Uninsured Motorist Coverage – What It Is And Why You Need It
Despite mandatory car accident insurance laws, thousands of drivers in Michigan still get behind the wheel without proper car accident insurance coverage. If you find yourself in an accident caused by one of these drivers, uninsured motorist coverage becomes essential for protecting your rights and your finances. As attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C., we have seen firsthand how uninsured motorist coverage can be the difference between financial ruin and security after an accident.
Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to provide compensation for injuries or damages caused by an uninsured driver. This type of coverage steps in to cover what the at-fault driver should have been responsible for if they had insurance. Without uninsured motorist protection, you could be left paying out of pocket for medical bills, lost wages, and other related costs. The unfortunate reality is that not every driver on the road has the necessary insurance, which puts those of us who follow the rules at greater risk.
Michigan law requires drivers to carry a minimum level of insurance, but not everyone follows this rule. If you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, getting compensation can be complicated. Michigan’s uninsured motorist laws offer some protection, but it’s important to understand how they work to protect your rights. We’ll explain what uninsured motorist coverage is, why it’s important, and what happens legally if someone without insurance hits you.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) is an optional insurance policy provision that protects you if
you’re hit by an uninsured driver. UM provides compensation for injuries sustained in the collision, covering expenses such as medical costs, lost wages, and other related expenses. In Michigan, uninsured motorist coverage is not automatically included in your auto insurance policy, so you have to elect to add it. However, it is highly recommended.
Under Michigan law, uninsured motorist coverage applies when the at-fault driver either lacks insurance or cannot be identified, as in a hit-and-run accident. According to Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL) 500.3010, this type of coverage ensures that victims aren’t left bearing the financial burden of an accident they didn’t cause.
Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage In Michigan
In Michigan, the number of uninsured drivers is substantial, which is why uninsured motorist coverage is crucial. The state operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning each driver’s own insurance covers their medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. However, this does not cover all potential losses, such as pain and suffering or excess medical bills that exceed the personal injury protection (PIP) limits.
Uninsured motorist coverage helps by covering costs that go beyond what your own insurance will pay, including non-economic damages like pain and suffering. Without this coverage, you might have to pay these expenses yourself. From our experience as attorneys, we’ve seen clients have a hard time getting fair compensation without uninsured motorist coverage, even when the accident wasn’t their fault.
Legal Implications Of Uninsured Motorist Claims In Michigan
If you’re injured by an uninsured driver, filing a claim can be more complicated than it seems. While Michigan’s no-fault laws help cover medical expenses and lost wages through PIP, they don’t cover everything. Uninsured motorist coverage helps cover the rest, but it’s essential to understand how the claims process works to avoid mistakes that could limit your recovery.
Under Michigan law, you need to show that the other driver was responsible for the accident. You’ll need evidence like police reports, witness accounts, and medical records. It’s also important to know that when you file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim, your own insurance company takes on the role of the other driver’s insurer. This can sometimes lead to disputes, as insurance companies may try to limit how much they pay out.
Michigan courts have upheld that insurers must act in good faith when handling uninsured motorist claims. Still, disputes can arise regarding the extent of coverage, the value of damages, and whether the policy applies. That’s why working with experienced attorneys, like those of us at Ravid & Associates, P.C., is vital in ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Challenges In Uninsured Motorist Claims
Uninsured motorist claims are not always straightforward. Insurance companies may challenge the extent of your injuries, the necessity of medical treatment, or the amount of lost wages you claim. They may also dispute whether the uninsured driver was truly at fault. In some cases, they might argue that your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated.
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we understand how insurance companies operate and are prepared to help you overcome these challenges. We know how to gather the necessary evidence, build a strong case, and negotiate with insurers to secure the compensation you’re entitled to under Michigan law.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
With uninsured motorist coverage, you can recover compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and ongoing rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for the income you’ve lost during your recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
- Future Medical Care: If your injuries require ongoing treatment, your uninsured motorist coverage can help cover those expenses.
The amount of compensation you can recover depends on your specific policy limits. Michigan law allows drivers to choose different levels of coverage, so it’s essential to review your policy carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uninsured Motorist Coverage
What Happens If I’m Hit By A Driver Without Insurance?
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Michigan, your own uninsured motorist coverage can provide compensation for your injuries. This coverage steps in when the at-fault driver cannot
pay for the damages due to a lack of insurance.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage If I Have Full Coverage?
Yes. Full coverage typically refers to collision and comprehensive insurance, which cover damage to your vehicle but not necessarily injuries caused by an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist coverage is separate and specifically covers your bodily injuries.
What If The Other Driver Fled The Scene?
If the at-fault driver is unknown (as in a hit-and-run accident), you can still file a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. You will need to provide as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements or video footage, to support your claim.
Call Our Detroit Uninsured Driver Accident Attorney For Your Free Consultation
At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we are dedicated to helping Michigan drivers protect their rights and recover the compensation they deserve after an accident with an uninsured driver. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, it’s essential to act quickly and seek legal guidance. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact our Detroit uninsured driver accident attorney at Ravid & Associates, P.C., by calling (248) 948-9696 to receive your free consultation. Don’t let an uninsured driver leave you with unpaid medical bills and lost wages.
