to a recent article, one in eight drivers in the United States drives uninsured. The estimated number of uninsured drivers in Tennessee is high, at approximately 23.7%.
Again, uninsured motorist coverage provides additional financial protection in the case of a car accident involving an uninsured driver. This coverage often matches your liability limits, up to a certain amount. Additionally, you can purchase coverage that protects your vehicle and your property from damage caused by uninsured drivers.
Does Regular Auto Insurance Include Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Many auto insurance companies include some form of uninsured motorist coverage in their car insurance policies. Most car insurance policies also cover some level of personal medical costs if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. But if a car accident causes long-term physical harm, it may not completely cover high medical bills. Uninsured motorist coverage might help make up the difference.
Insurance companies are legally required to offer uninsured motorist coverage to drivers who sign up for car insurance. However, drivers in Tennessee are not required to purchase separate uninsured motorist coverage. Of course, opting into uninsured motorist coverage provides added financial protection that can be needed during a difficult situation. At Reasonover Law Firm, we can help assist you in pursuing a personal injury case sustained from an uninsured driver, regardless of whether you have uninsured motorist coverage.
Are There Different Types of Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
There are a few different kinds of insurance coverages that are designed to protect yourself, your property, and your passengers in case of an auto accident. These include:
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance: Pays when an at-fault driver causes bodily harm during a motor vehicle accident.
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Insurance: Covers damage to your car if it gets struck by an uninsured driver (sometimes also covers hit-and-runs).
- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance: Helps cover medical costs if the at-fault driver is not sufficiently insured.
- Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Insurance: Helps cover repair costs to your car if the at-fault driver is not sufficiently insured.
These types of coverage are optional in the state of Tennessee, but should be considered. Uninsured motorist insurance coverage can financially protect you and those you love in case of emergencies.
Choose Reasonover Law Firm to Be Your Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights. Allow Reasonover Law Firm to represent you in your personal injury case and they will help you get the financial settlement you deserve. We are proud to be your Nashville personal injury attorney. Contact Reasonover Law Firm today!