1. WHAT IS UIM COVERAGE?
This is coverage that will pay for damages that are in excess of
the at-fault party's liability coverage limits. For example, if the defendant has liability limits of $25,000 (the state
minimum), and you incurred damages of $100,000, your UIM policy would cover the $75,000 that the liable party's
insurance could not.
2. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS DRUNK AND UNINSURED. WHAT
DO I DO?
If you have coverage for what is commonly known as UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured
Motorists' Coverage), you can make a claim against your own insurance company which stands in place of the uninsured driver.
If the responsible party was over-served at a commercial establishment, you may have a claim against the serving establishment.
3. I WAS INJURED, BUT I DON'T HAVE ANY HEALTH INSURANCE.
WHAT DO I DO?
If you have PIP (personal injury protection) Coverage, then that
will pay for your medical expenses, wage loss and also household help when applicable. Come to our office for a free consultation
to review your options.
4. WHAT IF I DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE, PIP COVERAGE,
OR ANY MEANS TO PAY FOR MY MEDICAL CARE?
Some health care providers will assist you on a lien basis if you
have a strong liaility claim and are represented by a lawyer. We can help you address this issue.
5. MY POLICY SAYS I ONLY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE,
BUT I DON'T REMEMBER SIGNING A WRITTEN WAIVER OF UNDERINSURED MOTORISTS' COVERAGE OR PIP COVERAGE. WHAT DO I DO?
If you signed a document waiving UIM coverage, your insurance
broker should have advised you of the benefits and risks associated with having or not having this insurance. A waiver
must be clear and unambiguous in order to be enforceable.
6. SHOULD I ACCEPT THE OFFER THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY
HAS MADE ME?
Oftentimes we can get insurance companies to substantially increase
the amount of their personal injury settlement offer. If you have already received an offer for your injuries, contact
us for a free consultation and we will advise you of whether or not it is a fair offer. If you retain us as your legal
representation and we do not recover a settlement higher than the original offer, you will not be charged an attorney fee.
7. CAN I RECOVER IF THE OTHER DRIVER HAD NO INSURANCE,
OR NOT ENOUGH INSURANCE?
Yes. With your UIM coverage, you can recover money for your
medical bills and pain and suffering even if the other driver had no insurance. If the other driver had insurance, but
not enough to adequately pay for your damages, your underinsured motorists' coverage will take care of the difference in costs.
8. DOES MY WASHINGTON STATE AUTO INSURANCE COVER ACCIDENTS
WHEN I AM ON MY BICYCLE?
Many auto policies will cover you if you are injured in a bicycle
accident or while on foot.
9. WILL MY RATES GO UP OR WILL I LOSE MY INSURANCE
IF I AM INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR GET A TICKET?
If you are not at fault in an accident, your insurance rates should
not be affected. If you are at fault, get a ticket for a moving violation, or are involved in an expensive
collision claim, the company will consider that when setting the price of your insurance policy.
