What Is Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

If a driver not having enough insurance coverage strikes you, you can bring a claim under your applicable underinsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage is your vehicle insurance coverage protecting you and passengers when you are involved in a vehicle collision with an at fault driver who does not have enough auto insurance to cover your damages.

In South Dakota Underinsured Motorist Coverage Is Required

Some states, including South Dakota, underinsured motorist coverage is required on your purchased auto policy; in some other states it is optional. In South Dakota, you ability to make a claim for underinsured motorist coverage depends upon your underinsured motorist coverage policy limits exceeding the liability policy limits insuring the negligent driver. Additionally, there is applicable statute of limitations and underinsured motorist claim process requirements which must be strictly followed prior to settling with the negligent driver to bring an underinsured motorist claim. Before settling for the negligent driver’s policy limits, make sure you have properly  investigated other possible applicable insurance coverage, including underinsured motorist coverage. 

Underinsured motorist coverage is often abbreviated “UIM” on an insurance policy and sometimes in policies it is also referred to as uninsured/underinsured motorist protection. 

If Your Claim Exceeds The Insurance Of The Negligent Driver, You May Have An Underinsured Motorist Claim

If you or a passenger are injured in a collision caused by an underinsured driver, a claim can also be made against applicable underinsured motorist coverage for damages including, but not limited to, medical bills, future medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, permanency of injury, and other damages. Make sure you know if you have applicable underinsured motorist coverage to pursue. Also, the proper claim process must be followed. The full injury claim damages can be pursued if you have underinsured motorist coverage on your policy that is applicable.

Moore-Faust Law Group will provide you, free of charge, a confidential consultation regarding the merits and value of your injury claim. This consultation is based on the specifics of your individual claim regardless of where you are in the claim process. During the consultation we allow and encourage you to ask any questions you may have regarding your claim. 

Don’t Go it Alone

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, you need the assistance of an auto accident lawyer if another driver caused the accident and you or your family member suffered injury or damage to your property. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and will attempt to save that insurance company as much money as possible. 

Internal studies of the insurance companies studies have shown that when an accident victim is being assisted by an attorney, the average payout is approximately three times in comparison to when the accident victim attempts to represent him or herself. 

Claims are Complex

The auto accident claims process is difficult. An auto accident attorney will aid you in dealing with insurance adjusters in pursuing the full amount you are due. When filing your auto accident claim, you will need to prove that the other driver is liable for the damages you are suffering from. Also, proof must establish the nature and extent of your injuries, as well as the injuries were caused by the collision. Moreover, an auto accident attorney can further investigate the facts surrounding a claim. This includes getting testimony from witnesses, medical documentation and proving your injuries and lost income proof. Your auto accident attorney will properly file and pursue your insurance claim. An auto accident claim can involve many different aspects that you may not be familiar with, and an auto accident attorney will be able to help you. 

No- Cost Review of Your Claim

For a free initial consultation, contact the injury attorneys at Moore-Faust Law Group.