According to statistics, nearly 17% of drivers in Washington State are uninsured — and many more only carry the minimum amount of insurance as required by law. This makes uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance a must to ensure you are financially protected in the event you are injured in a collision. Without having this coverage, you could potentially incur significant out-of-pocket expenses for medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and lost wages.

What is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in Washington State compensates individuals who are in accidents where the at-fault driver does not have adequate insurance to cover their damages. Significantly, Washington’s minimum car insurance requirements are relatively low. Drivers are only required to carry a liability policy of $25,000 per person for bodily injury and $50,000 for any two or more people injured in one accident. While the costs of medical treatment can quickly exceed this threshold, uninsured/underinsured coverage can be crucial to ensure you recover for your losses.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage does not only apply to car crashes involving two vehicles. It may also provide coverage in the following situations

• Multi-vehicle collisions
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Bicycle accidents
• Pedestrian vs. vehicle accidents

Uninsured/underinsured coverage is an optional add-on that you must purchase, it is not included in basic insurance. By having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage not covered by the at-fault party.

What Should You Do if You Are in an Accident with an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver?

If you are in a collision with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is critical to document the accident. Exchange information with the other driver and take photos of the scene of the crash. Also, be sure to call the police to the scene and file a report. You will need to submit the police report and any photos or other documentation to your insurance company.

Seek medical attention immediately after the collision. Even if you do not think you have been badly hurt, certain injuries do not appear until weeks or months after an accident. By getting the medical help you need, a doctor can rule out any internal injuries and prescribe a course of treatment to prevent your injuries from worsening. Notably, medical documentation is also vital evidence in any personal injury claim you might file — it demonstrates the extent of the physical harm you suffered and can establish a causal connection between the accident and your injuries.

Can You Sue an Uninsured Motorist?

In cases involving catastrophic injuries, your own uninsured/underinsured coverage may not fully cover your damages. In these instances, you can bring a lawsuit against an uninsured or underinsured driver if the accident was caused by their negligence. However, it is important to understand that if they do not have adequate insurance, they may not have the funds to pay for your damages. If you receive a judgment against them, you might be able to garnish their wages or place a lien on their property if they own any.

In addition, you may have the option to file a lawsuit against another party if their negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if the crash was caused by a hazard in the road, the municipality responsible for repairing it may be held liable. In the event there were multiple drivers to blame for the collision, you can pursue claims against each of them and their insurance companies.

If you were in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is essential to have a knowledgeable personal injury attorney by your side. They can assist you with investigating your claim and help you determine who should be named in a lawsuit.

Contact an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney

Claims involving uninsured and underinsured motorists are complex. If you were in an accident with a driver who did not have adequate insurance coverage, it is vital to have a skillful personal injury attorney by your side to ensure you recover your damages. The Bellingham personal injury attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide knowledgeable counsel to accident victims throughout Washington State and work diligently to secure the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.

We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 360-671-8112 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.