Kent Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyer
- Understanding Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- How a Lawyer Can Help With an Uninsured Motorist Claim
- When to Make an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Kent
- How to Prove Fault in Uninsured Motorist Claims
- An Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyer Can Negotiate With the Insurance Company
- A Lawyer Can Ensure That All Your Damages Are Covered
- Contact an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer in Kent Today
When you get behind the wheel, the last thing you ever expect is to be involved in an accident, but regrettably, it does happen. Millions of people are involved in car accidents every year. It is natural to assume that the at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay for your medical bills, property damage, and any other losses you incurred because of the accident. But what if they are uninsured?
If you were hit by an uninsured driver, you will need to understand how the process of filing an uninsured motorist claim works. You can file an uninsured motorist claim for two reasons: if you were involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, or if the other driver does not have enough insurance to cover your losses.
As you can imagine, there is no simple solution for handling this type of claim. A Kent uninsured motorist claims lawyer at Herschensohn Law can help fight for you.
Even though vehicle owners are required to have liability insurance in most states (including Washington), many people still drive without it. According to the Insurance Research Council, nearly one of every eight drivers does not have auto insurance.
Uninsured motorist (UM) insurance coverage, which covers damages when the at-fault party is uninsured, is an add-on option when purchasing your insurance policy.
If another party is liable for the accident that harmed you and your injuries match the legal requirements for filing a personal injury lawsuit, you would typically turn to their insurance company for compensation. But what if the other driver is uninsured?
Pursuing Compensation from Uninsured Motorists in Kent
You have the option of bringing legal action against the motorist directly, although their personal assets may be insufficient to cover your damages. This is when UM insurance coverage comes in handy. To be eligible for UM benefits, the other driver must be found liable.
Washington Requirements for UM Insurance Coverage
There are many states that require insurance companies to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as an add-on to their policies, although the customer can decline these coverage options (usually in writing).
In Washington, state law requires insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage of $25,000 or more. Simply put, UM insurance coverage is often the best way to ensure that all your financial bases are covered after an accident.
People who wish to file an uninsured motorist claim will likely need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer. While you recover from your injuries, your lawyer can be hard at work negotiating with the insurance company for the best possible settlement.
Personal injury attorneys help victims like you build a case and demand compensation for things like:
- Medical bills
- Therapy and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral expenses (in wrongful death cases)
For non-economic damages without a set monetary value, it can be extremely difficult to seek compensation on your own. The team at Herschensohn Law has successfully handled many uninsured motorist claims and other types of cases over the years. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you move forward.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Herschensohn Law worked by my side for almost four years when I was in an auto accident and were outstanding in everything they did! They went above and beyond to make my lawsuit as easy and stress free as possible for me while consistently showing genuine care for my wellbeing. They even recommended amazing health care professionals for my injuries! Anything/everything I may have been confused/concerned about was addressed/explained so I felt comfortable with each move made in my lawsuit. Professional, courteous and attentive are just a few words I would use to describe this law firm and although I hope to never be in a similar situation again - if I do, Herschensohn Law will be my first call!”
“Zach and his team performed beyond my expectations! I couldn't have had a better firm in my corner!”
“This was such a great experience.”
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
The main reason for making an uninsured motorist claim is to seek compensation when the liable party’s insurance coverage either does not exist or cannot cover the damages. This can happen in the following scenarios:
Hit and Run Collisions
In most circumstances, UM insurance coverage will pay in the event of a hit and run accident. However, there may be some policies that are an exception. For example, some states limit your coverage if the motorist who caused the hit and run accident is not identified.
No Insurance Coverage at All
You may be able to seek compensation if you were struck by someone who was uninsured and has no coverage at all. If you can prove that the other driver was at fault and they do not have enough coverage to pay your claim, you can file an uninsured motorist claim.
When Your Vehicle Is Stolen
You may also be able to file a claim for uninsured motorist coverage when your car is stolen.
The unfortunate truth is that insurance companies have a lot of ways to deny your claim. To file an uninsured motorist claim, you must prove that their policyholder was at fault for the accident, and you will need evidence to do so.
After an accident with an uninsured driver, take the following steps immediately:
- Call the police and inform them that the motorist who caused the collision is uninsured
- If possible, note any information about the uninsured driver, including a description of their vehicle, the license plate number, and any other relevant details
- Take photos of any evidence that can help prove fault, such as skid marks or destroyed property
- Get names and contact information for any eyewitness to the accident
- If you are injured, seek medical treatment right away
The insurance companies that issue uninsured motorist policies have a great deal of legal expertise, including attorneys working for them behind the scenes. Dealing with an insurance company can be extremely challenging for someone who has never handled an uninsured motorist claim or negotiated a settlement before.
Getting in touch with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer right away is paramount. At Herschensohn Law, we have managed similar cases and know how to navigate the system. We can assist you in determining the best course of action so you receive proper compensation.
“Zach will always take time and give you quality advice that you can trust. Highly recommended!”
To ensure that all your damages are covered, our team can help:
Gather Evidence
After an accident with an uninsured motorist, you will want to gather as much evidence as possible. For example, you may have photographs of property damage or video footage of injuries that could prove crucial to your case. Our lawyer will put together all available evidence to prove your damages.
Interview Witnesses
If there were witnesses present at the time of the accident, they need to be interviewed by an attorney as soon as possible while certain details are still fresh in their minds.
Assess Your Damages
To make sure that you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, your attorney will need to assess your damages and determine the value of your uninsured motorist claim. Your damages may include medical expenses, repair or replacement costs for your vehicle, lost wages, and more.
If you were involved in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver in Kent, contact Herschensohn Law today. An attorney from our firm can help you recover compensation for your injuries and protect your legal rights.
We offer free case reviews to all accident victims, including those involving uninsured motorists. Call us today at (206) 588-4344 to speak with an attorney and learn more.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.